# To those who think mandatory government service at 18 is a good idea

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-think-mandatory-government-service-at-18-is-a-good-idea/402944>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [May 6, 2007, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-think-mandatory-government-service-at-18-is-a-good-idea/402944 "2007-05-06T01:25:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\
**Post date:** [May 8, 2007, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-think-mandatory-government-service-at-18-is-a-good-idea/402944/41 "2007-05-08T14:58:24Z")

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[QUOTE=Der Trihs]  
Yes, the Army and National Guard. As in the **all volunteer** Army and National Guard.  
[/QUOTE]

Not to mention that the Navy has always been all-volunteer and the WPA and CCC were also made of volunteers.

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**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\
**Post date:** [May 8, 2007, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-think-mandatory-government-service-at-18-is-a-good-idea/402944/42 "2007-05-08T22:20:17Z")

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[QUOTE=dgrdfd]  
With all due respect, it sounds like part of the argument is that slave labor would be good for America.  
[/QUOTE]

Not part. All.

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**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\
**Post date:** [May 8, 2007, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-who-think-mandatory-government-service-at-18-is-a-good-idea/402944/43 "2007-05-08T22:22:39Z")

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[QUOTE=aruvqan]  
filling positions that frequently cant be budgeted in or applicants found for at minimum wage.  
[/QUOTE]

That proves that the positions aren’t worth filling – if they were, somebody would pony up the money to hire people legitimately.

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