Why does the USA not have compulsory military service?

Question

If the USA is truly involved in a war for freedom and liberty, shouldnt all Americans be required to serve in the military?

Answer 1

Yes , If we had a draft I don't believe we would have invaded Iraq . Congress got rid of the draft after Vietnam .

Answer 2

First of all by definition a draft army is not a professional army. Less experience, less motivation etc... Professional armies are better able to accomplish military objective with a reduced cost of lives. Just look at the casualty figures from WWI and you will see that the more "Professional" a unit became (as they experienced combat) the fewer casualties it took. This type of OJT has a high cost in lives and is avoided by having a professional army.

A draft army is an abridgement of personal freedom and only justified if and when the country is under threat of destruction (see WWII, WWI, Civil War).

The current system did not arise from the Supreme Court declaring the draft illegal, nor did it come from congress. It was the combined request from the services that was the initiative for the all volunteer system.

The all volunteer system has produced the best Army in history. Re-Enlistments throughout the war have remained high (60 to 80% of those eligible) and enlistments have met and exceeded the targeted levels. Quality has also remained high as you can see from the attachments so why should we change?

Those who serve in the military are the elite of America's youth and should be recognized as such. Don't believe me? Join them and find out.

Answer 3

Well if Congress decided that the size of the US military needed to be dramaticly increased.

They might decide on that.

But having compulsory military service for just 2 years,

Would result in the US military having over 6 million members.

Not the 1.4 million we have today.

And thats only if it was compulsory military service for males only.

If females also had it, the military would have over 12 million members.

I don't really see the need for a 6 million or 12 million person miliitary.

Do you ?

How did I come up with these numbers ?

According to the US Census,

There are 2.5 million male 18 year olds
There are 2.5 million male 19 year olds

Thats 5 million, it would take about another million to have enough leadership to train, house, feed and lead 5 million conscripts.

The US Census also says there are about 2.5 million 18 year old females and 2.5 million 19 year old females.

Answer 4

The draft during the Viet Nam Police Action established that compulsory military service doesn't work. However, there has been several attempts at compulsory service of some type for all citizens of the USA. But it hasn't gotten past the talk and balk stage.

Answer 5

No, because Americans value personal freedom. That's why soldiers get compensation for joining the military.

Besides, not all Americans agree that the war is about liberating the Iraqi people.

Answer 6

You already stated why we don't have conscripted military service. Freedom and liberty. We have the freedom to choose whether we join the military or not. Many other countries require their citizens to serve 2 years. The closest thing we had to conscripted service was the draft, it was deemed unconstitutional by requiring military service and that only men were required to register. All US citizen males are required to register with Selective Service at age 18, should the US government decide that reinstituting the Draft be necessary. We also opt to exercise our right to openly disagree and criticize our government if they are not fulfilling the duties of their positions to the satisfaction of the public.

Answer 7

All Americans serving in the military? Would you want your grandmother fighting a war? ... your sister? ... your wife?

The USA went 'all voluntary' due to public pressure after the Viet Nam war... '... of, by and for, the people ...'
This country got where it is by the vote of the people (if you don't count the fixed election in Florida that put Bush Jr in office)... Enough folks vote and you can change things. So, get out and vote if you want things to be different than they are.

Meanwhile, why aren't YOU out fighting this war instead of complaining others are not...?

Answer 8

I think a compulsory military service would be one of the best things for the rest of the world (not including the US)...

I bet the US government would spend way more time thinking about a military action before sending THEIR sons and daughters overseas...

ps: if the military is the only option to get a job... how 'voluntary' is the service?

Answer 9

The main reason is that liberal democrats are too cowardly to serve in the military, so they won't vote for universal compulsory service. Democrats also resent those of us who do have the courage to serve, so they try to take away military benefits and military retired benefits every chance they have. Just look at Reid and Pelosi. Both are traitors to the US.

Answer 10

No. We believe in an all volunteer military service. We found out the hard way with the draft that people who fight for something they consider immoral and wrong don't fight well at all. Not to knock the vet's who were drafted and served, but we learned that it should have been their choice, not the governments.

Answer 11

America is all about freedom and liberty. To force someone to join the military and, if need be, to kill, removes all freedom of choice. Freedom is what America is all about.... at least it supposed to be.