Should the US establish mandatory military service for all its young people, such as the countries of Israel and South Korea do?

Introduction

Mandatory military service means that every adult has to serve in their country’s military. Countries such as Israel and South Korea have mandatory military service. However, this has its advantages as well as disadvantages, and we will explore if the U.S. should adopt this policy. 

Why have Mandatory Military Service?

Mandatory military service helps a country prepare to defend itself in case a conflict breaks out. In such a situation, there will be no lack of military forces. At that crucial time, the nation will not have to rush to find people to join their military forces, or force them into military service. In times of war, it becomes easy to have a powerful and well-built military to defend the country.

Advantages of Mandatory Military Service

Mandatory military service increases feelings of patriotism and dedication toward one’s country. People will become more committed to protecting their nation and will learn the different ways to do so. Moreover, it also helps people develop discipline and collective responsibility. Citizens from different religious and ethnic backgrounds protect their country together, and this ultimately leads to a sense of unity among those in mandatory military service.

Disadvantages of Mandatory Military Services

Making military service mandatory can be considered undemocratic. The United States is one of the world’s oldest democracies, which guarantees and protects the rights of its citizens. In the United States, the government is of the people, by the people and for the people, and as such, every citizen should have the freedom to choose their own profession.

Making military service mandatory may considerably erode the rights of the people and take them away from the fields they may wish to work in. This may cause further upheavals in society and disrupt public peace. To ensure that the military is sufficiently staffed, the authorities can offer more benefits to those in service, rather than making military service compulsory. 

Conclusion

Given the disadvantages, mandatory military service in the U.S. is not required as it is in countries such as Israel and South Korea. Both of these nations are located in hostile territories and surrounded by other countries they are currently in conflict with. The United States, on the other hand, is surrounded by allied countries, whom they share cordial relations with. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should military service be made mandatory in the U.S.?

Since the United States is surrounded by allied countries who are at peace with the U.S., and the country has a long history of upholding democratic values, mandatory military service may not be popular or feasible. 

2. Which countries have mandatory military service?

Israel and South Korea are two countries that have mandatory military service.

3. Is mandatory military service against the laws of democracy?

Mandatory military service may be considered as going against democratic principles. Although Israel and South Korea are both democracies, people of a certain age are not given the freedom to choose military service. 

4. Is mandatory military service good?

Mandatory military service is based on many factors, such as the location of the country and their relations with their neighbors. 

5. Is military service currently mandatory in the U.S. and what are American citizens’ attitudes toward it? 

No, military service is not currently mandatory in the United States. In the past, conscription, or forced enlistment in the military, was known to be unpopular. It is also known as the draft.