If we go to war with North Korea, would the draft be reinstated?

Question

First of all let me state, I'm not THAT niave, I know it is very unlikely, and NK is "all talk".

BUT if a war were to happen between us, would the US draft need to be reinstated? North Korea has the world's 4th largest military, and although the US would win of course, my understanding is they aren't pushovers militarily.

Answer 1

First of all we already have the draft. It's called Selective Service where all men that turn 18 have to sign a form and send it to the gov. It's not a formal draft but it is the first step. Secondly, If we were not wasting time in Iraq we would be in a much better position Militarily and financialy to go to war with the PRNK.
Third, alot of our fighting would be from the air with bombing and cruise missles. Lastly, It depends on how the initial stages of the war progressed. If China got involved well then you are talking WW3 and yes you would need a draft.

Answer 2

Were a war between the USA and NoKor to begin...the main locus of action will most likely be in South Korea...so technically the USA will not be alone in this war and can expect allies (especially with the maniacal missile rattling the NoKors have been doing now). The land armoured might of the USA, and the Navy and Air Force's firepower plus the impressive forces of the South Koreans and possibly the Japanese and others can in time put down the NoKor's large yet poorly armed and equipped forces. However occupation is a different accord altogether...and if the North Koreans will support their dictator then perhaps draft will be needed. If the Chinese do a repeat performance and support the North Koreans as they did back in the 1950s then the draft will be an imperative for the USA to win. Politically a draft may only be necessary if the war happens after Bush steps down, cause seriously Iraq has already mandated a draft cause USA forces are very stretched around the World and in Iraq, but probably he aint doing it so it wont look like Vietnam again.

Answer 3

No, there would be no need for a draft. The idea that our military is spread exceeding thin is really dramatically overstated. Also consider that other countries and their military would have even more of a reason to disarm NK, such as Japan and South Korea, because of their location. Therefore when you add in the forces of their armies, and toss in a possible Australia, then we are overwhelmingly enough. The question really would be does China or Russia jump into the fray on Nk side. That could change everything, and probably make it a WWIII. But that is way ahead of ourselves.

Answer 4

I don't believe so. As I see it there are only two possibilities: either a conventional war which we are well equipped to deal with both in equipment and manpower, or an all out multi-national nuclear exchange which would leave no one to draft. I don't see much room for a middle ground here. For geopolitical reasons I don't see a limited nuclear possibility.

P.S. Just an afterthought. I believe our all-volunteer military is doing a fantastic job. They are patriots in the truest sense of the word. Why mess it up with people who wouldn't volunteer on their own. I know in past wars we had the draft and we were able to create an effective military from a large number of draftees, but I think times have changed...people are not the same. I think the best of us have already volunteered.

Answer 5

No, as long as it stays a war between the US and the North Korea. Which will evolve into a war between The US, UK, Israel, perhaps even Russia (they hate NK just as much as us) vs. North Korea being badgered by China to stop. Yeeeesssss, despite their military strength, China doesn't like war, and wouldn't want to oppose its economic dependent, the US

Answer 6

Could very well be. We have already fought them from 1950-53,
plus during the Cold War. This time though, China is MUCH
richer and stronger, and they would like the opportunity to challenge us militarily (once again) on the world stage, in MHO.
We do not have the wealth or manpower anymore to fight such
a war, and would be drained by it. What "pushover". These are
nukes, guy!

Answer 7

I don't think North Korea is ALL TALK. Have you not read history? We very well could go to war with them.

I don't think the draft would be reinstated at first. But if things turn for the waorst, then yes.

Answer 8

Iraq had the worlds forth largest military when we attacked them the first time. It took all of 30 days of bombing to completely destroy the countries infrastucture. Without roads, bridges, communications, airports, etc, the fourth largest military in the world is greatly weakened. The do not have the air power to defend against the US air attack.

North Korea is no threat to the US. We have no reason to attack them.

Answer 9

We won't go to war with N. Korea. Right now we are spread to thinly militarily. I doubt that there would be a draft, but it's not like it couldn't happen.

Answer 10

yes I believe the draft would be instated, but in a war with North Korea we would wipe the floor with them. Last time we fought was a long time ago, since then our nation has become hundreds of times stronger while they've just starved and barley made it by with our spare bags of rice we throw them