[AKA_Monet]

The right way, the wrong way and the military way...

I could not get the "gist" of the comments, but I do think that military skills do translate to 'everyday skills" if focused appropriately, that is the benefit for going back to civilian life after the military... The only exception to this rule are those in combat... How does one explain defusing an IED to folks?

Anyhow, most of the officers I knew that retired got some extremely cushy CEO jobs running the show... Like Rear Admirals to Generals... They like, can run the entire corporation... And corporations--namely those like Halliburton, or other defense department corporate contractors, love these officers...

And if you are a military healthcare professional... Whoa...

And if you are a pilot and have been in combat, the commercial airlines will hook you up on general principle...

So, from my perspective, I've seen some translation... But those are for officers... Not for enlisted...

As far as compulsory service in the military or community service, my state has manditory community service in order to graduate from high school. ~50 hours. Kids do all kinds of stuff to graduate. I think it's great and the programs could be a tad more focused, but overall, young people need to know that not everyone grew up in single-family dwellings in the suburbs or that some people just fail and living life and need help, sometimes... Gives folks a reality check every now and then...