w4rma
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In 1973, the national compulsory draft was eliminated. Recently, however, the Defense Department has called on volunteers to sit on local draft boards. Could the re-emergence of the draft be just around the corner?
Reinstatement of the draft would have a profound impact on the men and women of Generation Y (those born between 1977 and 1997). Operation Iraqi Freedom was supposed to be a quick and decisive victory for the United States. The military was to be greeted by submissive Iraqis who would shower their liberators with roses and heed to their every demand. However, violence has plagued the region, the conflict has proven to be a catalyst for terrorism, (specifically al-Qaida) and even neutral parties, such as the Red Cross, have fallen victim to attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz has proclaimed "the United States is winning the peace."
But have they?
According to BBC News, the United States suffered through its highest post-war, weekly death toll in the past 10 days. In fairness to the U.S. military, water systems, electricity and local infrastructures are slowly being repaired.
However, success should be measured in our nation’s ability to encourage stability within the region. To date, the recent attacks on a United Nations embassy, the Red Cross and a recent ambush that resulted in 20-plus casualties supports the notion that peace has not been won.
Despite our Marines’ complaints of fatigue (and rightly so) and the realization that American troops are indeed stretched to capacity around the globe, it appears unlikely that President Bush would reinstate a national draft before the 2004 presidential election.
Arguably, such a maneuver would damage the president’s chances for re-election. However, if the violence does not subside within the next year and an escalation of conflict ensues, President Bush, assuming he wins election, might very well incorporate the draft into his post-war strategy.
It could be argued that a newly reinstated draft would leave a psychological toll on America’s youth.
Undoubtedly, men and women who were opposed to the intervention might have no choice but to fight. They will then be left with an array of negative choices, including leaving the country and risking being labeled a traitor, or fighting in a war they might be opposed to, but in the process, engaging in a cause that defies their values.
For those who are in tune with history, they will recall the chaos that engulfed young Americans during the Vietnam War. With the United States already divided evenly within the political spectrum, the decision to serve or opt out of service could manifest itself as a paralyzing issue within our society.
Meade Mackay, a 2001 Exeter High School graduate has mixed feelings about the reinstatement of the draft."I don’t like the idea of a draft, but if we have no other choice, then I guess we have to do what we have to do. However, I think the question our government should ask is why are we involved in something that would require a draft? There needs to be a valid reason for a draft. In my mind, Iraq isn’t valid," said Mackay.
Daniel Ellsberg, a former employee for the Defense Department who leaked the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times and Washington Post, spoke at Amherst College and noted the likelihood of a future draft.
"If President Bush is re-elected, it is likely that he will reinstate the draft. The war on terrorism will not end in Iraq, but instead will proceed into countries like Syria and Iran," said Ellsberg.
It may be premature to discuss the possibility of a draft. However, the men and women of Generation Y should be prepared for the event. Those in power, Republican or Democrat, should first ask themselves if the current intervention is worth the lost lives before resorting to drastic measures.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/11122003/news/60246.htm
Reinstatement of the draft would have a profound impact on the men and women of Generation Y (those born between 1977 and 1997). Operation Iraqi Freedom was supposed to be a quick and decisive victory for the United States. The military was to be greeted by submissive Iraqis who would shower their liberators with roses and heed to their every demand. However, violence has plagued the region, the conflict has proven to be a catalyst for terrorism, (specifically al-Qaida) and even neutral parties, such as the Red Cross, have fallen victim to attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz has proclaimed "the United States is winning the peace."
But have they?
According to BBC News, the United States suffered through its highest post-war, weekly death toll in the past 10 days. In fairness to the U.S. military, water systems, electricity and local infrastructures are slowly being repaired.
However, success should be measured in our nation’s ability to encourage stability within the region. To date, the recent attacks on a United Nations embassy, the Red Cross and a recent ambush that resulted in 20-plus casualties supports the notion that peace has not been won.
Despite our Marines’ complaints of fatigue (and rightly so) and the realization that American troops are indeed stretched to capacity around the globe, it appears unlikely that President Bush would reinstate a national draft before the 2004 presidential election.
Arguably, such a maneuver would damage the president’s chances for re-election. However, if the violence does not subside within the next year and an escalation of conflict ensues, President Bush, assuming he wins election, might very well incorporate the draft into his post-war strategy.
It could be argued that a newly reinstated draft would leave a psychological toll on America’s youth.
Undoubtedly, men and women who were opposed to the intervention might have no choice but to fight. They will then be left with an array of negative choices, including leaving the country and risking being labeled a traitor, or fighting in a war they might be opposed to, but in the process, engaging in a cause that defies their values.
For those who are in tune with history, they will recall the chaos that engulfed young Americans during the Vietnam War. With the United States already divided evenly within the political spectrum, the decision to serve or opt out of service could manifest itself as a paralyzing issue within our society.
Meade Mackay, a 2001 Exeter High School graduate has mixed feelings about the reinstatement of the draft."I don’t like the idea of a draft, but if we have no other choice, then I guess we have to do what we have to do. However, I think the question our government should ask is why are we involved in something that would require a draft? There needs to be a valid reason for a draft. In my mind, Iraq isn’t valid," said Mackay.
Daniel Ellsberg, a former employee for the Defense Department who leaked the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times and Washington Post, spoke at Amherst College and noted the likelihood of a future draft.
"If President Bush is re-elected, it is likely that he will reinstate the draft. The war on terrorism will not end in Iraq, but instead will proceed into countries like Syria and Iran," said Ellsberg.
It may be premature to discuss the possibility of a draft. However, the men and women of Generation Y should be prepared for the event. Those in power, Republican or Democrat, should first ask themselves if the current intervention is worth the lost lives before resorting to drastic measures.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/11122003/news/60246.htm
I spent 11 years in the Army and if the country were ever in true need of more soldiers, I'd volunteer again. No offense, but too many average Joes are not military quality individuals, especially when they are forced to serve. They would bring down the quality of the overall force.
