I'm all for actual salaries or for education loan forgiveness or for other support to people who go into public service - like Teach America.

But, we have a foundational belief in a government of the people, by the people and for the people.  So the governed determine the extent of their obligation to the State, and the State has no organic existence or right to demand service from its citizens.

This is very different from the institutional philosophies of Europe where the Government is entitled to demand service and obedience from the governed.

Thus, as both a big "D" Democrat and a little "d" democrat, I encourage the use of public funds and the bully pulpit of public opinion to encourage public service, I utterly oppose mandatory National Service or similar schemes.

A Draft is a different animal.  It is an extreme measure required by war.  It is purpose driven.  It is temporary.  It is coupled with other public sacrifice.  And, I believe, as part of a Draft, some Draftees could be required to perform jobs other than combat.  So as a fairness measure, if a Draft was necessary to fill the ranks in Iraq, the non-combat cohorts could (and should) be required to  perform National Guard type jobs in constructing and improving the national physical and technical infrastructure.  So bridges, trails, schools, tutoring, community health care, environmental remediation etc...... would be appropriate assignments.