The US Should Enforce a Mandatory Military Service Law, Similar to Israel.

My arguments will be divided into five separate categories, so bear with me. Argument 1: Veteran Populations are Subject to Statistically Lower Rates of Crime. According to the BJS (Department of Justice), veteran populations on a whole are subject to statistically lower rates of crime than almost any other community, in particular males. By comparison, incarcerations per 10k were nearly double that of veterans among civilians (630:1390), and veterans on average held much shorter criminal records. Furthermore, less than half of convicted vets reported prior drug use, compared to civilian groups pushing upwards of 60%. And on average convicted vets held higher educations than other criminals. Source: . https://www.bjs.gov... Argument 2: Values. One of the staple goals of any fighting force is to promote leadership and cooperation among troops. This is exemplified not only in basic courses, but in officer training as well. Furthermore, values such as empathy, honor, and respect are instilled into the fighting forces on a daily basis. Given this, I believe mandatory service will help promote a more cohesive national identity. Source: . http://usacac.army.mil... Argument 3: Valuable Skill Set. Troops trained in skills such as GIS (Global Information Systems), communications, engineering, mechanics, and intelligence are often sought after by respective agencies and corporations for their skill sets. Even combat personnel are likely to go into private security firms and manual labor industries. Overall, even the least specialized troops have numerous practical uses here in the private sector. Argument 4: Strong Standing Military. Times are changing. And given the recent funding cuts and reduction in size of the armed forces, at our current rate, we are destined to fall behind global competitors such as China in areas such as innovation and standing size. In order to have the influence we would like to have to sway global events in our favor, we need to have a large and well armed military. The amount a new recruits surging into the forces inevitably would bolster the size, and in accordance the funding given. Argument 5: Military Inventions The military has been consistently been responsible or heavily involved in some of the major inventions of recent ages, such as computers, satellites, rocketry, and other fields applicable into daily life. Many of these directly impact and improve the modern quality of life. With the new staffing provided by conscription and funding, how many more innovations would stem out of this? Some examples are GPS tech, the EpiPen, the pioneering of the internet, radio communications, among others. Source: . https://mic.com... As for draft dodging, there need to incentives provided for completion of this service. This could range from small benefits in healthcare and insurance, to other forms of compensation. Regarding higher education, students who attend college would be allowed to delay their term until completion. This would help staff officers and other more qualified troops. Given their higher education and field experience in the military (These people would be applied in areas relevant to their field of expertise) they would be much more valuable in the work force. As for those who were not able to meet the standards, they would not be forced to continue trying, but would be exempt from benefits after completion. They would fill the lower and necessary echelons of the work force. And I absolutely agree, there cannot be discrimination within this process. My intent with this process is not to go out and conquer the world. My main concern is the enrichment of the American people with essential skills and values, as well as to increase the capability of our military to fight for and defend our country. Danka Schoen and good luck.