(12-28-2021, 09:02 AM)homebiscuit Wrote:

(12-28-2021, 08:40 AM)copycat Wrote: It is very apparent you have no clue on this matter.

I have seen malcontents and petty criminals turn into model citizens and “lifers” because of that very option.  For many of them it was the first time they had ever had any structure in their lives.  I’d even go one step farther and have every HS graduate serve a minimum of two years for the same reason.

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Where do you think Boatswain mates come from?

I know working in the aviation ratings that a good part of the slackers came from non-ideal situations in civilian life and simply didn't adapt. Some do, but the ones who needed constant oversight and correction were overwhelmingly people with bad upbringings which instilled apathy towards authority and standards. 
Trolling court dockets for potential recruits will introduce more problems than it will solve. Perhaps a stringent vetting process would increase the chances of success, but it's not destined to succeed wildly simply because of the people involved. 

Btw, compulsory military service is a bad, bad idea.

After a shower and another cup of coffee I’ve reconsidered and you and Marty are probably right considering today’s military climate.  I will however add that in my personal experience the navy I enlisted in was well suited to ween out those that were worth saving and those who were a lost cause.  Many of the bad ones did not make it out of bootcamp.  I would venture to guess about half of those that did went on to live productive lives.  I have a friend that was given some advice by a judge to join the military because if he showed back up in his courtroom again he (the judge) would throw the book at him.  My friend retired in 1999 as a Sr Chief and is currently a semi-retired independent trucker.  Who is to say where he and many like him would be were they not given that opportunity?

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