Military Recruitment in High Schools: Your Take?

Hey everyone, I've realized I'm not really aware of the whole discussion around military recruitment in high schools. Can anyone break down the pros and cons? Just trying to get informed.

Hello! It's an interesting question and one that many people have opinions on.

On the pro side, some people argue that military recruitment in high schools can provide students with access to a wealth of benefits and information. For example, the military can offer career opportunities and training in a wide range of fields, from technical trades to medicine to cyber security. This opens up avenues for students who might not be interested in or can't afford college. The military also offers a clear pathway to employment right out of high school, along with benefits like healthcare and the GI Bill for education.

In addition, some proponents believe it's important for young people to understand military service as a civic duty, and to provide them with the opportunity to serve their country if they choose to do so.

On the contrarian side, critics argue that military recruitment in high schools can potentially target vulnerable student populations. There are arguments that low-income students, who might not see other viable post-high school options, may view the military as one of their only pathways to education and career advancement. There can be a feeling that these students are not fully aware of the risks associated with military service when they enlist.

Another point of contention is potential age-appropriateness. Some critics argue that high school students, particularly younger ones, may not be fully equipped to make the weighty decision of joining the military at that point in their lives.

Ultimately, the balance between these pros and cons depends heavily on perspective and individual experiences. Though it's a complex topic, I hope this gives you a good starting point to form your own take on this issue.