Has anyone floated the idea of mandatory immediate-post-high-school service for all Americans with a choice between civil service and military service? Presumably (and I hate to assume but I suspect it is a safe assumption) most folks would opt for civil rather than military service. In such case, perhaps a shorter military obligation -- say 2-3 years (whatever minimum length felt practically useful by military leaders) -- and 2-3 years + 1 for civil service. Might be nice if all Americans got used to the idea of actually giving something back to the country rather than simply striving to make the most of the opportunities afforded them by living in this country. Just my $ 0.02 worth, TFS