To quote wikipedia, "the challenges of the Great Depression brought about large-scale, government-sponsored work programs to help rehabilitate the economy. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps, Public Works Administration, Works Progress Administration, and other agencies provided employment opportunities for millions of Americans while they performed a type of National Service. The results of these programs created most of America’s modern infrastructure."
Today there is Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and various other non-military service options, but none are on par with military service, when we need help at home first.
We petition the Obama administration to revive national service institutes to create more jobs and enhance our failing infrastructure.