The Draft in the News
The nation’s top military advisor, Army Lt Gen Douglas Lute, has announced that a reinstatement of the military draft is worth considering.
Lute also said that President Bush’s position is the all volunteer military meets the needs of the country and there is no current discussion of a draft.
Nonetheless, Lute feels frequent tours of duty to the middle east have overstressed our existing all-volunteer military force – and augmentation could be an option.
As a mother, and as a citizen, this terrifies me.
Selective Service Details
The draft was abolished by President Nixon in 1972, with selective service registration the only remaining requirement for America’s young men.
In the US, all men must register for selective service when they turn 18. This puts them into a pool that may be used if a military draft is ever authorized.
The Selective Service website emphasizes that registration is required by law. A man who fails to register may, if prosecuted and convicted, face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years.
In addition, men who fail to register are ineligible for federal student aid, federal job training, federal jobs or citizenship.
The site indicates that, ironically, illegal aliens are supposed to register. A recent news article, however, states that the:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also postponed deportation of immigrants on active duty until they are discharged.
How generous of them. Illegal aliens have no other benefits and in fact would be deported if caught – but they’re supposed to register to be drafted and fight for the U.S., until they are discharged and then deported. Can we say “cannon fodder”?
Resident visa holders are also required to register, while temporary or diplomatic visa holders are not.
My Feelings
I have 18 year old and 15 year old sons, respectively. The 18 year old has registered, although he would possibly be found medically ineligible (epilepsy).
In my opinion, their decision whether or not to serve in the military should be a personal and deliberate one.
When an enlistee takes an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”, he or she needs to mean it.
It would be different if this were World War II and our nation was under active and ongoing attack from a legitimate foreign power. Everyone has a different level of obligation to support the country then!
In today’s military, which I believe has become more of an international peacekeeping force than a national defense entity, enlistment ought to be voluntary.
I know my older son is anti-military and pacifist. It’s not a belief system I share – I come from a family with a long history of decorated military service – but I have to respect it. He’s not putting on that uniform unless they drag him, kicking and screaming.
My younger son doesn’t have a position yet. I’ve actually encouraged him to consider the Coast Guard, as he loves boats and technology and would be able to work with both in that arm of the service.
Political Concern
I am sad that our valuable military is so overextended, young soldiers must serve repeated tours in the Middle East, and stop-loss measures prevent them from resigning at the end of their term.
When our government is faced with a budget shortfall, all too often the answer is “tax and spend more” rather than eliminating waste and spending less. Now we’re faced with a military resource shortfall and the answer is the same. Draft and send more, rather than eliminating waste and sending fewer troops overseas.
I don’t think that adding a draft to the mix would help matters, rather, I am afraid it would inflame the situation. I’d like to think that Americans would be opposed to the concept – but I’m not sure the everyday citizen voter would have any input into that decision.
