Tour Of Duty Analysis

In the article entitled “Tour of Duty” by Sheila Suess Kennedy and Matt Impink, it is stated that student-loan debt and civil literacy are both issues of note in American society. They contend that the institution of a program for high school graduates that would trade a year of “employment with a government agency or nonprofit organization focused on civic improvement” (Kennedy/ Impink) for two years of financial aide towards all costs of a higher, public education. The authors state that a similar program was instituted nearing the end of World War II that gave financial benefits to war veterans. Kennedy and Impink also point out that “defending the United States is an important goal, but military service is only one aspect of that defense. It is equally important that citizens understand just what our military is protecting.” (Kennedy/ Impink) They are implying that it is important that citizens understand what is being defended to make the defense worthwhile. …show more content…
They would find jobs or internships at government run institutions or possibly non-profit organizations. To make this feasible it is proposed that the student be paid minimum wage so that they can support themselves. After their year of service it is proposed that “students would be required to attend and pass a civics course to be developed by the U.S. Department of Education in cooperation with the Campaign for the Civic Mission of the Schools.” The test is to ensure the students made progress in understanding the inner workings of the country through their year of service. I believe that the propositions put forth by Kennedy and Impink would be beneficial for both parties involved in the deal leading to a largely productive