I'm 50/50 on the manditory part. I don't think it would work and too many resources would be spent rounding up people who refuse. I will be interested to see the proposal if anything comes of it.

I can envision service tied to an incentive. I believe youth being involved for a greater good would be a huge benefit to everyone, so offering a discount for college or some sort of tax rebate would be okay with me.

I am involved in some PanFlu preparedness programs and it is amazing how little understanding people have. Imagine if we had people more prepared for a 9/11 type disaster and who felt comfortable to take charge and help people who panic or need assistance. Generally, only those directly involved nderstand emergency response.

Many kids would benefit from volunteering for a church organization, hospital, or school, who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Additionally, it is difficult to keep our military staffed with enough people, so this might open up a new popuation that had discounted service to country as a career.

For a group of people so concerned about a perceived lack of patriotism, I am surprised you are all so worried.