ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Sure, you have also seen similar headlines & read comparable articles:
PS: Served 4yrs in the Marine Corps

"Some Russian Troops are Surrendering or Sabotaging Vehicles, Pentagon Official Says"

My thoughts:
Professionally trained Armies such as some of my US favorites --
All three Marine Divisions & 82nd Airborne Just go in & get the damn job done -- No matter be it morally right or terribly wrong --

Draft Armies often reflect what their Country's Citizen's actual feelings are about the conflict ----

Abo

Interesting observation

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Not sure about the draft-ruined my life at the time.

I agree that going in with an airborne division after some judicious Air Force bombing-the Ruskies would not do well at all!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

The problem is the fat cats that get us into wars use loopholes to keep their kids out. Draft their kids so they have some skin in the game, then see what they do.

Vector

Agreed!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I was drafted in 1971. I was a good soldier. I think compulsory service is a good thing for all young people. Not necessarily in the military.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

The difference is that the Russian troops are being forced to invade another country for no good reason, while the Ukrainians are defending their homeland

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I agree... If everyone did 2 years of some type of service - but away from home by at least 500 miles - they would meet other folks from other places and learn there is a world outside of their own - they would also become a little more mature... Run them through a boot camp and let them live in the barracks... They could pick a field; peace corp - medical - carpentry - utilities - t***sportation - air - ground - water - or some/all of them - or go into the military - their choice - but mandatory for all when they turn 18 (if they fog a mirror when they breathe on it, they qualify). Base pay similar to recruits in the service - enough to live on but not live like a celebrity. Kick in some $$ for education when they finish up or stay in and get training in the field they want (if there are opening and they qualify).

Some say we can't do this - it's not fair to them... I say it will let them grow and mature while doing something positive with their life. After the 2 years, they can choose to stay or leave but they will at least have a different outlook on life - and hopefully a more positive one - and the big plus for the majority, the cord is cut and they realize they can survive in the great big scary world on their own...

EJMcD

Well said. The Army experience made me grow up fast.

bgate Loc: Texas

Agreed, I matured 10 years on my first day in Marine boot camp.

Tom467 Loc: North Central Florida

Very good points.
Tom

bhanusa Loc: Maui, Hawaii

oldeman Loc: Cape Cod, MA

This has always been a good idea, for both the individual and the country. Yet, it will probably never happen...too much freedom and too little responsibility.
Strategic Air Command, myself.

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

I'll bet a few A-10s could solve that 40 mile Russian vehicle traffic jam.

anotherview Loc: California

From what I know, the military does not have enough billets to accommodate all the young men and women of the nation. In addition, not all youngsters qualify for the military. Further, the military has moved its forces more to special operations to accomplish military objectives, not requiring armies on the ground. The make-up of the military has become more complicated than before.

That said, I joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, effectively still a kid. Five years later, I exited a young man with a broader view of life.

I can recommend serving in the military for youngsters who will benefit from the experience of this occupation. Besides, serving one's country presents a most worthy direction for a citizen.