[Stymie]

I didn't know that ROTC still existed, but the older I get the more I believe that ALL 18-25 year olds, regardless of gender, race or physical/mental ability should be REQUIRED to do 2 years of National Service, whether it be in the military, or the peace corps, or community projects, or caring for a relative, or internships (menial or substantive).  This 2 years of service would be paid for by the US government (at a minimal wage, but including housing and meal allowances), and subject to strict rules of compliance regarding things such as "showing up", treating colleagues as equals, willingness to learn, etc.

Disclosure--I spent 2 years of involuntary servitude mostly in Washington, DC, and wished I was not there, but I learned a helluva lot just being there.  2 years seems like a lifetime when you are 22, but on reflection, it is just a very small, but highly important, part of your life.

[Stymie]

I didn't know that ROTC still existed, but the older I get the more I believe that ALL 18-25 year olds, regardless of gender, race or physical/mental ability should be REQUIRED to do 2 years of National Service, whether it be in the military, or the peace corps, or community projects, or caring for a relative, or internships (menial or substantive).  This 2 years of service would be paid for by the US government (at a minimal wage, but including housing and meal allowances), and subject to strict rules of compliance regarding things such as "showing up", treating colleagues as equals, willingness to learn, etc.

Disclosure--I spent 2 years of involuntary servitude mostly in Washington, DC, and wished I was not there, but I learned a helluva lot just being there.  2 years seems like a lifetime when you are 22, but on reflection, it is just a very small, but highly important, part of your life.