Will the military open up the draft if the war continues?

Question

It seems like they are running out of voluntary military troops. Will it ever be necessary call civilian men to fight in Iraq, like in Vietnam?

Answer 1

They are not running out of volunteers - in fact, re-enlistments have increased since the start of the war in Iraq. And every branch besides the Air National Guard met its recruiting quotas as of a month ago.

The military doesn't want draftees, the President doesn't want a draft, the American people don't want a draft. Unless we get involved in a major war (and probably a world war), there is no need for a draft.

Mike C: If that was directed towards me, I am a veteran and have served since 1997. I'm going back on active duty next month. I'm guessing you weren't directing that at me though.

Answer 2

No! All branches of the service are meeting their annual enlistment quotas and are meeting or exceeding their retention rates. That's been true since September 12, 2001. One Congressman, Charles Rangel of New York, introduced a bill to re-establish the draft last year. It's gone nowhere in the legislative process. The President doesn't want it. Defense Secretary Gates doesn't want it. The Joint Chiefs of Staff don't want it. The specified and unified area commanders don't want it. Despite that, a days doesn't go by without someone posing a question about restoration of the draft.

Answer 3

I do not believe so they are running out of military men? I do not believe we are going to have a draft for the war in Iraq. We have over 1 million military members at this time only a quarter of our military is serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Answer 4

If the Democrats get into office they will. They have spoke about continuing the draft multiple times. As for the last ignorant post I come from a pretty wealthy family and am currently doing my officer training. People like him whose life sucks that bad to where he needs to post stupid s*it are who need to get "mowed down by bullets." But anyways the draft will more than likely never be started again.

Answer 5

First, the military does not have the authority to call a draft, Congress would have to do so. The only person calling for a draft is a Democrat Congressman who wants it because he feels it will turn more people against the war- his words not mine.
We are not running out of volunteers either.

Answer 6

I doubt it will come to that, unless something major happens while we are there. Also, I don't see us running out, simply because if we were, we would have a lot less people at their home stations. Yes, the tours do get long there, but that is just how its going to be for now.
If they do impliment the draft again, I doubt it will be limited to just men. I can honestly see the draft to include women.

Answer 7

Well all branches of the military met their quotas, so I doubt we have a shortage of troops.

The one Dem (Rangel) in Congress is bringing up the word "draft" to further a political agenda. It will never happen. The U.S. is not even remotely close to needing the "draft."

Answer 8

This is not politically viable, as it would expose the children of the middle and upper classes to harm.

The whole idea of a volunteer Army (although only an economist would speak this truth, not a politician) is to insure that the children of our future doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, world leaders, educators, etc., do not get mowed down by bullets and bombs.

We learned this from the British in WW II I think, where an entire generation within "Kitchner's Army" was destroyed, and the British Empire along with it.

A draft for Iraq? Never happen. The only way a draft would work is if America was in direct peril from invasion.

Answer 9

Most of the military generals are against it. They want people who are in it for the long-haul. It is so specialized now, that someone who is just sitting there waiting for his time to end is not much use to them.

Answer 10

plain and simple answer No, there is enough young and old joining up everyday, no need for a draft, and personally i would want someone on the side of my husband and son who wanted to be there and not one who was forced to be there.