So much for "Daily", and a proposal.

I started this blog with the best intentions, but I have too much to do for a daily blog, so I'll have to make it a weekly. This week I'm doing my taxes, upgrading my social network, and learning a new position at IBM.

The current bailout, now... what's with that? One idea I've had is this: universal conscription. Now stop yelling; you know I don't mean a draft or everyone fighting. What I mean is this.

The US should create a separate part of the "Armed Services", call it something like the "Service Corps" or something like that. When someone reaches the age of eighteen they must register with this corps. The corps works like this.

• A person has ten years to complete the equivalent of a two-year commitment. Two consecutive years, two full years, four six-month tours, whatever.
• This commitment is non-combat duty, so no boot camp is required.
• The duties of a Corps member are US infrastructure, communications, environmental clean-up services (anything from picking up garbage in a public park to Superfund assistance), or any of several related services good for our society.
• Exemptions are given for severe handicaps, teachers, nurses, employees of the Federal or state governments, and other people already doing Corps-type services as their job.
• Wages and benefits are paid as if the person was in the Armed Services.
• People may remain in the Corps as a career member, in which case they are treated as career members of the Armed Services (same requirements, same benefits).
• Members of the Corps are separate from our actual armed forces regarding recognition. If recognition is needed a new set of awards, separate from armed service personnel, should be created.

I am not trying to cheapen the military arm at all. I am proud of our servicemen, and highly respect them for the sacrifices they give. What I am trying to do is to get the rest of the country to chip in also. Many people skip joining our military because they have no wish or stomach for violence (that's my position; I hate violence). This gives all citizens the ability to pitch in so the military can spend their time doing what the military is good at; assuring our safety from attack. This group of people would take over some of the jobs now done by the National Guard such as bringing aid to natural disaster areas, rebuilding infrastructure, and other non-combat duties.

What do you think? All opinions are welcome; I don't claim to be an expert in this field.