ervice System Young oung Participation ub blic ce National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Participation Barriers eeds Participation Barriers Young National Securit Selective Service System Young Barriers Barriers Americans Values Service Values l Security Participation stem National Secu Values Values National Security Barriers ional Security Values Values Pub Service National Security Needs Participation Inspire Needs Participation Service Young Selective Service System Participation Barriers Americans Values Public Service Interim Report Needs January 2019 al Security lues Participati Values Public ice System Public Critical Skills Participation nal Security ervice System pationA Young Values Report to the American People, Participation the Congress, and the President ublic Young Values Barriers Participation National Security Service Public Inspire Critical Ski Values Participation Military Values Inspire Values Young A Message from Table theofChairman Contents As Chairman of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, I am pleased to share this Interim Report outlining what the Commission has learned in our first year of work. The Commission presents a significant opportunity, for the first time in our nation’s history, to holistically and comprehensively review the Selective Service System along with military, national, and public service. With this report, and over the course of the next year, we endeavor to solicit feedback on our observations and the proposals that have been made to us and ignite a national conversation about service and its role in our democratic society. Throughout 2018, we traveled across the country listening to the American public. We learned how service makes a difference in the lives of Americans and is embedded in the very fabric of our nation. We heard from passionate advocates, on both sides, when we asked if women should be required to register with the Selective Service System. We also heard how, through service, Americans reach across divides to unite for a common purpose. We saw and were inspired by the tremendous work and spirit of those who serve in our military, perform national service, or serve in local, state, tribal, or federal government. Alexis de Tocqueville observed nearly 200 years ago, “I have seen Americans making great and sincere sacrifices for the key common good, and a hundred times I have noticed that, when needs be, they almost always gave each other faithful support.” Like him, we hope to promote that same spirit of everyday Americans who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to our nation. Our conversations underscored that while service is encouraged by many families, schools, and communities, there is no widely held expectation of service in the United States. As a result, military, national, and public service is the exception rather than the rule. In a country of more than 329 million people, the extraordinary potential for service is largely untapped. This report begins to explore the many ways in which our nation can foster a culture of service, while strengthening our communities, civil society, and sense of citizenship. My fellow Commissioners and I are grateful to those whose commitment to service has proven instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront of public debate. We thank Representatives Mac Thornberry and Adam Smith of the House Armed Services Committee along with the late Senator John McCain and Senator Jack Reed of the Senate Armed Services Committee for their vision in creating this Commission. We also deeply appreciate all who have contributed to our nation and our communities through service. The final recommendations we will make to the Congress, the President, and the American people in March 2020 will address challenging issues fundamental to civic life in America. We already heard from thousands of Americans like you, who shared their thoughts, stories, and expertise, and we want to hear from thousands more. We hope you will talk to your friends and family about our mission. Please share your thoughts with the Commission via our website, www.inspire2serve.gov, sign up to receive updates on our progress, and join us at one of our upcoming public hearings. Our vision is that by working together, every American will be inspired and eager to serve. Join us in making this vision a reality. Joseph J. Heck Chairman www.inspire2serve.gov 1 Table Our Commissioners of Contents Commissioners The Honorable Dr. Joseph Heck, Chairman The Honorable Mark Gearan, Vice Chair The Honorable Debra Wada, Vice Chair Mr. Edward Allard III Mr. Steve Barney The Honorable Dr. Janine Davidson The Honorable Avril Haines Ms. Jeanette James Mr. Alan Khazei Mr. Thomas Kilgannon Ms. Shawn Skelly 2 National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Header 1 Table of Contents About the Commission................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Our charge.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 The Commission’s first year.................................................................................................................................................... 5 What We Have Learned................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Universal service: an ongoing conversation......................................................................................................... 7 Selective service: a mystery to many............................................................................................................................ 8 Service: barriers to participation exist......................................................................................................................... 9 Military service: a responsibility borne by few.................................................................................. 9 National service: America’s best-kept secret......................................................................................11 Public service: personnel practices are a barrier............................................................................12 Civic knowledge: critical to democracy......................................................................................................................13 What We Are Considering........................................................................................................................................................................14 Universal service..................................................................................................................................................................................14 Selective Service System.............................................................................................................................................................14 Expanding pathways to service..........................................................................................................................................15 Military service......................................................................................................................................................................15 National service...................................................................................................................................................................16 Public service..........................................................................................................................................................................17 Reinvigorating civic education............................................................................................................................................17 Looking Forward..................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Acknowledgments and Appendix....................................................................................................................................................20 A special thank you..........................................................................................................................................................................20 References..................................................................................................................................................................................................25 www.inspire2serve.gov 3 Source: National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Table of Contents About the Commission The United States is a nation built on service. From our first days as a republic, service to our communities and to our nation was, and remains, a central part of what it means to be an American. The earliest citizens of this country united to ensure that they—and future generations of Americans— could exercise the rights and bear the responsibilities of citizenship. They fought for the right to govern themselves and recognized that such governance requires civic engagement. Over 200 years later, Americans continue to recognize that civic engagement and service are critical to the health of our republic. As we traveled the country, we heard from citizens who reaffirmed that when Americans organize and work together to make our communities stronger and our nation safer, we thrive. Service builds vibrant civil societies by bringing people together to tackle common problems.1 Whether in the form of National Guard soldiers rescuing a family from rising floodwaters, Department of Agriculture employees working with local farmers to test soil conditions, or AmeriCorps members building homes for those who have lost them, it is service that makes our country exceptional. 4 Americans serve in many ways. We also consistently come together to help one another in times of crisis, displaying a strong willingness to unite in the aftermath of tragedy or natural disasters.2 While millions of individuals do volunteer and serve, we can do more to build on the compassionate spirit that resides in the hearts of Americans and embed service in the very fabric of our lives and communities. We define service as a personal commitment of time, energy, and talent to a mission that contributes to the public good by protecting the nation and its citizens, strengthening communities, or promoting the general social welfare. In 2016, House and Senate Republicans and Democrats came together to create the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. Recognizing the value in promoting a greater ethos of service in the United States, the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) championed the establishment of this bipartisan Commission. Both leaders saw the need to promote the notion of service above self and develop ideas to inspire more Americans to serve. This is the first time in American history that our National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service of Contents AboutTable the Commission government has undertaken a comprehensive review of all forms of service to country: military, national, and public. The Commission’s Interim Report is an opportunity to share what we have learned and take the next steps in fostering a meaningful and robust conversation with the American public on options the Commission is considering and how service can strengthen our nation. As we work to develop recommendations for the Congress, the President, and the American people, our vision is clear—every American, inspired and eager to serve. "Ours is a nation built on pride in sacrifice and commitment to shared values—on a willingness of our citizens to give of their time and energy for the good of the whole." - Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Our charge The Congress charged the Commission with two primary tasks.3 The first is to review the selective service registration process operated by the Selective Service System, an independent federal agency— entirely separate from the Department of Defense. Currently, all men ages 18 through 25 are required by law to provide basic personal information to the Selective Service System. The government would use this information to identify individuals for military service if both the President and the Congress authorize a military draft. Our bipartisan Commission was created amid a debate over whether the selective service registration requirement should be extended to include women. This debate began after the Secretary of Defense opened all military combat roles to women in 2015.4 The Commission is charged with considering whether the nation still requires a registration system, whether all individuals should be required to register for a potential draft, and whether certain changes might enhance the existing system to meet evolving national security needs. www.inspire2serve.gov The second task is to examine and recommend ways to increase participation in military, national, and public service as a means to strengthen our nation. The Commission is exploring whether the government should require all Americans to serve in some capacity as part of their civic duty and the duration of that service. Separate from that fundamental question, we are examining what motivates our military members, national service participants, and public servants in order to identify ways to encourage more of our fellow Americans to follow their lead. We are exploring how to incentivize service along with what may discourage or prevent individuals from serving. We are also considering how best to reach out to young Americans who might want to serve but are unaware of service opportunities, older Americans who may have left the workforce but have a continuing desire to give back, and individuals with critical skills whose talents could help meet the changing needs of our nation. The Commission is charged with developing recommendations on these two tasks and submitting these recommendations to the Congress and the President by March 2020. "The importance of this Commission’s work and mission cannot be overstated. We, as a government, must invest in our public servants." - Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) The Commission’s first year In order to explore our charge, we developed a comprehensive plan to listen and learn from the American people. From January to December 2018, we traveled across the nation. We visited big cities, small towns, military bases, government offices, high schools and middle schools, community organizations, and more. The Commission traveled to each of the country’s nine census divisions to engage Americans who have served, who aspire to serve, and who do not want to serve. We met with elected 5 Table of About theContents Commission officials, academic experts, military leaders and service members, managers and participants in service programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, and federal, state, local, and tribal government employees. We also talked with business leaders and members of faith-based communities. We met with and heard from a broad cross section of Americans, including those who support selective service as an insurance policy against unanticipated threats, those who oppose selective service based on their consciences or religious beliefs, and men who refuse to register for selective service on principle. We also spoke with young Americans, including students in middle and high schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and four-year universities. We held public meetings, engaged in small group discussions, conducted interviews, and extensively researched previous work on these topics. We also heard from thousands of Americans who shared ideas and experiences directly with the Commission. All of this valuable input is critical to our ability to develop recommendations on the Selective Service System and ways to increase participation in military, national, and public service. 6 Locations Visited in 2018 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Austin, Texas Bismarck, North Dakota Boston, Massachusetts Carlisle, Pennsylvania Cedar Rapids, Iowa Chapel Hill, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois Clifton, Texas Colorado Springs, Colorado Columbus, Ohio Cranfills Gap, Texas Denver, Colorado Fort Knox, Kentucky Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Iowa City, Iowa Jacksonville, Florida Killeen, Texas Los Angeles, California Memphis, Tennessee Nashua, New Hampshire San Diego, California Seattle, Washington Vinton, Iowa Waco, Texas National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Header 1 Source: FrozenShutter via Getty Images Table of Contents What We Have Learned Universal service: an ongoing conversation Throughout our travels, we learned that Americans value service and are willing to consider a variety of options to encourage or require service of all citizens. We heard from people who believe strongly that the United States should pursue a transformative effort to involve many more Americans in military, national, and public service. Some suggested committing enough resources so that any American with a desire can participate in some form of service—an approach we call universal access. Others argued service should become a universal expectation, meaning that while service would remain voluntary, the norm would be for every American to devote at least a full year to either military, national, or public service. Others told us service to the nation should be a universal obligation and have recommended to us that all Americans be required to serve, with a choice in how to satisfy the requirement.5 We met some Americans whose views in support of mandatory service were influenced by overseas travel to nations like Israel, where they saw www.inspire2serve.gov required military service foster a national cohesion and sense of purpose throughout the country. As a result, we explored military and national service models in countries around the world, especially in nations that have recently reinstated service requirements, such as Sweden and France. Though examples from other countries are informative, we recognize that no other nation’s needs or circumstances are the same as our own. We also heard from some Americans who oppose any proposals to make service mandatory, citing the importance of the spirit of volunteerism and concerns about the government encroaching on personal liberties. Others question the constitutional and implementation challenges of such a service requirement. "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." - President John F. Kennedy 7 What We Have Learned Selective service: a mystery to many Source: U.S. DoD, photo by Spc. Hannah Tarkelly While many government officials and some Americans are aware of the details of the Selective Service System and the implications of registration, we learned many others are not. Furthermore, many are not even aware of the registration requirement for young men and do not often think about their responsibilities to defend the nation, if required. The United States ended the practice of conscription—requiring young men to serve in the military involuntarily—and terminated the requirement that young men register for the Selective Service System in 1973. The United States then shifted to a military comprised entirely of those who choose to serve. While the nation’s military remains a volunteer force, in 1980 President Carter resumed the Selective Service System registration requirement in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, to ensure the nation could conscript in the future if the need arises.6 for federal student aid. For most men, registration is a passive process, with many not even aware of the obligation for which they have registered.8 Some Americans told us that registration should be a more active process that reminds individuals of their duty to contribute to the defense of the nation. However, others note that this may reduce the number of men who register and subject those who do not register to lifelong consequences, such as the inability to seek federal financial aid for education or employment with the federal government. We also heard from many Americans who are surprised that women are currently neither required nor permitted to register for selective service and question the rationale for excluding women from the obligation to defend the nation. Because women can volunteer to serve as fighter pilots, as submariners, and in the infantry, many Americans have questioned why qualified women would not be subject to a draft like qualified men. We have heard from others, however, who believe that physical differences between men and women would make it impractical or even dangerous to conscript women to serve in combat roles. "I firmly do NOT support the idea of a Selective Service System and believe very strongly in allowing young men and women to decline from registering, without retribution, due to their personal beliefs and following their conscience." - Public Comment Today, the United States has a legal requirement for young men ages 18 through 25 to register with the Selective Service System.7 However, many Americans seem to be unaware of the purpose of this system and the process by which they register. While men can register for selective service either by mail or on the Selective Service System website, the majority of young men incidentally register when they receive a driver’s license or apply 8 If the Congress and the President authorize a draft and past practices are continued, men would be called by random lottery and examined for military eligibility, after which they would be deferred, exempted, or inducted into the Armed Forces. If a man objects to military service for religious or ethical reasons, he may be placed into the Alternative Service Program. We have heard from both conscientious objectors who oppose war and feel the act of National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service What We Have Learned registration condones violence, and from draft resistAbout 2.4 million people serve in the Active Duty, ers who refuse to register, believing conscription is National Guard, or Reserve component of the a violation of their rights. They have argued that military.10 current law does not offer any acceptable options for Americans who choose not to register. Military service: a responsibility borne by few After the shift to an all-volunteer force in 1973, young Americans from certain communities In addition to hearing from Americans who became more likely than others to join the military. are unaware of the legal requirements for registraFor example, 45 years ago, about half of enlisted tion, as well as those who feel passionately about recruits came from the American South and West; the implications of registration, we also met with today, that number is nearly 70 percent.11 Family officials at the Selective Service System and several members of current or former service members are of the over 10,000 local board members who are exposed to military service and are more likely to trained to determine the deferment status of young show an interest in entering the military.12 Although men from their local communities in the event of a draft. We also heard from currently serving military veterans are more likely to recommend military service to young Americans than those who are unfaservice members, academic experts, and an array of miliar with the military, veterans comprise less than government leaders who shared varying opinions 10 percent of the population.13 As a result of these expressing support for as well as skepticism of the trends, many Americans have limited interactions utility of the Selective Service System. Finally, the with the military community and are unaware of the Department of Defense reported that it views the Selective Service System as a low-cost insurance pol- range of available career and service options. Today, about 4 in 10 young Americans say they have never icy against unforeseen threats.9 even considered military service.14 Service: barriers to participation exist Source: U.S. Air Force, photo by Staff Sgt. Mozer O. Da Cunha Over the past year, we saw firsthand the commitment of Americans who serve in military, national, and public service. We met hundreds of individuals who serve their communities and the nation, from young adults enlisting in the armed services to civil servants working to meet community needs to older Americans mentoring schoolchildren. We also learned that barriers too often prevent inspired and eager Americans from serving. Repeatedly, we heard from Americans who were not aware of opportunities to serve, are not eligible for the service options they seek, or want to serve but cannot afford to participate. Still others face the challenge that there are simply not enough opportunities for all those who want to serve. These barriers vary across military, national, and public service, but all result in limiting the opportunities for more Americans to serve. www.inspire2serve.gov 9 What We Have Learned "Many educators don't really see the military as a smart option for kids, and I completely disagree with this. The military instills values and knowledge, while providing opportunity for both the individual and our country. It is a wonderful choice for students, and I wish the educational system would promote it more." - Public Comment learning about opportunities to serve in the military by blocking recruiters from campus.16 Indeed, we heard from Americans who did not know about the educational opportunities to go to college and serve, such as the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or whose high school guidance counselors were not able to help them navigate the process of applying to a service academy. In addition, we met many young Americans We heard concerns from both military mem- who are not eligible to join the military. Under bers and those who have not served in the armed current standards, 71 percent of Americans ages forces that, as the gap between the military and 17 through 24 do not meet the qualifications for the rest of the American public widens, the awaremilitary service.17 Medical issues, weight, body art, ness of the military and its opportunities decreases. a history of drug use, educational attainment, or a This limits otherwise qualified young Americans criminal record may disqualify a person from milfrom gaining the experiences and benefits of military service.18 Some of these barriers reflect major itary service. We also heard concerns from many societal challenges, such as nutritional choice and currently-serving military members about the false lack of physical activity. Others result from changing narratives or perceptions about the military from attitudes. For example, more Americans have diffitelevision, movies, the internet, and video games: culty meeting the military’s eligibility standards bedepictions that tend to focus on the most dangerous cause tattoos have become more commonplace and jobs and can at times be inaccurate.15 We heard from some states have legalized the possession and use recruiters that many schools prevent students from of marijuana. Other barriers may be explained by Number of Youth Interested in and Eligible for Military Service19 35,000,000 31,795,000 30,000,000 Number of Persons 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 9,100,000 10,000,000 4,410,000 5,000,000 465,000 0 17- to 24-Year-Old Population Source: U.S. Army 10 Military Eligible Population High Academic Quality, Military Eligible Population High Academic Quality, Military Eligible, and Propensed Population 17- to 24-Year-Old Population and Population Subsets National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service What We Have Learned Source: Corporation for National and Community Service vice members include young adults who view service as a pathway to college or a career, college graduates who want to improve their community or live abroad while gaining valuable experiences, and older Americans who have retired from the workforce but want to keep contributing to their communities and the nation. increased rates of diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioral health issues. We also learned Americans who are ineligible for military service are rarely informed about opportunities to serve our country in either national or public service. All these barriers—lack of connection with, awareness of, and eligibility for military service—are depriving Americans who would otherwise want to serve of the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately, far too few Americans even know these opportunities exist. More than 60 percent of young people ages 14 through 24 are not aware of service-year opportunities.21 As is the case for the military, many of the volunteers in these programs learned about the opportunity from a friend or family member who served. Some also benefited from the services of a national service program when they were younger. We met Americans whose lives were changed by their service opportunities. Young Americans told us they benefit from serving alongside individuals with different experiences and from different communities. Retired Americans told us they gain as much as they give when they dedicate time to serve their neighbors. For many, service sparks a lifelong desire to give back. Photo used with permission. National service: America's best-kept secret Every year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, and national service members deliver critical services to Americans, such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid, education, We also engaged with some Americans who conservation, and protection of natural resources.20 know about and want to volunteer for national serNational service includes programs such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, YouthBuild, City vice but are unable to participate because they canYear, and Teach for America. Typically, national ser- not afford to do so. For example, while AmeriCorps "I was 17, a senior in high school in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and watching the 1995 State of the Union Address with my mom. Graduation was approaching, and I knew I was on my own to pay for college. When I heard the words, 'there are 20,000 Americans ... helping people, solving problems and, in the process, earning some money for their education. This is citizenship at its best,' I was sold. I took a leap of faith and signed up for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. We tutored, built trails, painted houses, and supported the 1996 Olympic Games. After a life-changing year as a corps member, I used my AmeriCorps education award to pay my first tuition bill at the University of Colorado and joined the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps. From Boulder to Bagram, AmeriCorps to Afghanistan, I credit every opportunity I’ve been given to my national service roots. I’m beyond proud to be both an AmeriCorps alum and an active-duty service member. It's all about service, no matter the uniform." - Rebecca www.inspire2serve.gov 11 What We Have Learned About 75,000 people serve in AmeriCorps, 220,000 in Senior Corps, and 7,000 in Peace Corps.22 pressed to us that these sentiments lower morale and discourage younger Americans from pursuing public service careers. Photo used with permission. provides financial support to its members, the living Civil servants and others also told us that the stipend is typically near the poverty line and cannot 23 reliably cover necessities for some participants. As a federal hiring process is too slow, fails to accurately result, many interested Americans opt for alternative assess job applicants, contains a variety of inflexible hiring preferences, and many times fails to hire anyopportunities in the private sector. one for open positions. We heard from current and Public service: personnel practices are a barrier aspiring civil servants that USAJOBS, which is the federal government’s central portal for job postings Public service—defined as civilian employment in federal, state, local, and tribal governments and applications, does not meet the needs of either applicants or hiring managers. Existing rules and as well as elected office—is critical to the health of civil society and national security. For example, pub- regulations make leaving and returning to federal employment unnecessarily difficult and discourage lic servants respond to emergencies, monitor water quality, ensure the safety of mission-critical systems employees who value flexibility and the ability to move from one organization to another. like air traffic control and nuclear power plants, deliver health care to veterans, administer public About 2 million people serve in federal civilian programs like Social Security, and provide critical jobs, 5 million in state government, and support functions for the military. Nevertheless, we 14 million in local and tribal government.24 have heard repeatedly that public service recruiting and hiring practices are out of touch with the realiThese problems seem especially severe when ties of the modern workforce and insufficient it comes to younger Americans. Americans under to meet the needs of the many talented and dedicat- the age of 35 make up 35 percent of the nation’s ed public servants working across all levels of workforce but only 17 percent of federal civilian government. employees.25 Ready or not, generational change will come to federal agencies, because 30 percent of Many civil servants we met are frustrated civil servants, including a majority of senior agency with how they are frequently portrayed and perexecutives, will be eligible to retire in five years.26 ceived as being ineffective, though they provide the Yet young adults are avoiding or being turned away nation with valuable services. They repeatedly exfrom federal employment. "I learned of the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program in 2014. The program was actively recruiting people with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics backgrounds, and it sounded like a great way for me to leverage my skills and serve my country. I enjoyed the work because I was contributing to the Environmental Protection Agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. I found my coworkers’ commitment and dedication to this mission both inspiring and motivating. One memorable experience I had with the PMF was my rotational assignment, which introduced me to new collaborators, further developed my professional and scientific proficiencies, and showed me that the international community looks to our federal agencies to lead efforts that benefit the public globally. In September 2018, I became a full-time Environmental Protection Agency employee. I look forward to a long career in public service that will allow me to manage and develop projects on the forefront of radiation protection." - Jay 12 National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service What We Have Learned Similarly, government officials at all levels told us that it is difficult to recruit and retain workers with high-demand skills, such as cybersecurity workers and health care providers, due in part to competitive market pressures. people we met with and leading research suggests, civic education has a critical role in creating engaged citizens who are likely to contribute and make a positive impact on our nation. "I believe we start increasing participation in all areas by reinvigorating the teaching of U.S. history and civics in public schools." Source: Corporation for National and Community Service - Public Comment Civic knowledge: critical to democracy While meeting with Americans across the country, we were struck by how often we heard people speak about the importance of a strong civic education. We heard this refrain from military members, community volunteers, public servants, teachers, students, fellow Americans living in densely populated areas, and those hailing from small communities. The more often we heard Americans discuss the topic, the more we came to see it as far more than a simple refrain. Studies show that a robust civic education improves civic health in many ways—by increasing voter participation, reducing school dropout rates, and encouraging constructive community engagement.27 Students who receive effective civic education are four times more likely to volunteer and participate in their communities, as civic education provides young Americans with the tools they need to make a difference.28 As the www.inspire2serve.gov We are far from the first organization to make these observations. In fact, our nation has a robust network of not-for-profit organizations devoted to helping schools deliver quality civic education to students from elementary through high school. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have passed laws that require some form of civic education prior to high school graduation.29 We visited Florida, where the Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Education Act of 2010 requires all middle school students to pass one semester of civic education to be promoted to high school.30 In Illinois, we spoke to educators who explained a new state requirement for all high school students to complete a semester-long civics course that includes simulations of democratic processes.31 Only 26 percent of Americans can name all three branches of the U.S. government.32 Yet we also learned that the standards for civic education vary greatly across our country and that, in the past decade, the federal government substantially reduced federal funding and grants focused on supporting civic education.33 Ultimately, we learned that too few young people receive a solid foundation of civic knowledge. 13 Source: Top Left: ParkerDeen via Getty Images, Right: Corporation for National and Community Service, Bottom Left: Minnesota National Guard, Right: Corporation for National and Community Service Table of Contents What We Are Considering The Commission is charged with considering a range of proposals to strengthen the pathways to service, help the nation defend itself against future adversaries, and break down barriers to military, national, and public service. Below are some examples of alternatives that we intend to discuss at public hearings and in continued conversations with the American people in the coming months. Universal service We are considering several possible ways in which universal service, whether mandatory or not, could be implemented for America’s young people. Although the United States has never adopted universal national service, we are exploring what a program that requires every American to complete a dedicated period of military, national, or public service might look like. Among other questions, we are asking: What unmet needs of the nation could be addressed through a formal service program? What approaches could the nation take to foster a new norm in which giving at least one year of service to the nation becomes an expected rite of passage? We are also considering how service could be integrated into high school. For example, should 14 high schools transform the final semester of senior year into a hands-on service learning experience? Should schools offer service-oriented summer projects or a year of service learning? What benefits could such programs bring to the participants, our communities, and our nation? How would such programs be structured to ensure they are inclusive and available to all? Young Americans' interest in service is evident given their appetite to volunteer: Over 28 percent of millennials report volunteering in 2017, performing roughly 1.5 billion hours of community service.34 We are considering these questions and others as we explore the best ways to increase participation in military, national, and public service. Selective Service System Although the United States does not have a draft right now, the country maintains the requirement for men to register for selective service in case the Congress and the President reinstate conscription. We are tasked with considering a range of modifications as we explore scenarios a modern registration system should prepare to meet and what today’s military might ask of those called to serve. National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service What We Are Considering The Congress charged the Commission with considering whether to expand the registration requirement for the Selective Service System to include women. We are carefully considering and actively seeking input on this crucial question. "I can't fault the women who choose a life of military service, but to draft all of us to such an obligation: No, absolutely not. This civilization depends on the nurturing loving influence that women bring to the public discourse and to the business of raising healthy citizenry." Expanding pathways to service We are impressed with the impact that service has on communities, the nation, and individuals who serve, but many Americans face barriers to service. Some are not aware of opportunities for military, national, and public service. Others are aware but do not aspire to serve. Many aspire to serve but lack access. We are considering a range of options to encourage and allow more Americans to participate in military, national, and public service. We are also charged with considering proposals to better identify what critical skills the nation might need and with whom those skills reside. For example, we are considering ways in which individuals might share information about their education and skills as they develop over time and whether it can be a part of the selective service registration process. We are studying ways to leverage the existing system to call upon volunteers who might respond readily to emergencies, offering national leaders additional alternatives prior to considering a draft. Finally, we are exploring reasonable changes to identify, evaluate, and protect those who, for reasons of deep personal, ethical, or religious conviction, will not serve in the military but would be prepared to perform alternative service. "If we have a draft, we need the best qualified individuals in our military regardless of gender. All combat positions have opened to women, and they have proven themselves as outstanding warriors and contributors to our military." - Public Comment By examining these and a wide range of other options, we hope to determine what changes could benefit our nation as it evolves to address the emerging threats of the 21st century. www.inspire2serve.gov Source: U.S. Air Force, photo by Alejandro Peña - Public Comment Military service We have learned that awareness is key when it comes to military service, with many young Americans being unfamiliar with the realities of military service and the various jobs, opportunities, and educational benefits offered. To address these issues, a number of ideas have been suggested to us, including: • Formally ask all young Americans to consider military service • Invest in education for parents, teachers, and counselors on military service opportunities • Increase the number of high school students who take a version of the military entrance exam that identifies strengths and career interests • Reinforce laws that ensure recruiters receive equal access to high schools, colleges, and other postsecondary opportunities • Create new pipelines to military service, such as offering financial support for students studying toward technical certifications in exchange for a military service commitment 15 What We Are Considering Photo used with permission. National service We have learned that national service suffers from a lack of broad awareness about potential opportunities and significant barriers to access for many young Americans who might otherwise have a desire to serve. To address these issues, a number of ideas have been suggested to us, including: • Formally ask all young Americans to consider national service • Create a national marketing campaign to advertise opportunities about national service • Promote service learning to tie kindergarten through higher education curricula to community service • Encourage or incentivize colleges and employers to recruit individuals who have completed a service year and to award college credit for national service experience • Offer a fellowship to 18-year-olds who want to serve, covering their living stipend and post-service award for a year of national service at any approved not-for-profit organization • Integrate a semester of service into the high school curriculum • Fund additional national service opportunities Source: Peace Corps • Develop new pathways in areas of critical need to access and develop those with the affinity, interest, training, education, and/or certification in exchange for a military service commitment • Encourage more mid-career civilians to enter the military at a rank appropriate to their experience • Increase the living stipend for those who participate in national service programs • Exempt the existing education award from income tax or allow it to be used for other purposes • Explore possibilities within the Peace Corps to meet host country needs with volunteers who have not completed a college degree • Provide an expanded educational award for each year of national service completed "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “After walking past the Mile High Youth Corps hiring sign several times, one day I decided to walk in and speak to the woman at the front desk. That conversation changed my life. I was a gay, 24-yearold Hispanic married woman, mother of 3, in a low-income family, just trying to get by. I was having a hard time finding myself and my purpose in the world, but I have never felt more comfortable and more accepted than I have since participating in the Energy and Water Conservation program. This program helps low-income families save money on their water and energy bills by installing more efficient materials and appliances. We also show clients—whose family situations look a lot like my own—how changing their habits can help save energy and water. Though my service term is ending, I will bring the experience and wisdom from the service I have done for my community to future positions and keep it close to my heart. I believe every person should have an opportunity to do something like this.” - Mayra 16 National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service What We Are Considering Source: National Institutes of Health Public service We have learned the nation must continue not only to attract Americans of all ages with critical skills to public service but also improve mechanisms to bring them in at all levels of government and in multiple ways. To address these issues, a number of ideas have been suggested to us, including: • Explore models in higher education that seek to raise the profile and attractiveness of public service and prepare outstanding high school graduates for careers in public service • Give agencies better tools to recruit and hire interns or fellows and transition them to permanent positions • Establish a Public Service Corps program, like Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, that would offer scholarships and specialized coursework to students at colleges throughout the nation in exchange for a commitment to work in civil service • Retain programs to forgive student loans for Americans who work in public service careers for at least a decade • Offer a new, optional federal benefits package to allow for greater flexibility in career progression • Use modern tools, such as relevant online writing and quantitative tests, to assess candidates • Test new approaches to hiring, classifying, and compensating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) personnel throughout the government • Establish a civilian reserve program for former www.inspire2serve.gov federal cybersecurity employees, who could be called up to help agencies in an urgent situation • Establish a single, streamlined personnel system for health care professionals throughout the government "I strongly believe that holding career fairs or hiring drives across the country on a regular basis would give people like myself, who are passionate about public service, the opportunity to articulate that rather than being relegated to lottery-like odds with USAJOBS." - Public Comment Reinvigorating civic education Civic education is an essential element of our republic. We are exploring how it can be strengthened across the country. A number of ideas have been suggested to us, including: • Adopt national standards or a national civic education requirement • Encourage or require schools to include an experiential component, such as a community service requirement, for high school graduation • Improve youth cadet programs to inspire more young Americans to pursue an active lifestyle, increase awareness of military, national, and public service opportunities, and develop practical skills and civic knowledge • Seek out the resources and talents of the private sector to assist schools in delivering civic education • Report civics metrics as a separate subject on the nation’s report card • Prioritize and fund professional development for civics teachers • Encourage states and local school boards to implement best practices in effective civic education, covering elementary, middle, and high school • Offer existing citizenship and civic knowledge resources from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other government agencies to any educators or schools for free 17 Source: GBlakeley via Getty Images Table of Contents Looking Forward During our travels, we met many Americans who are achieving extraordinary results for their communities and our nation through military, national, and public service. The impact of service is powerful, and the desire of Americans to serve is strong; yet too often, barriers prevent Americans from serving. This Commission’s mandate presents an opportunity for all Americans to give thought to the ways that we, working together, can harness the time, energy, and talents of all Americans to solve the nation’s problems, strengthen our communities, and support our democratic ideals. We are studying the ideas presented to us as we continue to review the Selective Service System and consider ways to increase participation in military, national, and public service. Additionally, the Commission will host public hearings and additional engagements throughout the United States where we will discuss these topics further. We hope you will add your voice to the conversation. "Any definition of a successful life must include service to others." - President George H.W. Bush 18 2019 Public Hearings Date Topic February 21 Universal Service March 28 National Service April 24-25 Selective Service May 15-16 Public Service & Military Service June 20 Creating an Expectation of Service Location Washington, D.C. College Station, TX Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Hyde Park, NY Between now and March 2020, when our final report is due to the Congress and the President, we will continue to engage the public and conduct additional research in an effort to obtain as much information as possible. As we examine challenges and assess solutions to the many issues facing our nation and consider the extent and depth of our civic responsibilities, we know one thing for certain—Americans deserve a clear and supported path to service. We seek to offer a series of recommendations that build that path for all Americans for generations to come. National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Looking Forward Source: LightFieldStudios via Getty Images The national conversation on these important issues begins with you. Contact us via our website or social media. www.inspire2serve.gov @inspire2serveUS #inspire2serve National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service 2530 Crystal Drive Suite 1000, Box 63 Arlington, VA 22202 info@inspire2serve.gov (703) 571-3742 www.inspire2serve.gov 19 Source: beklaus via Getty Images Table of Contents Acknowledgments and Appendix A special thank you American Military Partner Association Association of the United States Army The Commission thanks every American who is serving and who has served the nation in any Association of the United States Navy capacity. Thank you to you and your families for the Blue Star Families Center for Military Readiness sacrifices you make for our communities and our Enlisted Association of the National Guard country. We appreciate the many individuals and Fleet Reserve Association organizations that helped make the Commission’s mission a success during its launch and first year. We Hero Missions Home Base Iowa appreciate your time, commitment, and dedication in contributing to the work of the Commission. We Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program will continue to draw on you for your expertise and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Leave No Veteran Behind leadership as the Commission pursues its efforts to inspire every American to serve and develops policy Marine Corps League Military Child Education Coalition recommendations on the military selective service Military Officers Association of America process and increasing participation in military, Military Order of the Purple Heart national, and public service. National Guard Association of the United States National Military Family Association Thank you to the following organizations for meeting with the Commission during our 2018 OutServe-SLDN Service Women's Action Network travels. Student Veterans of America Military-affiliated organizations Team RWB Air Force Association Team Rubicon Air Force Sergeants Association The Mission Continues Veterans of Foreign Wars American Legion 20 National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Acknowledgments and Appendix Veterans Village of San Diego Wounded Warrior Project Not-for-profits After-School All-Stars ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge American Association of State Colleges and Universities  American Federation of Government Employees American Red Cross Antelope Valley Partners for Health Association of American Colleges and Universities  Big Citizen HUB Big Shoulders Fund Boy Scouts of America Boys & Girls Club of America Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Campus Compact Cedar Rapids AMP Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Church Health Citizen Advocacy Center Citizen Schools City Year Clifton Chamber of Commerce, Texas Colorado Youth Corps Association Commonwealth Corps Congregational Health Network Conservation Corps Conservation Legacy Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago Cranfills Gap Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate Encore.org FoodCorps Massachusetts Foster Grandparents Friends of the Forest Preserves Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee www.inspire2serve.gov Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Texas Greencorps Chicago Give2Get Habitat for Humanity Harbor Homes, Inc. Helping Services for Youth & Families Homeboy Industries iCivics Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Florida Jacksonville Citizen Planning Advisory Committee Jumpstart Keystone Hall Kids That Do Good Kiwanis Club of Coralville, Iowa Koreatown Youth and Community Center Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Mass Mentoring Partnership Massachusetts Competitive Partnership Massachusetts Promise Fellowship Massachusetts Service Alliance Mikva Challenge Mile High Youth Corps Mission Waco, Mission World National Academy of Public Administration National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) New Politics Old Sol Alliance, Inc. Partnership for Public Service Partnership for Successful Living Pilot Club of Iowa City Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative Public Allies Revive Recovery Center Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program RV Disaster Corps Seattle CityClub Seattle Works Senior Executives Association 21 Acknowledgments and Appendix Service Year Alliance Social Capital Inc. Sociedad Latina Teamwork Englewood Tenacity Texas Hunger Initiative  The BASE The Chicago Council on Global Affairs The Corps Network The Home for Little Wanderers The Salvation Army The Sunrise Optimist Club of Iowa City United Way Worldwide U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vital Village Network Voices for National Service Volcker Alliance Welcoming Light Woodcraft Rangers Year Up YMCA Young Government Leaders Youth Guidance YouthBuild USA Foundations Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Boston Bruins Foundation Circle of Service Foundation Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Community Foundation of Memphis EduCare Foundation John F. Kennedy Library Foundation OneStar Foundation Robert R. McCormick Foundation Square One Foundation The Osa Foundation UPS Foundation Businesses AECOM American Medical Response, Nashua, New Hampshire 22 Electric Supply Center Emmaus Inc. FedEx FXTaylor Associates Golden Heard Capital LLC IBM JPMorgan Chase & Co LinkedIn Microsoft NBCUniversal Putnam Investments PwC Redgate ServiceMaster Starbucks Suffolk Construction, Boston, Massachusetts The Boston Globe The HYM Investment Group, LLC Urban Partnership Bank Academic institutions and organizations American Academy of Arts and Sciences Boston University California State University, Los Angeles Chicago Public Schools College for Social Innovation Community High School, Chicago, Illinois Denver Public Schools East Los Angeles College Harrisburg Area Community College John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership, Jacksonville, Florida North High School, Denver, Colorado School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University Southwest Tennessee Community College Suffolk University Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Memphis The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Acknowledgments and Appendix University of Memphis Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center Tufts University United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck, North Dakota University of Memphis Government entities AmeriCorps AmeriCorps VISTA Atlantic Beach Police Department, Florida California Volunteers City of Boston, Massachusetts City of Cranfills Gap, Texas City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania City of Jacksonville, Florida City of Memphis, Tennessee City of Nashua, New Hampshire City of Vinton, Iowa Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Colorado National Guard Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office Commission on the National Defense Strategy for the United States Corporation for National and Community Service Delaware State Parks Veterans Conservation Corps Denver Federal Center Embassy of Colombia Embassy of Estonia Embassy of Nigeria Embassy of Norway Federal Executive Boards Florida National Guard Garfield County, Colorado Iowa Army National Guard Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau Jacksonville Beach Police Department, Florida Johnson County (Iowa) Board of Supervisors Office National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) www.inspire2serve.gov Naval Station Mayport, Florida Neptune Beach Police Department, Florida North Dakota Department of Commerce Peace Corps Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Pennsylvania National Guard Selective Service System Serve Colorado—Governor's Commission on Community Service Serve Washington Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service  Shelby County Government, Tennessee Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, Texas Standing Rock Tribal Veterans Service Office State of Colorado State of Illinois Tennessee Air National Guard Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Transportation U.S. Agency for International Development U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. Army Cadet Command U.S. Army III Corps, Ft. Hood, Texas U.S. Army Marketing and Research Group U.S. Army Recruiting Command U.S. Army Reserve Counter Terrorism Unit U.S. Army ROTC U.S. Army Soldier for Life U.S. Army War College U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 23 Acknowledgments and Appendix U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of the Air Force U.S. Department of the Army U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Department of the Navy U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Digital Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Government Accountability Office U.S. House Committee on Armed Services U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California U.S. Military Entrance Processing Station, Boston, Massachusetts U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. National Security Council U.S. Office of Management and Budget U.S. Office of Personnel Management U.S. Public Health Service U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. Social Security Administration Volunteer Iowa Volunteer Tennessee 24 Faith-based organizations Antioch Community Church, Waco, Texas Catholic Women’s Forum Crestview Church of Christ, Waco, Texas First Baptist Church West, West, Texas First Spanish Assembly of God, Waco, Texas Homestead Heritage, Waco, Texas Islamic Center of Waco, Texas Lakewood Christian Church, Waco, Texas Living Hope Outreach—Hope House, Hamilton, Texas McLean Bible Church, McLean, Virginia Temple Adas Shalom, The Hartford Jewish Center, Havre de Grace, Maryland Temple Rodef Sholom, Waco, Texas Texas Baptist Men The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service Acknowledgments and Appendix References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Proclamation No. 4771, 45 Fed. Reg. 45,247 (July 3, 1980). Kenneth Prewitt, Christopher Mackie, and Her7. Military Selective Service Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ mann Habermann, eds., Civic Engagement and 3801-3820 (2018). Social Cohesion: Measuring Dimensions of Social 8. Annual Report to the Congress of the United States, Capital to Inform Policy (Washington, D.C.: (Washington, D.C.: Selective Service System, National Academies Press, 2014), 1. 2017), 6, https://www.sss.gov/Portals/0/PDFs/ For more on the role of voluntary organizations Annual%20Report%202017.pdf. in providing disaster relief, see Congressional 9. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Personnel and Readiness, Report on the Purpose Emergencies (Washington, D.C.: Congressional and Utility of a Registration System for Military Research Service, 2018), 4-5, https://crsreports. Selective Service (Washington, D.C.: Department congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R41981; for specific of Defense, March 17, 2017), 35. examples, see Federal Emergency Management 10. Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Agency, "Volunteers Play Integral Role in DiPersonnel and Readiness, 2017 Demographics: saster Relief and Recovery Efforts," news release Profile of the Military Community (Washington, no. HQ-17-124, September 18, 2017, https:// D.C.: Department of Defense, 2018), 3, http:// www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/18/voldownload.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/ unteers-play-integral-role-disaster-relief-and-reReports/2017-demographics-report.pdf. covery-efforts; see also Todd C. Frankel, "How 80,000 volunteers showed Joplin, Mo., that 'the 11. Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Population Representation world cared,'" St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December in the Military Services: Fiscal Year 2016 Sum25, 2011, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/ mary Report (Washington, D.C.: Department of metro/how-volunteers-showed-joplin-mo-thatDefense, 2017), 21, https://www.cna.org/popthe-world-cared/article_ceede6f5-7025-56d9rep/2016/summary/summary.pdf. b0c3-00444234db5e.html. 12. Joint Advertising, Market Research, and Studies National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal (JAMRS), Office of People Analytics, State of Year 2017, Pub. L. No. 114-328, §§ 551-557, the Market: Implications from Youth and Recruiter 130 Stat. 2130 (2016), as amended by the John Data (Washington, D.C.: Department of DeS. McCain National Defense Authorization Act fense, April 2018). for Fiscal Year 2019, Pub. L. No. 115-232, § 13. The Military Civilian Gap: War and Sacrifice 594, 132 Stat. 1636 (2018). in the Post-9/11 Era (Washington, D.C.: Pew Ashton Carter, "Implementation Guidance for Research Center, October 2011), 65, http:// the Full Integration of Women in the Armed assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/ Forces," Department of Defense, December 3, sites/3/2011/10/veterans-report.pdf. 2015, https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Docu14. Joint Advertising, Market Research, and Studies ments/pubs/OSD014303-15.pdf. (JAMRS), State of the Market: Implications from For example, see David Ignatius, "The Case For Youth and Recruiter Data. National Service," The Washington Post, November 27, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/ 15. Drew Lieberman and Kathryn Stewart, Strengthening Perceptions of America’s Post-9/11 Veteropinions/david-ignatius-the-benefits-of-nationans: Survey Analysis Report (Washington, D.C.: al-service/2014/11/27/f8e69038-75a1-11e4Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, 2014), a755-e32227229e7b_story.html?utm_term=. 2, https://www.gotyour6.org/wp-content/ ccd1d15fcd82. www.inspire2serve.gov 25 Acknowledgments and Appendix uploads/2017/09/GY6-Survey-Analysis-Report-2014.pdf. 16. Hearing on United States Navy and Marine Corps Readiness Before the Subcommittee on Seapower and Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, 115th Cong. (2018) (remarks of The Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the Navy), https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/ hearings/18-12-05-united-states-navy-and-marine-corps-readiness. 17. Miriam Jordan, "Recruits’ Ineligibility Tests the Military,” The Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2014, https://www.wsj.com/articles/recruits-ineligibility-tests-the-military-1403909945. 18. "Learn How to Join, General Qualifications," U.S. Army, accessed December 28, 2018, https://www.goarmy.com/learn/army-requirements-and-qualifications.html. 19. Army Marketing Research Group, "Increasing Propensity For Military Service Through Marketing" (PowerPoint presentation, Internal Commission meeting at Zachary Taylor Building, Crystal City, VA, December 14, 2017). 20. National Service: Cost-effectively Delivering Critical Services to Americans in Need (Washington, D.C.: Voices for National Service, July 2012), 4, http://voicesforservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CriticalServicesReport-1.pdf. 21. "Recruitment Best Practices," Service Year Alliance, accessed August 21, 2018, https://about. serviceyear.org/recruitment_best_practices. 22. "AmeriCorps Fact Sheet," Corporation for National and Community Service, January 2013, https://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/factsheet_americorps.pdf; "What is Senior Corps?," Corporation for National and Community Service, accessed November 19, 2018, https:// www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/ what-senior-corps; “Fast Facts,” Peace Corps, September 30, 2017, https://www.peacecorps. gov/news/fast-facts/. 23. Annual Management Report: Fiscal Year 2017 26 (Washington, D.C.: Corporation for National and Community Service, 2017), 8, https://www. nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ CNCS-FY17-AMR-508_v2r2.pdf. 24. Federal Workforce Statistics Sources: OPM and OMB (Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, January 12, 2018),1, https://fas. org/sgp/crs/misc/R43590.pdf; "All Employees: Government: State Government," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed November 19, 2018, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ CES9092000001; "All Employees: Government: Local Government," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed November 19, 2018, https:// fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CES9093000001. 25. Commission staff calculation; for federal civilian employee data, see "FedScope: Federal Human Resources Data," U.S. Office of Personnel Management, December 2017, https://www. fedscope.opm.gov/employment.asp; for employment in the broader U.S. economy, see "Table 18b. Employed Persons by Detailed Industry and Age," Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18b. htm. 26. Eric Katz, "The Federal Agencies Where the Most Employees are Eligible to Retire," Government Executive, June 18, 2018, https:// www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2018/06/ federal-agencies-where-most-employees-are-eligible-retire/149091/; A Pivotal Moment for the Senior Executive Service (Washington, D.C.: Partnership for Public Service, June 2016), 14, https://ourpublicservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/4df40d1d237c9acd2f65a17085964206-1466544190.pdf. 27. James G. Ladwig, "Beyond Academic Outcomes," Review of Research in Education 34, no. 1 (March 1, 2010): 113-41, https://doi. org/10.3102/0091732x09353062. 28. Jonathan Gould, ed., Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools, Center for InformaNational Commission on Military, National, and Public Service tion and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (New York, NY: Carnegie Corporation of New York, 2011), 6, https://www.carnegie. org/publications/guardian-of-democracy-the-civic-mission-of-schools/. 29. Michael Hansen et al., The 2018 Brown Center Report on American Education: How Well Are American Students Learning? (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution, June 2018), 21, https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/ uploads/2018/06/2018-Brown-Center-Report-on-American-Education_FINAL1.pdf. 30. Fla. Stat. §1003.4156(1)(c); Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Education Act, H.B. 105, 112th Reg. Sess. §3 (Fla. 2010). 31. 105 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/27-22(e)(5) (2018); Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act, H.B. 5729, 99th Gen. Assemb. (Ill. 2016). 32. "Americans’ Knowledge of the Branches of Government Is Declining," Annenberg Public Policy Center, September 13, 2016, https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/americans-knowledge-of-the-branches-of-government-is-declining/. 33. "Budget News––U.S. Department of Education," U.S. Department of Education, accessed December 3, 2017, https://ed.gov/about/overview/budget/news.html?src=rt. 34. "Demographics," Volunteering in America, Corporation for National and Community Service, accessed December 27, 2018, https://www. nationalservice.gov/serve/via/demographics. www.inspire2serve.gov 27 Military, National, and Public Service a! Commission on 28 A tribute to Senator John McCain The Commission expresses its deepest respect for Senator John McCain, who embodied service throughout his life and, significantly, voiced and advocated for the importance of service in the United States. We are eternally grateful to Senator McCain for championing the establishment of the Commission. He is a source of constant inspiration for all who serve and aspire to serve, and it is an honor to be part of his legacy. "Every day, people serve their neighbors and our nation in many different ways, from helping a child learn and easing the loneliness of those without a family to defending our freedom overseas. It is in this spirit of dedication to others and to our country that I believe service should be broadly and deeply encouraged." - Senator John McCain (R-AZ) ive Service System articipation Public vice Barriers Participation Young Barriers Selective Se Participation Yo Values Values Young Inspire Barriers N Needs Inspire Needs Participation Values Participation Young e P Servic Participation Young Selective Service System Inspire Barriers Americans Values Ne eeds ional Security Young Inspire Inspire tive Service System Values articipation Young Public Inspire rvice Needs Public Nat Selective Servi Young Inspire Participation Values Values Young Critical Skills National Security Nationa Military Selective Service Sys Values Participation n ublic Service Needs Participation Values Participation Inspire Service Needs Participation Young on Young Selective Service System Values Young Barriers Americans ers ional Security Values Public ervice Valuess Val Inspire ective Service System Participation Critical Skills National Security Nationa Needs Participation National Security Service S Participation Public Young Values Barriers Nation Selective Se Particip Values P