Mandatory national service is a government-run system in which most or all young adults are compelled to do some form of community service, usually for one or two years.  Its proponents often argue that a young person's mind should be redirected away from personal goals and toward developing a "social consciousness."  Most calls for such service aim specifically at young men and women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six.  In America, we have a voluntary service program, AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), initiated by former President Bill Clinton. It is open to all ages. We also have the Peace Corps, begun during the Kennedy administration.Yet, these voluntary programs do not satisfy proponents of mandatory national service.This booklet identifies eight basic premises or "ingredients" that proponents use to justify this takeover of a young person's most valuable period of time, just when they are about to embark on a career or life course.

Consider this as an introductory guide to help you prepare to fight against this assault on your freedom.The last chapter offers more intellectual self-defense suggestions and resources.