Should the US have mandatory military service?

Mark (No)

There is no justification for the US to impose any mandatory military service. Historically speaking, conscription (compulsory enlistment for the military) would see those from lower-income sectors and families, as well as minorities, sent to the front lines, as seen in the Vietnam War. The possibility of this reoccurring if mandatory service were enforced is conceivable. 

Moreover, mandating military service would directly violate the 13th Amendment, which states that 'involuntary servitude...shall [not] exist within the United States.' Conscription is, therefore, unconstitutional. American citizens are not the government's, any structural body's, or any employer's property. Mandatory military service undercuts the concept of a free society by imposing such forced labor upon its citizens. Individuals have the right to supply their services and skills to whatever trade they choose. To appoint any free citizen to a position, military or otherwise, is not merely a matter of propriety but of legality. If America were to reintroduce mandatory service into society, we would be compromising the very foundation of this country.

Military service also requires abundant materials and financial resources for personnel and modernization costs. Mandatory service will be a logistical disaster if you do the math regarding the country's population and available resources. Furthermore, because mandatory service would favor younger citizens, it could impede them in their most formative years. Mandatory service would be an unjust and untimely distraction for the future pillars of society. Like any functional structure, families and households rely on each member to provide a specific role. Compulsory service could and likely would upset the functionality of American households. It goes entirely without saying that mandatory military service has no place in any modern or progressive society.

Elliot (Yes)

Although mandatory military service might seem daunting for young people, America desperately needs it. First of all, America's population is incredibly unhealthy. Some estimates state that the number of children and young people with diabetes could jump by 700% by 2060. About 1 in 5 children are now obese in the US. While it might seem a little crude, mandatory military service would 'whip these kids into shape,' molding them not only into an effective fighting force but also a healthy population. Military service also has psychological benefits, instilling in our youth the importance of self-reliance, responsibility, maturity, and logical decision-making. 

In 2023, the Army reported that it had missed its recruiting goal by 15,000, stating that its total strength could shrink by as much as 20,000 later in the year. It only takes a few years of this decline before we start to lose hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Additionally, only about 60% of military families would recommend that others 'join up,' according to a recent poll. This is down from almost 75% in 2019. Not only are fewer soldiers joining, but those currently serving are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the 'military lifestyle.' 

Whether we like it or not, America seems to be approaching an era of major global conflict with other powerful military states like Russia and China. Although diplomacy is always the best solution, there is a certain truth to the old saying, 'peace through strength,' or in Latin, 'Si pacem vellis, para bellum,' meaning 'if you want peace, prepare for war.' Remember that Russia and China have large populations and can call upon endless 'human waves.'