Talks Of Military Draft Reinstitution

Recently there has been much talk about brining back the military draft. Some argue that the heavy commitments in the Middle East (war with Iraq and Afghanistan) along with our support of NATO commitments such as Bosnia, Korea and others that a return to the draft is imminent.

Take a look at Yahoo News and you will see there are as many different opinions about the draft as there are any other political topic.

I personally tend to agree with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld.

Many from the President on down the military chain of command have stated on numerous occasions that our all-volunteer military is the best in the world. This makes perfect sense. An all-volunteer force is bound to be far more effective than a force that is largely made up of people who don't want to be there. Look how well the draft worked in Vietnam.

From the inside. Currently the Air Force is cutting several thousand people from its numbers. That's right they are downsizing. This downsizing is taking place across the board. I know of two people, personally, that have been granted an early out from "critically manned" career fields. One is a Combat Arms Instructor, like myself and the other is a Security Forces member. If we are downsizing internally, why is there talk of a draft. This doesn't make sense does it?

I personally think that all able bodied people who are physically fit enough to do the job should serve in some way, but I also believe that it should be the individuals choice. A draft would only brew bad blood. Are we ready to have a military similar to that of the Vietnam Era? Now, before any Vets get angry, I salute you. I am simply referring to the large number of troops that were more of a burden than a help.

A draft should clearly be a last resort, and I think it should only occur if we fight a war on our own soil!

Posted by SlagleRock at April 24, 2004 01:24 PM