I don't believe that we need mandatory military service. Our military, through volunteers, are in my opinion the best in the world. However, if we were to implement a mandatory 2 year military service for individuals; then we basically make them infantry and security police type jobs. These jobs only require a few weeks of training. Even basic admin jobs only require about 6 weeks of "technical School". There are plenty of jobs in the military that can be done without a lot of expensive training.
As for the "Mom" thing, that is definitely a touchy subject. Usually those parents who don't want their kids to join the military, have instilled this attitude in them for many years. Most of these kids don't join the military. Of those that do, it's either to get the hell away from mom/dad, or because they have nothing else as an option. I speak here mainly of the enlisted force. The Academies/ROTC is usually because the individual truly wants it. Sometimes the cadet is there because their parents want it, but that isn't part of the "Mom Thing" we are talking about. So, with an 18 year old applying and getting accepted to the academy/ROTC scholarship, with a Mom that isn't thrilled about it, what do you do? Well, that is totally up to the cadet. What's important to note is that once the individual becomes a cadet, mom and dad have absolutely NO MORE SAY SO. So now it's just a matter of what type of relationship you want with your parents.
When I joined the military, I was 17 years old. Like many cadets today. I had grades and desire to go to college, but my parents made it quite clear that they couldn't help me in any way, shape, or form with college. And scholarships, loans, etc... were not quite as available in the 70's as they are now. But I always wanted to be in the military. And to be totally honest, the military academies was never told to me as an option back in 1977-1978. Matter of fact, I never knew of anyone who had ever gone to a military academy. And I only lived 96 miles from West Point, 195 miles from Annapolis. Point was, I told my mom that she WOULD SIGN the papers. If she didn't, I would wait the 4 months after graduating high school and when I turned 18 I would do it on my own. The difference being, if she SIGNED the papers, I would still be her son. If I had to wait and do it myself, then our relationship would be pretty much over. (Yes, I was a prick). Point is, I understood her concerns and unwillingness. He brother died in Vietnam, her uncle died in Korea, another cousin died around 1962 (Not sure what military involvement that was). Point is, I understood her concerns. She made a deal with me. She'd sign, but not for the army or marines. Only Navy or air force. Well, considering I wanted air force 100%, that was fine. And of course she was less stressed. (Until of course she heard about involvements in Grenada, Libya, panama, etc..) But after a couple of years in, she pretty much accepted that I was now an adult and that was that.
I think that is the hardest part for the "Mom Thing". Until they're 18, they are 100% full time their parent's kids. The parent EXPECTS that from 18-22, that the child will be 50% their kid and 50% independent college student; or learning to live on their own with their own job, etc... But military service is different. All in one day, they go from 100% mom and dad's kid to 100% responsible for their own actions, and mom and dad have absolutely NO SAY SO WHATSOEVER!!!! The academy is a little easier, because the cadet comes home at christmas, spring break, summer vacation, etc... It's Sort of like college. But I can't tell you how many cadet parents think they have every right to march their butt down to the academy and express their concerns. Or call the academy up on the phone and demand their rights. I have to tell these people: "You have NO RIGHTS!!!!". ANYTHING you get from the military concerning your child, is privileged information that YOUR CHILD HAS ALLOWED YOU TO HAVE. Kind of sucks when a parent has to ASK THEIR CHILD FOR PERMISSION. Anyway; I definitely understand the mom/dad thing. I will always be concerned for my son and daughter. But I remember when it was me, so I know enough to back off and let my son and daughter do whatever it is they're going to do.