Why hasn't the military draft been reinstated?

Devil Dog '73

Volunteer military forces have always (as a group, not necessarily individuals) been more effective than conscripts. That's simple historical fact, and it doesn't mean that a draftee is any less of a soldier.
We have sufficient forces for the tasks at hand. I agree, that if we expand our armed conflicts, we may need reserve forces, but I don't believe we've reached a point yet were a draft is required.

I also support some compulsory service (be it military or civil service) to receive any government grants, benefits, etecetera (much like Selective Service enrollment is required before federal tuition assistance is available) of at least two years.

krystal

because if they instated the draft this country would go nuts. there are already so many people against the war, if there was a draft it would cause an even bigger resistance. i find it very sad that we live in a country full of a bunch of chickens who wont stand up for our country, wont risk their lives for our country, they just sit back here in the rear and complain about how things are being done. maybe if they tried serving our country, seeing what it is REALLY like over there, they would change thier mind and stop complaining. our country does not need a draft, it needs more people who are willing to fight for it.

SirEddieCook

When there is a true necessity, there will be a draft.

It's even worse than no draft, it is a tacit action that the people in Iraq who could easily win, aren't worth much dead.

The politicians and Ivy League breed we have are worse than animals.

sofmatty

great question. I take it you served, so your outlook on the draft is more patriotic than others. I too have served and still do, Every president since the end of the draft has been set by this same question, and you know politicians, they will say whatever to whoever to get the votes that keep themselves in power, reinstating the draft would bring up more issues that i hope our government is at least researching, now we have troops who volunteer for service, for one reason or another, Honor, Pride, Love Of Country, Commitment, Patriotism.
The draft worked before, and many of the draftees served honorably, while some abandoned our country only to be pardoned by the president. So basically we can still have a draft.
This time, no pardons just banishment and citizenship stripped away never to return, and if caught, put in a military prison. Serving ones country, especially a great country like ours is an honor, and a duty that i believe all men should do,

adphllps

The simple answer is that it would be polically unpopular. As this is generally percieved as a Republican war (and an incresingly unpopular one), it would be disasterous for the Republicans.
Simply put, the only reason this war was even tolerable is because the Americans dying volenteered to go into harm's way. Forcing people to fight a very likely unwinable war would be wrse than even Veitnam.

yellowbadmunster

Shock and Awe was more than a catch phrase that was heard at the start of the war. It was a concept adopted by Rumsfeld that the U.S. didn't need a large army. Just by displaying our high tech weaponry the enemy would surrender. Generals pleaded with the Secretary of Defense to incorporate more troops, but he stubbornly stuck to the shock and awe theory.
It failed, and our tech heavy budget has left us with a defense lacking in sufficient troops.

John H

The draft, if enacted, would not be effective. 40 years ago, this country saw thousands of its young men fleeing to Canada to avoid participation in that war. Eventually they were forgiven by a peace-loving President. But now the seed of resistance has been planted, there will never be a draft again.

If this nation can not raise enough volunteers to defend itself, then we have absolute proof that our society is too sick to survive. I will fight any and every attempt to start up any new system of conscription.

I do feel that as citizens and voters, we do have the responsibility to elect only those who have served, to national office. Whatever the party, vote for the Veteran first.

http://www.hendrixcampaign.com

Tony NY

Octopus Guy ... Man, you are 100% correct!!! Additionally, I whole-heartedly agree with you. I feel that too many are relaxing on the sidelines waiting/hoping that someone else will carry their load, so to speak. If this situation continues for too long, although it might not hurt us severely now, sooner or later the draft will have to be revived ... or it will be the beginning of the end for us.

MikeGolf

We do not have a draft because having a draft would reduce the effectiveness of the military.

If you pay close attention you would notice that the 'lowering' of standards is much exaggerated.

The fact is that the factors limiting a rapid increase in the size of the armed forces have more to do with building new barracks and training areas as well as the time it takes to form and equip new units - than with any supposed recruiting problems.

BTW - if we were to implement a draft then the US military would have to 'dumb down' all of its manuals and references so as to be understandable by your typical 18 year old.

crimson.spear

First of all, will you be joining up?

It seems from your answer that you want to, but hesitant about it. You should if you really think that way. Or maybe you already did...

I will. Oo-rah! Semper Fi!

To answer your question, the majority of politicians now in Congress are a bunch of asses (get it?) and they were voted to power through a DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, mainly to pull the troops out of Iraq because the American public does not like to look upon bodybags of their fellow countrymen they never met.

Amercans take great pride in having an all-volunteer force - meaning that everybody who is in the armed forces are there willingly. Those Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen are there because they want to be there.Making a draft will prove both demoralizing for our troops, because people don't trust them the job they set out to accomplish and will show how the United States is weak to her enemies.

I suggest you go to your local library or bookstore and research more on the subject. I suggest, if you go to the library, to look at the books in the 970.00s Dewey decimal system. They got some really good books where I live.

jacobeddyfinch

I don't think we are short as you think, I got kicked out of Air Force boot camp and they kicked a lot of other people out at the same time as me.

W W D

I disagree. That two-year draftees didn't have the experience and training of volunteers with longer commitments is hardly an insult, only math. And the time-line is all wrong. I'd personally be happy with an expansion as has been announced, or a bit more aggressive, which doesn't require conscription. Add on universal service for an extra layer (perhaps to do what the Guard used to do when they weren't being federalized left and right), and you'd hear no gripes from me. I did my time in uniform, and I don't think it would be bad for a lot of kids. But it really isn't needed, if Uncle Sugar can get his act together.

artysldr

I partially agree with you and partially disagree. I agree that we're stretched thin for one, and two, I don't think a draft would lower the quality of our Army/armed forces. It's proved effective in the past. However, I disagree that it makes no sense to have one. Most of our politicians are trying to end this war - so it makes sense that they would NOT initiate a draft for fear this would prolong the war, or even make them seem supportive of it, rather than trying to end it. I doubt a draft is in the near future. However, I do know of those in the IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve) that have been called up, even years after their years of active service have gone by.

Phil

Middle & Upper Class will never allow another draft. Who runs the country? That's exactly right... those in the middle & upper class, so it won't happen. They won't send their children to war. Also, if the draft is reinstated, this time it would HAVE to include females. So this is another reason I believe it will never happen.

hannel19

remember the last draft. i believe vietnam may have been a pretty good reason. public support is already low and instating a draft would be suicide for bush.

Be-hive Baaaby

Because its Miller Time -

Got Shoes?

For what? Iraq?

We should cut our loses and bring our troops home. There's no good solution to the Iraq problem. It will go bad no matter what we do.

cork

bushy and cheney afraid they will get drafted.
Should never declare any war without draft.

Citizen DeCat

No. The answer is to not send the troops to illegal, immoral wars. Stay at home, and stop trying to interfere with other countries. Mind your own damn business.

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