Because of its unique tradition, the Marine Corps is the only branch that consistently fills its quota. In all, according to the Associated Press, the services need 197,115 recruits to maintain a force of 1.4-million. Another major reason, of course, is that the economy has opened job opportunities to those who otherwise might see the military as an option. As the New York Times reports, many of these adults are still angry about the Vietnam War, or they never wore a uniform. We should bring back the draft, along with an alternative form of mandatory national service.
Every American citizen has a duty to serve the nation for at least two years.
No ifs, ands or buts about it. If a high school student decides, say, to attend college first and become a doctor. He or she still must serve. So the kid wants to become a lawyer. After law school, he or she can work for Rural Legal Services for two years.