Why not re-open the Miluitary Draft...?

Question

As a Vietnam vet and because of the degredation of societal mores, I really think that 2 years (mandantory) for every one to serve in the armed forces, would be an asset..Do you agree/disagree..Why...?

Answer 1

I disagree...sort of. The military is not what it used to be. The technical demands on soldiers is much higher. They are dealing with weapon systems that are designed to keep from needing more troops.
The professionalism required will not be available in a draft of people who have no intentions of being career soldiers.
The matrix of global war now makes large numbers of canon fodder obsolete. Guys like you and me are obsolete.
We are in an age of asymmetrical war where small widely dispersed forces are pitted against huge conventional military machines. The little guys are gaining traction just like the US did in it's own revolution. We need to make the military lighter, more nimble, flexible and durable. We also need more MP's considering that is what we seem to being the most of. The real WAR in Iraq could have been measured in hours not weeks months or years. The rest has been police work if you really think about it.

Having said all that: I hear ya man. I remember when I went in the army in '68. I was a completely different person 8 weeks later and light years from where I was after two and a half years and two MOS'.
There are people who lag behind in terms of maturity and the military moves that along really quick. Most punks, that I think you are talking about, are punks because they really have no idea what they are capable of and the despair sends them down a road that is destructive not only to themselves but to the rest of us. The military shows them that their limits are way beyond what they thought and they feel better about themselves and each other in spite of all the complaining.

I would be in favor of a draft if it included more than military service, eg: Peace Corps, foregin service, disaster recovery, forest fire fighting, Public works projects, civilian contractor work, Government service in all the institutions like the pentagon, State department, Dept of Agriculture, Treasury etc. etc. etc. Trainees would be given choices based on aptitude and performance. If the position required special schooling and a candidate were to remain in that service, their tuition should be refunded. We would end up with mature, intelligent well educated people in the government and the whole country would benefit in more ways than you think.

Just to drag people out of civilian life to be a body in a uniform, nah, I don't like it.

EDIT:

I know the 'I' and the 'U' are right next to each other on the keyboard.
Don't let the nasty two fingered hunt'n peckers up there get to you bro.

Answer 2

Its already going to happen through Hr 1388. Darn no one ever reads the amendments! Amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 111-39 to create a National Service Reserve Corps and requires an annual service requirement of at least 10 hours and/or annual training. A member of the National Service Reserve Corps is one who has completed a term of national service, fulfilled training, and will respond to national disasters and other emergencies. These individuals will be listed in a national database for the ease of immediate deployment in case of emergency.

Answer 3

I agree that the media portrays the bad things of our countries foreign ingagements. That is why our country is in shambles. The media should be charged with treasome. I know that is not possible but aren't we susposed to susport our country and hope we turn out on top god forbid we lost a war we'd lose all respect at home and abroad I wouldn't want to be like the French. The draft would be a real eye opener for many and make amny sympathetic to our militaries cause put it like this someone has got to do it and everyone should do their part if they want to enjoy the luxuries this country lavishes upon them. USA

Answer 4

I am all for that idea. The problem is, that the media of our country portrays only the bad of every war, and never the good. Why do you think no one ever knows about what happened in Grenada? we went in there, hauled a**, rescued some 1,000 american students and left. Due to that, too many americans are terrified of going to war and would flee the country, or just riot.

Answer 5

This is more in response to Carolyn's answer than to the question:

"You make a good point with all these kids turning into little degenerates. However I have two boys 18 and 19 and would not want to see them go to Iraq. No thanks . They are good boys and have alot to offer to society."

So are you saying that all of us military vets who have been there, done that have NOTHING to offer society? Personally the military made me more likely to offer something to society by teaching me, giving me the edge to get an excellt college education, and in effect getting me a respectable job.

Answer 6

The only way I could see bringing back the draft would be if our borders were at risk and there was a shortage of available personnel.

Trying to build the character of our youth by forcing them to serve in the armed forces is not something that I would consider a positive move in a country that is supposed to be free. However, if it is done by choice, more power to them.

Answer 7

Of course I am from the "old school society" I like the idea, I feel it helped young people grow up, learn respect, and helped those who didn't know what they wanted to do decide while serving.

However, I will receive nothing but thumbs down on this reply.

Answer 8

I agree. Not sure I would want it reinstated right now, but had we had mandatory military service all along, I think a lot of people would have voted differently and more thoughtfully. Some countries do this and I really don't think it is a bad idea.

Answer 9

I disagree, mainly because this is a country where our military service is entirely voluntary, as it should be. People should be able to choose their own life path, not the military or the government - that's giving them far too much power.

Answer 10

I disagree... why force people to fight in a War that's not even defending the Country and why focus on wars instead of trying to make peace on Earth.