Mandatory service in the Armed Forces

After sharing some time over a cup of coffee with an Iraq war veteran today, I am reminded of the tenuous connection between America and the men and women who serve it in her military.  Issues and matters of concern to veterans, young and old alike, just do not seem to rise to the level of demanding national consciousness.  Similarly, the hawkish members of both political parties all too often speak of "boots on the ground" without fully realizing the implications of their comments.  And during budget discussions, we read and hear far too much about "cost savings" that will place a burden on the backs of those who serve, particularly the junior enlisted.

With roughly one-half of one percent of the national population actually serving in the Armed Forces, it is small wonder the above are encountered.  It is far too easy to glibly offer this or that comment or recommendation, when it is not based on personal knowledge or even awareness.  Self appointed experts, particularly on the left, offer nonsense with smug self assurance they know what must be done.  The problem is, they have no knowledge upon which to base their comments.  They are so far removed from those who are and have served in uniform, it is ridiculous.  And in the absence of the draft, the potential for a truly representative cross section of Americans erving in uniform is exceptionally low.  Law makers, with rare exception, have no personal experience in uniform.

And yet the law makers attempt to convince us that they know what is best.  They are no more qualified to speak of defense and national security matters than I am to speak of rocket science.  Most dangerously, this absence of knowledge and experience comes to mind when sabers are rattled and use of military force is debated.

Whether it is a president who abhors all things military, except when it is convenient to put military officers on display as potted plants surrounding the first lady during her participation in a entertainment awards broadcast, or members of congress who blithely opine about the merits of war fighting, the absence of real experience is damaging to the national debate.

Were it possible, I would wave the proverbial magic wand and enact an iron clad amendment to the Constitution that requires all those elected or appointed to elective federal office and cabinet secretariats to have honorably served for a minimum period of three years active duty in the Armed Forces.  Then and only then would it be acceptable for members of the "ruling elite" to comment about matters and concerns of interest to veterans, let alone contemplate authorizing the use of military force.