Don't you agree that having a draft for America's military would not only be stupid but also unnecessary?

Question

If America were really threatened, and really under attack we we would have no problem finding troops. There would be line-ups around the block at recruiting offices. The military would have to triple its recruiting staff to accomodate citizens wanting to join! Americans would be desparate to contribute to any effort to protect this country.

But Iraq never attacked America. They never had WMDs, nor did they pose any threat to us. This unjust and unnecessary war has turned people off the armed forces.

The threats against us now can be solved through political and diplomatic actions.

A draft would only anger Americans and cause more instability. And it would be stupid, because if we really needed more men in the Army we would have no problem getting them.

What do you think?

Answer 1

you have an indisputable point.there. if a war, like ww2 happened again (let's hope not) I know I would fight.

Answer 2

I disagree, I think a professional army is a mistake, and dangerous we should have only a few professionals and the rest draftees. The people are more concerned with how draftees are used than with a professional army.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.
James Madison

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson

Answer 3

I agree with decoder that the anti-war movement would gain strength if there was a draft. I lived through the Vietnam era, and while people objected to the war, the source of greatest dissatisfaction was conscription, and the war was just a handy prop. When it's YOU or YOUR loved one risking their life, things look remarkably different. I'm very much against the war, but I think the talk of bringing back the draft will help us shut the war down. Peace.

Answer 4

It sounds like you are saying we shouldn't have a draft (even if we need it) because we never should have invaded Iraq without world support. We shouldn't have but now it's too late and we are committed for many years to come.

The use (or should I say overuse) of national guard is just plain wrong. If we need more troops then we need a draft. Blame all the people who voted and supported George Bush.

Answer 5

Here’s an answer not many people want to hear.

I think that some sort of government service should be mandatory for all U.S. citizens. It would take the burden off the administrative portion of the Armed Forces and other government functions and force people to be educated in what is necessary to support and ensure a free and safe society. Yes, free and safe. This war on terror hasn’t disrupted many football or baseball games. Bonds didn’t have to interrupt his questionable career to serve in the military. You go shopping “at will” without fear of daily bombings. You go out and mow your lawns without fear of SKUD missiles wiping out your entire neighborhood.

There is nothing like experiencing first hand what is required to maintain the freedom we all take for granted. It would help to build some pride and respect for our country and not take everything as if it were OWED to you. Right now, we could move many people on welfare over to supporting our government functions in thousands of clerical ways, making them EARN their way and focus on becoming responsible citizens instead of having their nails done every week and having their hair “corn-rowed”.

Answer 6

I agree in principle: a country that can't raise a volunteer army to defend itself clearly doesn't deserve to be defended.

However, one minor point: when your country is actually being attacked, it's too late to go to a recruiting office. Becoming a soldier takes time and training, equiping a soldier takes time, industrial adjustments and money. You can't wait until the enemy's at the gate to prepare your defenses.

Now, if there were a genuine militia - a well-trained, well-regulated force of self-equipped amature soldiers - who's sole purpose was to defend the US (they couldn't legally be deployed outside the border, say), then your isolationist ideal of serving only in defense would be plausible.

Answer 7

I think our volunteer military is burned-out. I think a draft is in order for several reasons. I think ALL kids should serve in the military for two years right after high school. It would give them a sense of being a part of something bigger then themselves, it would teach them self-respect and respect for others and it would give them a sense of discipline so sorely lacking with so many young people today. Today's it's all about me generation is so ill prepared for the real world it isn't funny. I think a good dose of reality would do most good. I totally disagree with your thinking. Most kids would never serve in combat but the head start service in the military would give them would be invaluable in their young lives.

Answer 8

I think we should make it like South Korea. In South Korea every qualified high school graduate is required to do 2 years of military service. I think if we moved to this it will make it more fair and expand people`s horizon`s and make it fair. I had a great time in the military, got out and moved on with my life and I think it will do good for everybody.

Answer 9

We had plenty of troops to begin with. If Bush aint throw them over seas to let them die to stroke his ego up and feel like he actually did something we would have more troops!

Answer 10

its funny u say that we do need more troops and people are not joining the army. they failed to meet their volunteer goals this year thats why they have increased bonuses. a draft would wake people up. if we had a draft system we wouldnt be at war right now