Opinion

McCHRYSTAL, BRIDGELAND: Want to strengthen America? Require a year of national service

America has always been defined not only by individual aspiration but common purpose

By Gen. Stanley McChrystal, (ret.) , John Bridgeland Fox News

Published May 7, 2026 7:00am EDT

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At a moment when America is at war abroad and divided at home, it is time to embrace a simple but powerful idea: every young American between the ages of 18 and 28 should be required to give at least one year of service to the nation.

The United States today asks remarkably little of its citizens in return for the blessings of liberty.

Fewer than one percent of Americans serve on active duty in the armed forces. Sacrifice fades from national consciousness, and decisions about war and peace are made by leaders who have little connection to those who fight. The distance between the nation and those who defend it grows wider. And in such a system it becomes easier to believe that service to country is someone else’s duty.

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A required year of national service — military or civilian — would begin to close that distance.

Corn crops are seen being harvested from inside a farmer's combine in Eldon, Iowa U.S. October 5, 2019. (REUTERS/Kia Johnson//File Photo)

Imagine a generation that begins adulthood not only with personal ambition but a common commitment. Some would serve in the armed forces. Others would teach........

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