Almost every high school has its share of seniors who are planning to either serve directly in the armed forces, or attend a service academy or ROTC program. In the long run, there is a noticeable distinction between civilians and soldiers in the workforce and community that extends beyond one's career choice both in the military and as a civilian. Many nations still retain compulsory military or federal service of citizens and such systems have profound benefits for the country. From a civilian perspective, below, are the main reasons I support compulsory national service for all eligible young adults.
The first benefit a militarized youth generation would serve a country is to provide a disciplined workforce. Two of the most powerful economies in Asia, South Korea, and Singapore, both have compulsory military or alternative service for men around the age of majority. Lessons of leadership, teamwork, responsibility, character, and problem-solving must be mastered for success in the military. However, if those with military experience retain these penchants after they transition away from the military, they already have a mental advantage over those in the workforce without military experience.
Secondly, youth upbringing centered around eventual national service would change America's social dynamic for the better. Currently, seven out of 10 youths in America would be considered unfit for military service. Although the argument for a slippery slope leading to a military-based meritocracy exists, a state having reasonable expectations out of how its younger generations would be raised does not interfere with a parent's right to raise his or her children the way they feel is best. Raising children expecting them to participate in national service should set a tone for parents and set standards for how they want their children to grow up. Crime can be used as an indicator of socio-economic progress and development. Developed countries with mandatory national service or those who recently abolished it (e.g Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore) have among the lowest crime rates compared to nations with similarly-sized economies.
Finally, with a highly skilled and trained civilian population, America can rely less on a standing army and more on a militia-based system for defense, allowing for decreased military spending. A case study as to why this would work is Switzerland. All young adults from the age of 18 are required to undergo military or alternative training and, therefore, the Swiss military consists of highly trained individuals who still retain civilian lives, but have the necessary skills to serve in the armed forces, if needed.
