Question for those aged 18-37, if the military draft were re-instated, would you serve if called?

Question

Local newspaper asked some college students what they would do if drafted into the military. Almost to a person they said they would not serve. One even went so far as to say that although the United States was a great country it wasn't worth fighting for!!! Hundreds of thouands (if not millions) of men and women have given their lives in conflicts that helped make the United States the country it is today (the Bush years notwithstanding). Has it gotten to the point that the youth of this country don't realize the sacrifice that must and has been made so that they can enjoy the life they do now? So was that young person right....is the United States not worth fighting for? Or would you serve if drafted and maybe give up your life in defense of your country? (FYI...I was in the US Army...1969-1972...Viet Nam war vet)

Answer 1

Dear Sir,
Since you were so kind to answer my question, i will gladly answer yours. My family history goes back to the mayflower. I am a 14th generation American. My family has fought in every single war since the American revolution. Most youth, view this country as a place of safe keeping, some their country, but there really is no meaning behind that. Many nowadays are immigrants who have more loyalty to their homeland, and rightfully so. So there is no sense of pride for their country they now live in, couple that with the pre- 1960's generation growing up and raising kids who were taught from day 1 to hate this country because we fought in wars that were not justified in societies eyes and you can get a picture as to why there is no more pride in SOME of todays youth. Add in George W. Bush's plan for operation iraqi freedom, and you can see how the media has turned it into a war that we simply cannot win over there. That is just one aspect of todays population.... However, to get back to the basic structure of your question, There are more people who do not hide behind the flag and and use coward statements towards the land that has provided so much for them. Largely, because of the men who have fought to protect those inalienable rights "they think they have". People mock and desecrate this country because they think it is their god given right, when infact many 18yr old boys 85,60,50 and 30 yrs ago had to give their lives to protect what they cherished most back home. Any Man that would not protect their country for political reasons deamed "worthy" is not a man, and belongs in canada or mexico. Because this is in fact the land of the Free and home to ONLY the brave. Cowards are welcome to other countries, and it is such a shame that many men have died for cowards in this country, only to mock them for their efforts. In essence sir, there still is pride within the US, You may not see it everyday, but we are there, we are strong, and we have numbers. And if that day ever did come, that my homeland was invaded, my loved ones in harm, or my family in danger, I would fight to the death, and i know millions like me would also.
But to go over to Iraq, is not in my best interest. My family is not in harms way, my homeland is not vulnerable to invasion from Iraqi's, so i would not volunteer to go to Iraq, and i don't blame anyone for not wanting to go, not for those two-faced SOB's over there. They are certainly not worth dying for. I respect the fact that you were in Vietnam, i know many men were faced with a decision when draft time came, either to flee to another country or go where your country has called you to go. But know this sir, as you age, pride for the united states is not diminishing, peoples moral might, but pride is forever. There are millions from California, to Massachusetts, that take pride in the USA and if ever called would fight for their home, their pride, their Vets, and their history. There will always be hecklers who talk trash, but don't let that bother you, because the majority is a sleeping giant, while the minority talking trash is a roaring mouse, and if the day ever came, the giant would be awoken. The United States is my home, it is the home to Millions of people who have also made the sacrifice to make it here. As the hecklers age, they will become more wise, and understand what its all about, until then shrug them off, and sleep tight, because there are millions out there who take pride in this land....god bless

Answer 2

The level of skill in the all volunteer Army is ever increasing. This is a tremendous plus to the all volunteer Army of today in the USA. Thier are advantages to a draft along the lines of the Isrealy style Army. Everyone becomes part of the Military for a set period of time (2-3 years). After that , effectively everyone is part of a nation wide reserve force which can be called upon if needed. I woudl support the concept of a draft IF it were done in a manner where EVERYONE served 2-3 years between the ages of 18-27 with no exceptions. The moment you enter exceptions into the fray, it does not work. I would also stress that it would be irreguardless of sex --- Both men and women would have to serve. It would be a very big change for the people of America to undergo, but I think it would be a good change in the long run. Many in America do not understand the Military way of doing things. This would change all of that. Everyone would be in the Military equally. Some would choose to stay in the military, many would choose to enter civilian life after their years of service were complete. Either way, their would be an understanding which is lacking in the American Society of Military life. This is just my opinion.

Answer 3

Though, I can empathize with you and your concern! The kids between 18-30 have no -clue as to the Draft. They think of it as our country telling them What to Do! They like that ability to choose. They do not see it honorably, because I believe to them the draft is not about sacrifice but simply put "NOT There WAY!" The only ones that would see the draft as a good thing or a policy to help America would be those young adults who have lived a military life. I believe the draft should be done for at least the next 5-6 years to build up our Military in sum form or another.

Answer 4

Should they decide to reinstate the draft I would show up the next business day at the recruiters office and ask when i after going through the proper testing procedures would be getting shipped to boot camp and the front lines of the war. congrats on your great service for this country I wish more of my Friends and coworkers in my age group 18-25 shared my opinion on this subject.
My family linage participated in all but 2 of the wars that have taken place since the revolution that broke America the great from the rule of Great Britain. Both times that my family line missed was due to age restriction's that prevented them from serving being either too young or old and being unable to hide the fact from the recruiter. I was told by my family historian that one of my relatives participated in the Paul Revere Ride even the war in Iraq and Afghanistan right now My cousin on my dad's side served 2-3 tours of duty over there.

Answer 5

HAHA ok so i might be a little bias towards this as being a soldier of the US ARMY myself however if i wasnt a soldier i would say yes i would fi your country calls your name for help then it is your duty as an American (if that is your nationality) to go and fight personally i think everyone should at leats attempt to go into the army for at least 4 yrs jsut so you can say you didnt sit around and complain about everything that was goin on instead of getin up and doin sumtin about it but hey thats jsut my oppinion.....BTW (by the way) GREAT QUESTION

Answer 6

I don't think you get to choose to go or stay when you get drafted. It's not gov asking 'will you serve?' Draft means you've been 'selected'. Either you go or go to jail. I'm naturalized citizen and elligible for draft. I'm not going to try to figure out some wacky scheme to get out of it if I'm called. And the draft machine test is scheduled for 2009. I may be too old if real one takes place(who knows when 2010? 2020?), but I'll go anyways if I'm 39 or 59.

Answer 7

i am in college and have my whole life in front of me but if the time came to where my country needed me i would be there on the call. i almost joined the marines but it just wasnt the path for me. if they did reinstate the draft in an emergency i would go and fight for my country and make my parents and family proud

Answer 8

I would gladly fight to defend this country.

I will not go to fight and oppress another country, especially if the leader can't give a clear reason why we are doing that.

Answer 9

Depends on the reasons why we go to war.

I wouldn't have any problem not serving if our leader ran and didn't serve either. He should not persecute those that refuse to serve if he did so himself.

Answer 10

definitely i reckon id do a better job of killing the sand crabs than bush ever could and Howard is just bushes lap ***** BRING BACK THE DRAFT................send ME to WAR dare ya lol