Overview
- On Dec. 29, the eight-time NBA All-Star posted on X that the president should require a year of service for everyone born in America, arguing it would build discipline and structure.
- Howard followed up by writing that “everyone should do a year” and by favoring military service over customer-service roles, saying it would teach proper firearms handling and strengthen respect.
- Replies were largely critical, with many calling the idea hypocritical because Howard never served and is beyond typical enlistment age, though supporters included Ben Baller and Sage Steele.
- After sharing a photo of himself in military gear, Howard acknowledged it was taken during a 2023 reality show that simulated Special Forces training, fueling further criticism of his stance.
- Coverage highlighted countries with compulsory service such as South Korea, Finland, and Israel, and noted Howard’s 2025 Hall of Fame induction and overseas play, with no policy action reported.