Who will have to go if there is a draft?

Question

When I as in the Army in the 80s, a high school drop out with a criminal record could join. (not me btw, I was MI)

I liked this concept because it gave unprivileged persons that had made mistakes in life a chance for a career and education.

Now, they are not allowed... well since Reagan.

So, say today there was a draft, it appears to me all the 'rejects' would be sitting at home while the qualifying ones for a better society would be sent to war.

Do rules change during a draft or am I wrong?

Answer 1

They make exemptions during war. Can't pass the GED, no prob we'll make an exemption. Don't have a green card but speak Arabic, no problem, we'll make an exemption. I'm just assuming :)

Answer 2

Basically the rules go like this

18 or older

Male or Female now

high school graduate

No psychological or medical problems

No criminal background (Major ones will be felonies and they can still accept you with some misdemenors but it has to pass a certain time limit)

Thats the basic rules then it gets complex, but for the draft it would be simple.

Answer 3

I don't know how things will go these days (I hope we don't find out), but when I joined in 1966, at the height of the VN war, they took virtually anybody.
There was a guy in my unit who got caught stealing a transmission (as a civilian) and they told him that they'd drop it if he joined, so he joined. Kind of like blackmail in a way, I suppose.
It's ironic that we now supposedly have a "better" military as a result of the High School Diploma standard, and yet we still are witnessing (alleged) atrocities, much like we did in Viet Nam.
As a matter of fact, they gave us all Zippo lighters just before we left, with the battalion logo on them.
It's all so much like the movie "Catch 22."

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/deploymentsconflicts/a/draftprocess.htm

Answer 4

I think everyone would be on the draft unless they like murder people but then again it is hard to discuss because then people will say "oh murderers don't have to join the army but normal people like me do?" It is a real tough issue and truthfully the safest way is to go without a draft but I do understand your concern, people with a minor criminall record should be allowed to join. It is so hard to judge these things but I would have to say people need to make better choices so thatr they can suceed in life.

Answer 5

thats a catch 22 question... I know what you mean.. you want the dregs of earth to go serve, but then again.. Do you?.. Look at the scandle of abu grave prison... I think those soldiers were not of high standard material.. otherwise they wouldnt have done that.. If you put morons in service, they will do moronic things.. I feel the good outstanding men and women should serve and make your country proud.. They will honor you better. .. but having said this... I feel a good all around draft where it picks from all levels, creeds, backgrounds, race is a good fair mix and fair to all concerned.

Answer 6

I think draft might apply to men between 18-42 but I could be wrong

Answer 7

Rules change alright, Congress is overwhelmed with requests to cut funding and those who are of draftable status hold signs and chant on Pennyslvania Avenue. Bring on the Draft, it's probably the only applicable homegrown solution to end this occupation for oil.

Answer 8

Just fantasizing, of course. . . but wouldn't it be nice if only the children of those people who voted for a President who then starts a military action were to get drafted? Gosh, can't you just hear the Republican collective gasp?

Answer 9

I heard they was only going to draft 40 y.o. Blonds. That will show the Iraqi something.

Answer 10

Good question BM, Volunteer is the only way and Criminals should be able to join, Peace.