> I say 'lucky' but I was actually disappointed as I had planned to apply for the "cooperation" i.e. to be sent abroad for 1.5 years in a technical capacity. I

> I say 'lucky' but I was actually disappointed as I had planned to apply for the "cooperation" i.e. to be sent abroad for 1.5 years in a technical capacity. I've thought that implementing something along these lines in the US would be a fine idea. Everyone, male or female, going off for a couple years of either military training, domestic work (building trails, cleaning up after natural disasters), or international work (Peace Corps on steroids). As an earlier poster said, it'd mix people up across classes and geography. When you get out, you get $10k in your pocket and a plane ticket anywhere in the country. I'm way past 18 now but as the person proposing it, I'd be entirely willing to go take part :)