The Draft

Back in the old days, we had what was commonly called, "the draft." Young men 18 and older were conscripted for a two year period. Today, we have an all volunteer military. It seems to work well but there were some benefits to the draft that we might want to reconsider.
I can envision a system that requires all able bodied men and women at the age of 18 of being drafted. They could not begin college, get a job or occupy Wall Street until they fulfilled a one year training period. For those that try to avoid the service, they would not be issued a certificate of completion thereby preventing them from going to college or getting a job. This would motivate parents to get them to the bus station.

Under my plan, young people would live in military type barracks, eat military food, get up before dawn and learn. They would learn how to get along with other people, even if you don’t like them. They would learn to clean up after themselves and do other things that they don’t want to do. Each one would have the opportunity to learn some basic skills, like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and at least an introduction to a trade. Trades would include plumbing, electricity basics, minor car repairs, painting, welding, sewing, carpentry, and so forth. Not everyone would have to learn each trade, but everyone would have to master the basics of one or more.

They would not be allowed television, computers, radios, ipods or phones except for one five minute call per week to home only.

Now, what would all this accomplish? First it would cause them to experience real face to face respect with people they have never seen and may never see again. They would learn discipline, responsibility, and confidence in themselves. Not to forget, how to say "Yes Sir" and "Yes Mam."

Just imagine the results of preparing our future with people that had experienced some of what it takes to get along in this world.

I still practice the most important lessons the military taught me - keep your butt down and never volunteer for anything.

PMO
©2011