I think Frank and the rest of you are raising good ideas and concerns. It's exactly what the country ought to be doing from politician to citizens to get some results...discuss and put our collective thoughts out there and see if we can get a plan going after review and consideration of them because there are things to do, need to be done, and things that can get them done. Using the military has some merit to it if done properly and efficiently. Citizens can get more bang for their buck with these employees if that is done, and such employees can get additional pride, experience and training that benefits them and the country in the short and long term. For example, infrastructure is obviously an area in great need of improvement. Guess who has done good work there and could do more in such a hybrid use? The Army Corp of Engineers. There's some cracker jack types in there who have the abilities to do many good things, the tax payers helped them achieve that potential, and both them and the country can continue to harness that for everyone's benefit. They already do play key roles, e.g., United States Army Corps of Engineers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia There's plenty of people out there who want to work but have trouble finding it. Solution oriented people ought to see who can do what with them. How many road projects can unemployed concrete and pavers get put to work to do for example. What's the skills of white collar types and how and where can they be put to a task, etc.