Gavin Newsom raises idea of mandatory national service

California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested Americans might be required to complete a period of national service of roughly six months to 18 months, and he did not outline whether that would include military service.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested requiring a period of national service in a taped interview, citing lengths from about six months to 18 months. He did not present a detailed plan or say the service would be limited to the military. The comments came as officials and military leaders are addressing recruitment shortfalls and broader questions about civic participation. Newsom has promoted other service efforts in California, including a mentoring initiative focused on young men. Key facts: - Newsom described possible service durations of roughly six months up to 18 months. - He did not outline a specific policy proposal or specify that service would be military-only. - The United States has used an all-volunteer military since 1973; men ages 18 to 25 are still required to register with the Selective Service. - Resuming a draft would require congressional authorization and a presidential order, and Congress kept infrastructure to restart a draft after 1973. - A bipartisan 2020 commission studied expanded service and rejected mandatory national service, recommending expansion of voluntary programs like AmeriCorps instead. Summary: Newsom’s remarks are likely to draw attention in political discussion and touch on ongoing debates about military recruitment and civic engagement. He did not indicate a formal campaign or policy plan tied to mandatory service. Undetermined at this time.