MilitaryService

=Military Service and the Draft=

The United States has had an all volunteer military since the end of the Vietnam War. It is the most professional and capable military that the world has ever seen, but does it truly represent our nation ? A recent news article reported that less than 1% of all Americans are currently involved in Military Service.

Who volunteers for the military ? Who doesn't ? Do all Americans share fairly in the sacrifices that our service men and women are making for our country- sacrifices that are reported daily in the news ?

With our military stretched so thin by our long conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan wouldn't it make more sense to return to the draft ? Wouldn't this be more democratic ?

In a draft, able-bodied young people between certain ages are subject to having their names drawn by lottery. If their names are drawn they are expected to report for military training and duty.

In Colonial times on the frontier all able-bodied men were expected to drill with their local militia and serve in the defense of their colonies. Today all males are required to register for the draft when they turn 18 and to keep the government informed about how to contact them until they turn 26. To activate the draft, Congress would simply have to pass a bill that would then have to be signed into law by the president.

What about women ?

Now that women have become such an important part of our military, and do see combat- shouldn't they be included in a military draft along with young men ?

What do you think about military service ? Would you volunteer ? Would you agree to a draft ? What do you think would be the best military service policy for America today ?