Congressman Rangel's proposed mandatory military service (18 - 42), what do you think?

Question

My congressman, US Rep Charles Rangel (D - 16th District, NY) hs proposed a new military draft. He has proposed that every man and woman in this country between 18 and 42 be subject to a draft for either military service or community service. Women would be draftable just like men and college students would not be exempt from being conscripted.

What do you think of Rangel's proposed draft?

Do you think America needs a draftee army to handle it's wars in the Middle East and it's struggle against al-Qaeda?

If you were drafted, would you report for duty, or would you try and evade military service?

Answer 1

I am for it. I feel that asking only 0.5% of your populace to protect the country (which is what we're doing right now) isn't right. Furthermore, the argument that we have the best military because it is all volunteer is absurd. Our military was a draftee military for most of our large wars, and it performed exceptionally. The other argument I hear is that our military today is too high tech and sophisticated, so we need smarter people. Bull. I drove forklifts my first 3 years in, and that takes zero brain power. When I moved into a job that used computers, the equipment and software was 10 years behind the civilian market, which might as well make it 100 years behind in technological terms. The real reason the military doesn't want draftees is that a) more people at home are affected, and so follow conflicts more closely, b) The draftees themselves are more willing to question stupid orders, and c) support for an unnecessary war drops even more quickly when there is a draft in place. On the other hand, if we had a draft we would have had enough troops to win it. The conservative achitects of the "surge" wanted 50,000 extra troops, and at least 30,000 at a bare minimum. Yet the administration can only scrounge together 20,000? Come on. Even the designers of this strategy have got to be shaking their heads.

Answer 2

Actually being in Rangel's district, you should know that he has a very good sense of humor. And when Hugo Chavez condemned President Bush at the UN, it was Rangel who said neither Chavez nor any other president can come to the United States "and think because we have a problem with our president" that they can denigrate the president and Americans will not be offended.

In the instance of mandatory military service, it's an issue that will not be really considered until the situation is far worse. If we did have a draft now, there would probably be greater opposition to the Iraq war, but for the most part, while they have had to lower their standards to meet the enlistment quotas, most branches of the military are keeping up with the necessary enlistments required to maintain their readiness.

Answer 3

In a way I'm for it. Not so much for the reason Rangel wants it though. Right now, I get the feeling that so many people take this country for granted. Although we all have an equal stake in this country (and I don't just mean the war), we don't all contribute the same.

I believe that we have the greatest government in the world (system, not always the people). But too many don't understand the sacrifices is takes to keep us great.

Even if it isn't military service, I think mandatory civic particpation would be good.

However, part of our freedom allows us to keep on taking and not give back. I think we'll just have to do it through education.

Answer 4

If this were adopted, we would be getting out of Iraq very quickly. When you add to the mix of many 1000's of more family's being directly affected by this war, the outcry would shut the whole thing down.The draft did eventually shut down Vietnam. The last 2 people who would want a draft are Bush & Cheney. They will just keep redeploying the ones we have now.

Answer 5

I don't think that would be a very popular form of the draft.As you know every male must register at age 18 already.I am not sure whether a draft is necessary or not at this point but it may be in the future.
If I were drafted I would go.I am past the age limit even in Rangle's draft though.

Answer 6

I think if the current trend continues a draft may be forced upon us at some point. I believe that Congressman Rangel's proposed mandatory military service is meant more for symbolism than context. He is just trying to make a point.

Answer 7

you have got a different concept in case you had teenage sons who have been sturdy tricky working responsible teenagers who on no account brought about absolutely everyone a project. i think of those they might desire to deliver, male or lady are those that reason the hassle, that would desire to end a number of them. sturdy teenagers have a uncooked deal these days as that's, the undesirable teenagers get the college journeys and each and all of the help interior the international. If there undesirable........sign em up! Thank God we do have brave women and men human beings who combat for this united states in spite of notwithstanding if or not they suspect interior the conflict, yet dont tension human beings into scuffling with. My cousin is in Basra with the British military on the 2d, he believes compelled conscription is risky.

Answer 8

I think Rangel was politicking. How many times has he thrown that out there now?

I think the idea is his way of undermining support for the war. Further, I think that if the Democrats support a draft, they are committing political suicide.

The military does not want a draft and say they do not need a draft. But if I were drafted, I'd go. It's a civic duty.

Answer 9

1st, those responsible for recruiting & maintaining an army don't want a draft. 2nd I'm WAY to old. 3rd, I don't think the army really wants a bunch of 40 yr olds in boot camp. 4th, I think that Rangel is the only person in the US govt who wants this. That tells me something. As little regard as I have for politicians, even I don't think that 434 representatives & 100 senators can be wrong on the same issue at the same time.

Answer 10

I'm gay. They don't want me.

Rangel doesn't support the ban on gays in the military. But if he proposed also to lift that ban, will he succeed in getting openly gay people drafted too?