Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?

Mandatory public service, which could include military or other government branch. 7 years ago from a Green in Marlboro Meadows, MD

One year of boot camp including martial arts and sniper training. 6 years ago from a Democrat in Harlan, KY

Yes, but women should have the option to serve outside of the military and anyone in the military under these conditions should only be mobilized to a combat zone as a last resort. 7 years ago from a Republican in Lexington, MA

Every 18 year citizen should provide a year of some kind of service, military, conservation, health care, etc...in exchange for free tuition for the same amount of time up to four years!. 7 years ago from a Green in Goldenrod, FL

Two years of service to the country should be required, but it does not have to be in the military. Working with inner city youth, updating infrastructure, etc. should be able to count. 7 years ago from a Green in Shannon, IL

I believe every one 18 or older should spend three years in the service of their country. Training should include combat training as well as educational training. Credits from such educational training would transfer to further education such as college.... 7 years ago from a Republican in Jasper, IN

If physically able be trained in military service and utilized in protecting homeland, assisting in natural emergencies, assisting border patrol and with Volunteer Military services in case of major conflict. If physically unable or has true religious... 7 years ago from a Republican in Millsboro, DE

I think there should be a system of national service for all which could be performed in many different ways. Perhaps a ranking system where military service earned the highest points towards fulfillment, but a variety of community services, on a part... 7 years ago from a Democrat in New Baltimore, VA

Only if all citizens such as all congress children also be required to go also. If prince Harry can go in so could our presidents children. 7 years ago from a Constitution in Orlando, FL

No, but they should be required to provide a year of some form of public service (teaching, community development, firefighting, military, etc). 7 years ago from a Green in Lake Oswego, OR

Service should be a choice, if "military service" means leaving the USA's borders, but the educational aspects of the military could be potentially valuable. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Guyton, GA

Use this as a welfare work incentive. Those unwilling to work can be paid to provide support via manufacturing or other service related field they are qualified or can be trained to do to aid in entry into real work force at a later date if they chose... 7 years ago from a Libertarian in Hallsville, MO

One year of exposure to military training will make them more aware of the cost and better empowered to defend their nation when necessary...Switzerland does this. 7 years ago from a Republican in Wallburg, NC

The state militia system should be revived and a year service in the state militia ought to be required. The revival of the state militia should also follow the constitution with regard to the "well regulated" clause of the second amendment to... 7 years ago from a Democrat in Potwin, KS

Yes, but first people who want to provide military services, then criminals, then unemployed people and those who did not go beyond high school, then employed people who are in ot graduated college. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Matawan, NJ

We should have a job corps with focus on education and skills and craft - but not mandatory. Military service should also not be mandatory unless we arein a declared war and the country as a whole has voted for conscription. 7 years ago from a Green in Cambridge, MA

Omit "military". Every young person, barring mental or physical handicap, should be required to give two years of service. Our lack of service requirement of some kind promotes narrow thinking with regard to the larger world in which we live. ... 7 years ago from a Green in Lake Monticello, VA

Yes, AND intelligence testing should be required for placement of that person into a position most suitable to that individual's abilities but still requiring the discipline and boot camp involvement. 7 years ago from a Republican in Jacksonville, FL

The US should look into the military service that Switzerland has and institute a similar policy. It could also help with gun violence, as most citizens would be properly trained in using and caring for a gun. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Durham, NC

Every young person should be called to two years of service, military or otherwise. No exceptions except mental or physical disability. 7 years ago from a Republican in Oak Hill, TN

Initially, no. However, the proposal of a mandate with less focus on military training and more focus on education and skill development is intriguing. If military service became mandated, that is the form of that mandate that I would prefer. 7 years ago from a Green in Five Forks, SC

Two years of government service, replacing bureaucracy and learning skills. 7 years ago from a Constitution in Los Angeles, CA

No, a year of peaceful service instead. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Seattle, WA

Tough question, so I'll remain undecided. There should inherently be choices available for something like this, otherwise it would feel- regardless of whether or not it is- unconstitutional to many people. Depending on the type of military service,... 7 years ago from a Green in Lancaster, PA

No, but all 18 year olds should have to sign up for the draft. 7 years ago from a Republican in Bethalto, IL

Yes, they should be trained militarily, but also trained in those areas that keep the military moving and can be adapted in civil life. 7 years ago from a Republican in Lowell, MA

One year of any kind of social work should be required. 7 years ago from a Green in San Diego, CA

Although this may give Americans a better perspective of what they have, as long as we continue to have numerous volunteers I see no need. 7 years ago from a Republican in West Liberty, KY

No, 1 year is not enough to train a soldier. At the moment the military is successful in recruiting enough soldiers. If a crisis will require to increase the the size of the military substantially, then military service should be required. 7 years ago from a Republican in Santa Clarita, CA

The age should be 21. If they are not old enough to drink, they are not old enough to make educated decisions in the military. 7 years ago from a Republican in Centreville, VA

The age should be 20, with service for 6 months, and include exemptions for disability, religion, physiological reasons, education, and alternative national service. 7 years ago from a Green in Morrisville, NY

Yes, but only if the law applies to all citizens (regardless of gender) and is approved by a national vote. 7 years ago from a Libertarian in Liberty, MO

Require a term of service of every citizen, be it military, Peace Corps, Americorps, or some other humanitarian agency. 7 years ago from a Libertarian in Bray, OK

Yes, but the service should be public service, with military service as one option. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Geneva, WA

No, but there should be non-military service opportunities available and incentivized to young people. Sending young people into an overseas conflict shouldn't be the only way for a government to help people get out of poverty and serve their country. 7 years ago from a Green in San Francisco, CA

Yes, for those building a criminal record as well as those who do not pursue employment or further education. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Medford, MA

One year of any kind of service would be a better idea. Expand programs like AmeriCorps to give 18 year olds an opportunity to serve their country, gain job experience, and earn tuition credits without being required to join the military. 7 years ago from a Green in Sunbury, OH

No, the choice to serve is what makes serving honorable and bolsters its strength. 7 years ago from a Republican in Hazleton, PA

Every citizen - no exceptions - should provide a year of service in some form. Peace corp, environmental corp, health care or other service. Military service is one form, and education should be a feature. 7 years ago from a Democrat in Mountain View, AR

Yes, but for a minimum period of two years. 7 years ago from a Republican in Westminster, MD

There should be 1 year of mandatory service- military, teach in poor districts, etc. 7 years ago from a Republican in Wantagh, NY

If there is compulsory service for all 18 year old citizens, there should be no exemptions and include non-military options. 7 years ago from a Green in Prien, LA