rogerian paper

Military recruitment is counted as a branch of military science. During the early years, the army recruited soldiers forcefully; this type of recruitment was called draft which later materialized as the Selective service System. With time this system changed, the new system established was the all-volunteer system. Between the two service systems that are used in the USA in the recruitment of soldiers, which one is appropriate in establishing a patriotic army? The question arises on which is the most effective one. When one calculates the physical and psychological costs to fighting in a war, there is no doubt that a volunteer system gives the U.S armed forces a more patriotic recruitment pool.

Selective military recruitment was not all that bad, it had many advantages these includes the fact that it made sure the country had sufficient soldiers in case of a war or an attack, for this reason, the government ensured that young men aged between the age of 18 to 25 were enrolled in the army and given enough training to enable them to be prepared for war. Also, the selective service system was used to ensure that the country was ready for battle at any given time as opposed to during the war when it was unlikely that people would willingly join the army (Bandow 463-464).

Although, the selective service system was useful in some ways it still had a lot of disadvantages. It abused the citizens’ right to free will, people were not given a chance to choose whether to join or not. This system can similarly bring about public discontent such as certain individuals feeling like they are being forced to fight for something they do not believe in. It is also very expensive. The system affects other forms of education while at the same time putting lives of the youth in danger. For those who might have wanted to engage in other career paths or even go to the universities are denied the chance to do so. Because of the war, people are bound to suffer from injuries or PTSD although this is applicable to the other system as well (Bandow 463). These reasons caused the selective system to become less popular with time. The society saw it as a burden to their sons who were not willing and able to join the armed forces it had to be abolished. Even though the system is not popular nowadays it is still used in some cases and areas. Notice the word, “son”? Evidently women were not considered patriotic enough to serve their country.

All-voluntary system was established and it has to turn out to be very effective and reliable it still has its cons. Its advantages include it creates a sense of patriotism, one may feel patriotic for fighting for his or her country out of his or her choice they feel a sense of obligation to fight for their country (Bandow 463). It creates a sense of service to one’s country; the military allows people to help and serve their country in any way that they can, such as people enlisted in the army as nurses, pilots, engineers, doctors and also as cooks. Through this voluntary service, people feel more confident serving their nation.

The system also creates a strong reliable army that is well trained and motivated to serve; this is because the men and women who are part of the army are self-driven and motivated. Serving the nation as a volunteer in the army creates a sense of pride. We see many old-timers of the army priding themselves for being in the military service (Harding, et al 11-18). It includes people of both gender and has fewer age restrictions.

According to the stipulated laws by the U.S, itself, it requires each and every male citizen as well as to the immigrants to have registered in the system, notably within a period of 30 days after their 18th birthday (Korb et al., 468). By registering as a member of the group, the policy is said to be advantageous as through it, an individual is at a position of being enlightened on prospective opportunities. For instance, by registering, one would most definitely have a chance of being cleared in the event that they begin seeking for various employment opportunities.

In addition to the above mentioned benefits of the system, The Selective Service System also assists its members in securing various federal job trainings. It includes employment in the executive arm of the government, as well as being eligible towards securing opportunity at the military training grounds.

Although both systems have their pros and cons, the all-voluntary system is more popular and efficient since the people in service are self-motivated and ready for whatever task asked of them (Yuengert, et al 53-64). This makes it better than the mandatory system. All-voluntary system enables one to volunteer in a filed he or she deems suitable to them, unlike the compulsory system where one is assigned anywhere. From the statements above it is clear that the all-voluntary system is the best and reliable option. It is right to claim that both systems played a key role in strengthening the military force and ensuring the safety of the nation in times of war. While one may be preferred to the other they both served the same purpose to the country and for the citizens.

To sum up the argument, the best system is the all-volunteer system since it gives a chance for people who would like to join the military to enroll and also for those that are not interested to take up other career paths hence creating a better and peaceful nation where no human right is violated. The Selective Service System is in standby mode and requires every male citizen of a certain age to enroll, this system should be scrapped as when push comes to shove, the newer generation are not going to fight for something they do not believe in and this could prove detrimental for the U.S military’s strategies.

Works Cited