Should we bring back the draft?

Question

I'm a retired US Marine that is tired of the whining,complaining attitude of most American Kid's. The values we fought for seem to be forgotten. If we had the draft it would take pressure off of the volunteer's and put it on the upper class to change things. If the politicians kid's had to put on the uniform it may change things. Also if we had the draft we would be more prepared for the battle's we are going to have to fight! ie: Korea, China, etc.Our kid's need to learn some respect. Semper Fi Gunny Woodall (30 years retired) Your Welcome

Answer 1

I read the answers here and I am really amazed at how uninformed some people are. Does anyone really believe that if the USA had decided NOT to fight any war that we in the USA would have the life that we have now? Does anyone that answers this actually believe they have all the information necessary to make a decesion that would effect the whole country? Does anyone really believe that the media, newspapers, radio, tv, etc. have the information that our leaders have? The answers to all of the above questions must be NO. It is not a "love it or leave it" situation for the USA, but a be loyal to the USA. If you would consider going to Canada to avoid your duty as an American, then why stay and reap the benifits of being an American? Ah ha, take the benifits, but refuse to pay for them when the time may come. Makes me real proud of you. (Note the sarcasam dripping from my words there.

Answer 2

Gunney, due respect, but the little unmotivated peckerwoods would slow me down & get my folks killed. I'm just not that good. I can't watch every direction while aiming their weapons for them, telling them when to shoot, & correcting fire, all while actually doing my own job. I'm used to working with highly motivated dedicate squared away professionals that don't mess around. Those type a folks aren't going to sign up to serve next to losers. I don't want people in the active component or drilling with reserve/guard forces that don't want to be there. If you saw the news today we're having a great summer, record recuiting month, & are well beyond our year to date numbers for all services. I do think the public is taking everything for granted. If I had been Pres on 9/11 I'd have instituted rationing on certain war related resources (like gas), not so much because there is a shortage, but because peopel need to feel the shared sacrifice on some level to understand the gravity of this worldwide war.

What I think we ought to have is mandatory national service. At 18 you'd be required to do two years as a cop, teacher, fire fighter, peace corps, whatever... OR, go to basic conducted by your states national guard & AIT, then serve two years on the IRR list. Many of those folks will make the jomp to active or reserve/guard service - it's always the first step that stops them. Of course you could defer for school but would eventully have to serve when you get done.

Answer 3

We still have it, it's called "This economy sucks. no options after high school, gotta do something, don't wanna sell drugs. Better be all I can be." The ruling class figured out that if they jerk the economy around, they don't need a draft, and then they can use war to sell wartoys for the soldiers and make more money for themselves, just enough so they can move more of their factories to third world countries, **** up some more peoples lives, get more soldiers (or prisoners, but that's just the same phenomenon turned inward) and have another war. Which is why the time in between wars keeps getting shorter, the factories keep moving overseas, the rich keep getting richer (old money that is, the new just comes and goes), and the poor keep dieing for resources and market places.

Answer 4

Personally, I think it would be a mistake right now to bring back the draft. It's not necessary.... but every day I watch the news and notice yet another country seems to be on the verge of war. We're already at war in Afghanistan and Iraq... now there seems to be problems in N. Korea, Israel and Iran.
As the mother of 2 sons aged 20 and 22, I don't want to see my sons drafted. But if that were to happen.. so be it. I hope I never regret having said that, but I would be very proud of my sons if they were to serve their country... and I'm sure I wouldn't feel that way if they were to run to Canada to dodge the draft.
Thank you for all you've done Gunny!

Answer 5

What I think that ALL the kids needs to be in boot camp for at least a year. Wether or not that he/she should be in a war is the kid's choice. If we get the kids into boot camp I think that there would be a lot more respect towards other people, parents, and teachers.
I think that if a country was to threaten to go to war with us, they should come fight over here cause not only will they have to deal with the Army, but there are a lot of crazy Americans, who would'nt mind killing each other. So I think that the enemy country would be pretty much fighting every US citizen cause every home would most likely have a gun. Imagine them trying to take over the ghetto in a major city.

Answer 6

As someone enlisting into the service here shortly, I do not believe a Draft would be a wise choice.

You have to think about the morality issues if a draft were reinstated.

#1: Soldiers wouldn't want to be in that position, overall moral falls
#2: Less teamwork from those who don't want to be there, no matter the punishments given
#3: Many cases of awole (sp?)
#4: Many more death as there would be more careless soldiers

Also, do not blame the lack of respect and sense of children in the modern world on the lack of a draft. Blame it more or less on society and the childs upbringing. There is simply not enough room for disciplinary action anymore in todays society, such as in schools, etc.

Answer 7

I have to say that having a draft would be too extreme. Something more suited if a major war happens. However, I do believe that complusory military education and training should be implemented in the school system. Even though I am a teenager, I feel that others my age have low respect for adults, and perhaps some PT could get them into shape.

Answer 8

Well Gunny, A year ago I would say heck yeah, but since then I have been assigned to Recruiting duty. Sadley most of todays teenagers don't qualify to join due to drugs, civil envolvement and education. Opening the the draft will only corupt todays military. I am sure most would shape up if they had a good gunny to break them of there habits!!

Answer 9

So you think sending random kids off to war as opposed to people who signed up for it is a better solution. We shouldnt be getting into these rediculous wars in the first place. Who do you hear whining and complaining? The liberal hippies? If they run out of volunteers then maybe, you have a draft. If not, whats the point.

Answer 10

I agree, these kids don't know what it is to have respect for other people and what better way to learn than to have to go into the military. My husband was a marine and so was my oldest son. Semper Fi for them and Best Regards Gunny