Military Recruitment in High Schools (Research Paper Sample)

Cleon Mark
Professor McRidis
CPS 301
11 February 2015
"Should the Military be allowed to recruit at high schools?”
For a long time now since its inception, there has been raging moot topics on whether the above should be implemented or not. Proponents quoting its constitutionality safeguarded by the law, Section 544 of the National Defense Authorization Act [Public Law No. 107-107] and Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 [Public Law No. 107-110] purposing to maintain the country’s sovereignty which is done world over by the military. In a rejoinder, those in opposition vehemently put forth their views, which they simply refer to the United Nations Convention of 1989 on the Rights of the Child and its slow pace of ratification by the US or rather just being oblivious of it.
With the No Child Left Behind Act, the high school recruiters work within the law provided in the country’s constitution, which fully addresses and defends the Bill of Human Rights. Therefore, the accusation of recruiters breaching privacy of the students and the institutions at large is utopia. In fact, in contrary, the armed forces does actually offer a possible career path to students thus recruiters visiting schools throughout the year promote higher learning. Therefore, the military should be viewed as a form of higher education since it exposes students to the lucrative post-graduation scholarships military does offer, says(Riviera 1).If not exposed this may prohibit some students from receiving any higher education at all. In addition, Paul Vallas, the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, says that the military model is beneficial because it places young people in a training environment where academics is not only stressed, but where discipline is paramount.
Recruitment offers young people equal opportunities be you top, average or below average academic performer to join the military and thus have a stable source of income and encourages patriotism . Today, joining the military gives soldiers more perquisites than in previous decades. The Army offers money for education, health care, vacation time, family services and cash allowances to cover the cost of living, according to an official US Army Web site. Paying for a college education is also a big bonus for prospective recruits. The Army also offers classes to active duty and reserve soldiers through online universities and learning facilities in Army posts.
There are public health reasons raised about military recruitment in high schools and invasion of private personal space: adolescents who are recruited are at a vulnerable stage of brain development and may experience adverse health consequences from stress. Given their limitations in judging risk at this stage in life, they are also unable to, fully evaluate, the consequences of making a choice to enter the military, which is further ...