Military Service: Freedom and Equality in Action


On March 17, a few of my fellow colleagues from the Oklahoma Army ROTC program completed the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, New Mexico. For 30 years, military members, ROTC cadets and ordinary citizens have particpated in this marathon in memory of the victims and heroes of the Bataan Death March which took place during World War II. Approximately 1,600 American Soldiers and over 9,000 Filipino troops were killed as the Japanese forces made US and Filipino Prisoners of War march approximately 68 miles over 9 days without while being beaten and have nearly no food or water. This race is more than just a marathon, it is so much more. As an American, I was proud and humbled to be a part of such an impactful event. It was great to see how military service and the sacrifices the Americans before us made united 8,600 people to partake in such a physcially exhausting course. What made this event even more special in my eyes was the fact that everyone volunteered to do the race. This marathon is a reflection of how as members of the United States military, past, present or future, we freely make the decision to serve and are willing to defend our country at all cost. 

Unlike the United States, some countries use conscription to assemble their military, which makes military service mandatory for certain citizens. I believe that conscription is not a good way to solidify citizenship and would decrease our equality. From being a part of the Army ROTC program here at the University of Oklahoma, I feel serving in the Armed Forces is an internal calling one receives to go fight in the nation’s wars. What makes our U.S troops so special is their unselfish and voluntary service to protect the nation from its foes. This calling should not turn into a requirement. Even though I believe our soldiers should always be treated with the utmost honor and respect, I do not think that their service makes them a better citizen than everyone else.  Not all people are meant to be soldiers in the military. If we implement conscription into our laws, it will go against our nation’s founding principle of equality.  By forcing people to join the military, we hinder their ability to freely choose how to engage and participate as citizens. Each person plays an important role in the constant construction and preservation of our nation. Some people are meant to be soldiers, others are meant to be politicians, civil service workers, teachers and so on. In my opinion, conscription would significantly decrease our equality, and is not the proper measure to increase citizenship. 

What makes our country so great and speical is that our soldiers bravely and freely join the Armed Forces in order to protect the nation, and we should keep it that way. 

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