It seems that this is a growing possibility in the U.S. please voice your opinion.
2007-03-09 21:56:01 · 13 answers · asked by Massive_Ego 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The use of the word "forced" makes conscription sound as if it's your Constitutional right not to have to serve your country. We've used "conscription" since the Civil War and only stopped it, in the form of the "Draft", in the Presidency of Jimmy Carter. If I reword your question to read "Will conscription be reinstituted in the near future", I would answer that I sincerely hope not and there are a couple of reasons why. First is that, with the 'all volunteer' military that we now have, we get a much higher educated and motivated force than we obtained with the draft. Fortunately there are still a number of people who believe in things like Duty, Honor and service before self. Second, we reach our recruiting 'goals' every year from these volunteers. Granted, the goals are based on the size of the military the Congress authorizes. If Congress were to suddenly double the size of the military (try and imagine that, I can't), we would first fill the active force with the Reserves and recall many who had reached the end of their tours or retired. We would lower the standards for entry and, if that didn't provide enough, then, and only then might we resort to a draft. Yes, we are wearing out our forces faster than intended, but that goes back to the cuts in force strength that have happened because of various "peace dividends" over past administrations as well as the lack of acknowledgement that the world really is a dangerous place. Regardless, I can't see a return to the draft...and that is a good thing.
2007-03-09 22:33:33 · answer #1 · answered by twocheck6 2 · 4⤊ 3⤋
You talk about conscription as if it's a bad thing. If troops are needed and there aren't enough volunteers, conscription is necessary.
Look at it this way, we had conscription during WW2 even though we had many volunteers. Nobody complained much then.
You may disagree with the Iraq war. I disagree with the Iraq war. But serving when called by the government to do so is a civic duty.
With your citizenship (no matter what country you are in), you have certain rights and certain responsibilities. Naturalized citizens are fully aware of the responsibilities - when they get their citizenship they pledge to serve and support the (e.g.) United States during wartime as well as peacetime. People who are born there need to be reminded that citizenship is give and take. You accept your responsibilities along with your rights; you cannot simply choose to enjoy the rights that come with citizenship and refuse to bear your responsibilities.
2007-03-10 07:39:16 · answer #2 · answered by lesroys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is always a possibility. It has happened before but I think that at this time it would be political suicide for the draft to be reinstated. It would divide the country as it did during the Viet Nam years. Also, we are told there are enough new volunteers to avoid that. If so, why are the troops redeployed there over and over again? My heart goes out to them and their families.
2007-03-10 07:51:25 · answer #3 · answered by BekindtoAnimals22 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we are going to continue to Fight the Battles for other nations YES!
The Draft will have to be reinstituted. There are a lot of people willing to fight and risk LIFE & LIMB to Protect The United States of America
However if we are going to "Liberate" and install democracy in nations that are unwilling to fight for it themselves, we are not going to find a whole lot of willing Men & Women looking to risk thier lives for other Nations.
Just keep in mind that we have only had an all volunteer military for 30 years or so. The draft was used for the Vietnam War.
2007-03-10 06:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Ackmadia 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
What "growing possibility" are you speaking of?
That's the first time I've heard of that one.
No. There will be no conscription.
2007-03-10 06:04:52 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The only thing that will stop it is a revolution by Congress - which ain't likely.
2007-03-10 08:04:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully it will become a part of becoming a US Citizen for all, just like in Isreal. It would unify the nation if everyone was required to serve.
2007-03-10 06:04:31 · answer #7 · answered by daddyspanksalot 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
we need a draft system...evryone at 18 serves two years...no deferments..no dodging..you go in to the service or the jail..period
2007-03-10 06:41:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
No there are still brave men and women out there who take on the military as an honorable career.
2007-03-10 06:00:16 · answer #9 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 1⤊ 5⤋
No, democracy.
2007-03-10 07:02:11 · answer #10 · answered by Tropango 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋