Do you think kids 18-21 should have to contribute to community service in lew of serving in the armed forces?

To me, your question subsumes compulsory universal service. All young people would serve in some capacity. They would learn something about the world in which they live--its greedy people, its indifferent people, and its caring people. Many would learn the truth underlying most poverty and social strife. Many would learn why our education system is failing us.

In short, the experience could breed a new, more responsible generation. And it should be rewarded with college scholarships.

No, they shouldn't be forced to do community service as they aren't forced to serve in the military.

If they want to, that's great, but if not they shouldn't be forced.

Joey: a lot of countries don't value FREEDOM like we do. Government intervention is never the answer.

Yes, but they should also lower the drinking age to 18. If you can serve in a war, you should be able to buy a beer. Of course, that age group today would be on their cell phone at the same time they are peforming whatever community service they are assigned to. That's all they seem to do nowadays.

No thats what it means to be an American is to make our own choices when we reach the age of 18 and although yes it seems like a good idea on the surface you cant force the teenagers to participate it would be one more thing that would have to be policed

If your question is whether we (generally speaking) should require 18-21 year-olds to either (i) "contribute to community service" or (ii) serve in the armed forces, I do not agree.

I believe that neither should be manditory, or, if something is to be made manditory, then service in the armed services should be manditory.

Any "contribute to community service" should be voluntary.

Lots of countries do it and it's a great way to teach kids there is something out there to work for other than themselves. Not everyone is physically capable of serving in the armed forces nor willing to but could benefit from some type of service. I think it would be a great idea to require something after highschool.

If you can be drafted into the army, you can be drafted into something similar like Americorps.

No. I do not think people should be forced to do community service or join the armed forces. It is wrong.

Community service is good thing for any age group.

Of course not. It is a free choice to serve in the armed forces and people that choose not to shouldn't have to "make up" for their decision.

Many countries DO require one or the other.

Yes, I believe they should serve somehow!

FYI, it is " in Lieu" not in lew.