b i n g o

Maybe not just college, but some sort of Public service, USFS, NPS, CBP, modern-day CCC

It could, and would be proud to make our society better/stronger. Question is: could the taxpayers stomach it?

It would cost far less in the long run than it would to deal with the CF's that taxpayers are footing the bill for right now.

(And I'm no right-winger. Just tired of watching all the bs that passes for normal these days.)

Agreed.

I have been saying this stuff for years.


"fat chance" ha

Is there an app for that :(?

At least the kids in Chicago might learn how to hit their target.

That said, I don't disagree that there should be some mandatory military training.

I did more growing up in boot than any other time in my life, plus I was ripped like a piece of twisted rope!

Those DIs showed me just how much I didn't know and how to respect others. Yes I needed that lesson very much!

Maybe not real boot for all but some basic training wouldn't hurt. In your rack by 9, up at 5, sht,shower and shave in 15 minutes, square away your bunk, do PT and only then do you get chow. Couldn't hurt one bit.

It used to be mandatory in Sweden.

^^ I think this is an excelent idea! We have lots of public lands that need work done.
I'm sure lots of worthwhile projects would turn up for just such a force.
Community service after natural disasters, etc.

In my experence having a largely drafted military force may not gel into a motivated, effective fighting unit. Even back when physical fitness was not the problem it is now.
Especially for the type of wars we keep getting ourselves into
( making other countries safe for democracy).

I know we have members here that have served in the middleEast, over the last couple of decades. I respect and honor their service. Our military services are not the ones deciding where or how to deploy our forces. But they sure are the ones that bear the brunt of those decisions.

Cheers Richard

I wonder if today's youth would be disciplined enough to make a real go of it...especially the at-risk ones who'd benefit the most. Back in the '30s, young people were glad to have the opportunity to work and help out their families. I'm not sure that same mindset would apply today.

I can't imagine that going over very well with the troops... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/burn.gif

1 size fits most or many, I think. 100% some or all wont fall in line. I'm not a fan of bootcamp like authority, even less so at ~18. But stick me in the woods or construction site or similar and I was sponge. Just like some benefit from the aggressive structure of the military some do better in a more laid back environment. Not wrong just different. Seems like a good idea to do either if you are contributing and learn something.

interesting conversation

If I'm understanding the OP correctly, i think this is right. If we spent as much money on basic education as we do on the military, we wouldn't be in this situation.

Take a step back and look at what problems you are trying to solve, and why you think the military is a good solution. There are probably other more more direct, less expensive methods than expanding the US military complex in order to funnel every citizen through it's ranks.

For starters, schools can't discipline kids that misbehave.

When teachers are suspended for giving kids that cheated on a test a failing grade there is a complete lack of recourse for any kids that do wrong.

Almost all public schools teach to the standardized tests so they can get their money.

Reminds me of the Asian countries and their pilot programs. Learn the checklist, not the material.

All them girlz, all them boyz....

WT...let's F :)

I retired from the military (Reserve for the last few years) when I turned 60..and did my 60 push ups that day...but running a couple miles relatively fast was getting quite difficult for me.

When I entered the military, I was in great shape already...was used to being told what to do and punished severely if I did not comply...and was happy for a few bucks and three squares. School, sports, and being poor (without social welfare) make me hungry and happy for the opportunity. From the 1st grade until graduation, every student played hard, physical sports at recess for at least an hour. Similarly, in school, everyone ate the same healthy, small portion lunch. No Air conditioning, carpet, and limited heat in school...yet everyone was expected to learn. Time to fix schools...not ruin the military.

I like it. I also think having it include a few months of boot camp-like discipline would be beneficial. Up at 5, SSS, eat, work, class, in bed at 8. No “hanging around” time. One thing kids don’t get is training in personal discipline. It’s a useful skill.
There is no need for it to involve the military, although going into the military could be an alternative. Everyone should give a year to national service in one way or another.

Just give all the lil' bastids a football, a bicycle with no helmet, a gallon of lead paint....and take away their "screens"....now GTF outta the house ;)

If you wait until they are old enough to do community service, make work jobs, they are already ruined. When they are about 9 or 10, plow up the back yard in the spring and give them some seeds and fertilzer. Give them enough food to last a month...and tell them that is the last you will buy until winter (when they start cutting wood). See if they are smart and industrious enough to survive.

Take away the TV, video games and the bicycle (make them walk). Don't let them use the lights in the house unless to read a book.

AIT is Advanced Individual training. It's where you learn your MOS.....

Sorry, just read thru the thread and saw that someone already caught that.

I've often thought that every able bodied person should do at least a year of military service.