Would you favor the draft to rebuild our armed forces?

Question

I think it would be a good idea, in my day we had an eight year obligation, either volunteer or be drafted, it taught a lot of people good morals and to be respectful of others and the meaning of discipline some of the things missing in a lot of todays youth.

Answer 1

Agree with this idea. As it is the only way to ensure we keep or ranks full.
but it will never come back as our counrty has lost its backbone.
We will try and fight a vidoe game war from here on out, no more massive ground troops
Agree 100% on the statement on respect it is sorely missed in todays youth.

Answer 2

The draft is still legal in the US (why do you think you have to register at 18), but with the present war in mind, a draft would only create another Vietnam. It would create more problems then it would be worth. Shoot, even in the wars that are historically considered "good" wars, WW2, WWI, and the Civil War there were troubles. In the World Wars fresh draftees ran into the best the Germans had and either got beat or at least took a heavy pounding. And in the Civil War there were actual RIOTS over the draft. While I think our volunteer system is not producing enough volunteers to make it possible for us to fight a war on the scale of WWII, I'm going to say that we aren't likely going to face a war of that scale, and the people who volunteer for the military are at least willing to go or at least know full well what they're getting into. Many times draftees do not.

Answer 3

A Draft? No way! I lived through the draft era. I spent 2 tours in Vietnam and just retired recently from the Army. The biggest complaint I had was that I was surrounded by people that had no desire to serve and lower education, while the elite in this country got draft deferments. For me, the volunteer force is far superior.

I would rather serve with few that want to be there than many who don't.

Much of the equipment used by our military has become very technical in nature and with a draft we are forced to accept people that do not meet the current standard for education, etc.

So I say no to the draft. It seems like the only people that want the draft are the ones that will not be affected by it... ethr they themselves are too old to worry about it and if oler, they don't have kids eligible for military service. Which one are you?

Answer 4

No. Others sacrificed their lives, for one, the freedom of choice, and the freedom to live in peace and harmony, at least within your own borders. When the draft was in place, it taught a lot of people good morals and respect who had learned no good morals or respect. Whose job is that? The parents. You shouldn't push that onto the military. Some teens in today's society come from a religious, conservative, right-wing family, and do learn morals. respect. ethics., etc. The youth that care about their future and know about what they can achieve will not join the army because that may abolish their entire future. The people who see themselves having no potential whatsoever or are so patriotic, humble, and committed, they're willing to die for their country, will do so, and we should respect their decisions. Why do we want them out of Iraq? They decided to risk their lives for a better living environment and for peace. If we stop now, their lost lives would be meaningless to the American people, and that, I say, is not moral.

Answer 5

I'd say no. I am very supportive of the military, and of our men and women involved in it. They're the best at what they do, and we're all safer for it. However, studies have shown that soldiers who are drafted or forced into service are, on average, pretty poor soldiers compared to their counterparts who volunteer. I figure, if the system works now, don't fix it if it ain't broke. I do think there are better ways to rebuild our army and still keep it at a volunteer force. There are thousands of Americans who would serve in the armed forces, and would make darn good members of the military, if there were better incentives to do that as opposed to going out and becoming a stock broker or doctor or what have you. We need to focus on better incentive packages for new recruits, as well as better packages for existing and former soldiers (the Walter Reed thing was disgraceful, they deserve a billion times better than what we were giving them). I think if we do that, we'll be just fine.

Good question though, I look forward to the other responses.

Answer 6

How would you considered a draft a good way to rebuild our armed forces? Its not needed. Also if someone doesn't want to be in the military they would be less likely to do what they are told. So no, I am not for a draft.

Answer 7

You say you had an eight year obligation, that has NEVER been the case in the US military. During WW ll draftees and all other personnel were 'in for the duration', with no stated time limit at all. I suspect you have never served at all, but that is not important. No, conscripted troops lack motivation and should only be used in very dire situations that we are no where near at present.

Answer 8

There was a similar question a few days ago and I am still sticking to my original answer. I do not think the draft would be a good idea because many people just plain and simple will not survive out there in the war. I know me for one would definately not survive a moment. Not because I am "lazy" or "don't support my troops", I just am not cut out for any military branch.

Answer 9

The draft would be a good thing, at least 2 years in the service. Maybe there wouldn't be so much trouble with the young people as we have to day.

Answer 10

While I see the points in your question I would have to say No. I was drafted in 1968 and at the time we needed bodies for the war but the current military is all voluntary and I like it just fine that way.