In Starship Troopers, military service did indeed guarantee citizenship. However, it wasn't the only path one could take. Federal service guaranteed citizenship. If you had the desire to serve the federal republic, they would find a job for you. Now granted most of these jobs were usually highly dangerous, such as mining off-world colonies in remote parts of the galaxy and what not. But by serving in the federal services, you were guaranteed the right to vote.
In the book, that was the defining characteristic between the citizen and the civilian. Both enjoyed the same freedoms and privileges but only citizens could hold public office or have a say in how the government was run (ie. vote). In addition, military service was the exact opposite in the book as in Heinlein's time (and our own). Whereas joining the military is now a fairly easy process, military service in Starship Troopers was a fairly stringent process. All manner of personality, aptitude, physical, and mental tests were performed to determine exactly where you would make the best fit. And even when you were selected for a particular duty, you could still just walk away if you wished; no harm, no foul. The majority of recruits washed out in basic training anyway, from a range of reasons including medical discharge, disciplinary action, or even death in some cases.
I first read this book when I was 13 years old and it is still one of my favorites to this day. I hold Heinlein's philosophies regarding the link between service and citizenship in high regard. I feel that were the majority of people who now hold public office prior military personnel, the course of government our nation has taken would be significantly different (and possibly less costly in terms of money spent and lives lost). I've always held the belief that one cannot be the Commander in Chief without having served in the military. How is one going to effectivly use the armed forces of a nation without having prior knowledge of what said forces go through or endure on a daily basis?
Anyway, just my two cents thrown into the pile. |
