>>>Also, it may seem odd, but the only ethical case for mandatory government service is military.
>>>Not because of any high morality - but the very lowest morality - survival.
>>>And our present volunteer system is more ethical yet.
>>
>>Why is it called volunteer, and not mercenary?

Good point, the act is the same, just that we impute different motives.
I think mercenaries are motivated by large money and volunteers serve in spite of small money.

Anyhow, Pikman had it right - military conscription is always evil and sometimes necessary.
Conscription to "noble" causes is always evil and never necessary.