For over twenty-five years, I have been in favor of universal conscription (UC). By UC , I mean all able-bodied males and females serving their country, in various ways, for two years. There would be a deferment for those full time students still in high school, college. or in any type of apprenticeship program, but after the terminal degree, without exception, those people would serve two years. The service does not have to be in the military, and the military could also expand its traditional duties to such areas as border patrol, park service, police work in inner cities and understaffed rural areas, and the like, and could also be in the form of providing educational services to areas with teacher shortages (for those who have graduated college), medical services (for those who have a medical degree of any type), and legal services (for those with a law degree). There are a great many fields in which one could serve our country. The current all-volunteer service has proved that we will have enough men and women to perform the traditional military duties, and many areas of the country would benefit from the new categories of service. In time, some of those who serve will, of course, decide to make service a career, and can serve as instructors and supervisors in the various areas.

The new category of draftee often could learn a trade while in the service, one that often can carry over into civilian life. Many will simply mature while in service, surely a benefit to all. More importantly, many will learn a new patriotism, acquire better understanding of what is necessary to maintain a country with the freedoms that ours has.


This seems to be a concept with no real downside, or have I overlooked something? The United States has no history of UC, but has had, for about one-fourth of its history, a draft of males when necessary. But that Selective Service System was riddled with problems, mainly in its inherent unfairness of selection. Universal conscription seems to eliminate that problem.

Have I overlooked some potential negative aspects of UC? Have I missed some potential benefits?

What about inept volunteers? That a flood of volunteers would be a good thing is an assumption. I've worked in situations where a needy - or even a well-meaning but inexperienced - volunteer brings more problems than help.

What about exploitation of volunteers? For example, if a municipality can get students to (more or less) do the work for free, why bother hiring doctors or properly qualified teachers?