to get SOME discipline into the recruits - it is extremely valuable for instilling a sense of teamwork, capability, and self-confidence. If every single 18 year old in america was forcibly enlisted into standard marine boot camp (ouch) the crime rate would drop like a ROCK. The welfare state would consistently drop in numbers every year, and more young people would be able to deal with life without crutches such as drugs, alcohol, and crime.
Not to say that every marine is perfect, but it would sure correct a lot of people who otherwise would have become criminals.
Basic training is just that - basic. The military's greatest mistake is chaining basic to a 4 yr term of service. That is simply too much. If it were 4-6 months, that would be acceptable to nearly everyone. 6 months away from home and such is not that harsh, but 4 yrs of the prime of your life is too much to ask, IMHO. |
