Mandatory Union Service

The United Stars of the Galaxies is a limited Democracy, where only a Union Citizen can vote, interact or make demands upon the Government or receive benefits.

Originally an individual would become an Union Citizen automatically based upon their parents being Union Citizens, or by being a citizen of a society joining the Union. Due to a number of incidents, it was decided to put in place two basic conditions for Citizenship - Pass the Citizen's test (after completing the citizenship classes at a Union School), and complete a mandatory twenty-two months of Federal Service.

The reason for establishing the Mandatory Union Service can be summarized by the idea "The Responsibility to keep the Union safe from outside threats belongs to everyone."

The Mandatory Union Service can be performed in any of the following areas: In theory the mandatory service can be performed at any time after an individual passes the Citizen's test. Most individuals chose to start their service shortly after taking the test, since they only receive the full benefits of Union Citizenship after it's completion.
 * Any Branch United Stars Military (Including Local Defense Forces if they are part of the Federal Guard Association.)
 * Medical assistance at a Union Med Station.
 * Union School janitors or flier pilots.
 * Cargo handlers or janitors at Union Space Ports.
 * Entry positions at the Union Post Office (Those undergoing the Mandatory Union Service are not allowed to hold positions where they would directly handle the mail, but there are a number of positions available.)
 * Union Survey Services
 * Union Colony Bureau.
 * Union Ranger Service
 * Science Services
 * Border Patrol
 * Union Police and Law enforcement
 * Union Fire Department
 * Emergency Responder
 * Civil Defense
 * Union Corps of Engineers
 * There is also a number of other Federal and local community services that fulfill the Mandatory Union Service requirements.

In many cases the mandatory service provides educational credits for university or technical schools. It also can provide some of the funds needed for higher education as well as travel opportunities.

Due to the wide range of options, most individuals can find positions that fit their interests.

Exceptions
A number of societies have received an exception for the mandatory service granted by the Assembly, but in those cases members of that society that chose to live elsewhere have a predetermined time limit to start their service. Failure to do so means the loss of citizenship.