Rob Schneider, the actor and comedian known for his roles in films such as 'Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo', has called for the United States to restore the military draft for young people. In a post on X, Schneider argued that compulsory military service would teach young Americans about the value of their country's freedoms and opportunities.
Schneider, who has never served in the military, proposed that every American at age 18 should serve two years in the military, with an option to serve part of that time overseas or in a volunteer capacity. He claimed that such service would unite young people regardless of race, creed, or religion and instill discipline that universities currently fail to provide.
The actor's comments come amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, though the White House has stated that reinstating the draft is not part of the current plan. The US last had an active draft in 1972 during the Vietnam War, though male citizens aged 18-25 are still required to register with the Selective Service System.
Schneider, who converted to Catholicism in 2023 and endorsed Donald Trump after Robert F Kennedy Jr withdrew from the presidential race, has also expressed vaccine scepticism. His call for a draft has sparked debate, with conscription currently in place in 79 countries including Russia, Brazil, and South Korea.
