Mandatory National Service Debate

1. Background: 

• About 80 countries have some form of mandatory national service
• The U.S. has a de facto (in practice) military service, while China has a de jure (by law) mandatory military service.
• Most recently, France in 2021 implemented Universal National Service. Aimed at 15-17-year-olds, it requires 12 days and 84 hours of volunteering.
• U.S. Program Cost Estimates: Anywhere from $133 billion to $20 billion annually

Public Opinion:

• Support for Service, but not Military: Over 75% of Americans support some kind of mandatory service after the age of 18. However, just 20% support mandatory military service. The Hill
  
  

Arguments For Mandatory Service:

• Character Building: Mandatory service provides a much-needed bridge to adulthood and maturity
• National Security: National security concerns require that more Americans serve their country.
• National Purpose: Mandatory service fosters national unity and a greater sense of purpose.
  
  

Arguments Against Mandatory Service:

• Constitutionality: While the Supreme Court has ruled that the 13th Amendment permits conscripted military service (Arver vs. U.S. 1918) and forms of service (Butler vs. Perry 1916), it would certainly be challenged.   
• Inequity: Mandatory service results in an unfair burden on low-income and minority citizens.

Infringes on Rights: Mandatory service infringes on Americans’ constitutional right to liberty.

Important Files

• The Economics of Expanding National Service
• Forced National Service, Worse than the Draft
• The U.S. Military Recruiting Crisis (New Yorker)
• Europe's Conscription Crisis: Lessons from Nordic and Balic States
• Mandatory Drafts and Entrepreneurship - Start-Up Culture in Israel
• The U.S. Army's Recruiting Crisis