To serve

EDITORIAL

Those interested in serving our country in some capacity–whether through military or public service–may want to weigh in with the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service.

The group of 11 commissioners was tasked with reviewing the military selective service process. They are seeking information from the public to consider methods to increase youth participation in military, national and public service.

The commissioners traveled all over the country in 2018 meeting with Americans who have served, who aspired to serve and who do not want to serve.

They visited 23 cities, four in Texas, Austin, Clifton, Cranfills Gap and Waco. They are trying to decide whether or not to implement a universal service program for America’s young people.

Although the United States has never adopted universal national service (outside its former military draft), the commission is exploring what a program requiring every American to complete a dedicated period of military, national or public service might look like.

They have asked business leaders, faith-based communities, elected officials, academic experts, military leaders and service members, managers and participants in service programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, and federal, state, local, and tribal government employees a series of questions such as:

• What unmet needs of the nation could be addressed through a formal service program?

• What approaches could the nation take to foster a new norm in which giving at least one year of service to the nation becomes an expected rite of passage?

We should all join the conversation. They will be in College Station on March 28.

Contact the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service at www.inspire-2serve.gov or 2530 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000, Box 63, Arlington, VA 22202, email them at info@inspire2serve.gov or call (703) 471-3742 for more information.

The Commission will accept public comments on its website and by email and mail through Dec. 31, 2019.—C.G.