Military Conscription

Currently, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the issue of the reinstatement of the draft in the United States. There are rumors and whispers rampantly floating through the media that are frightening the general public, while the officials who actually know about the subject are categorically denying such intentions. This paper examines an article from the "Coastal Post," which contends that a military and civilian draft is inevitable by Spring 2005.

From the Paper

"The article then moves on to quote Secretary Rumsfield, one of the experts most often asked it there is any foreseen need for a draft, (who always says absolutely not) as describing the present military situation as, "a "long hard slog" and then claims that several unnamed members of congress and unnamed military "experts" believe a draft will be inevitable. (Coastal Post Online http://www.coastalpost.com/04/07/01.htm) Clearly these are inflammatory, words considering the present reality of the Bush Administrations hard line on voluntary service. The article also mentions the recent recall of retired servicemen back to active status, which if looked at from another angle is an attempt to avoid a draft rather than enforce one."

APA

Abstract

This paper explains that, since end the draft in 1973 after the Vietnam War, the U.S. has relied upon an all-volunteer military force. The author points out that, with the all-volunteer force now engaged in on-going wars in several countries, the military is spread thin and recruiting and retention of new troops is difficult; therefore the country will eventually have to re-instate the draft. The paper reviews the attitude of politicians toward the return of the draft system, methods of extending military service that are de facto conscription and the lowering of requirements by military branches of service in an attempt to meet their requisite numbers. The paper includes long quotations.

From the Paper

"In an effort to bolster numbers, the Army has taken measures such as raising the maximum age limit for enlistment from 34 to 41 years old. The Army has relaxed other rules allowing maximum body fat to be higher, tattoos to be exposed in uniform, more recruits can enter with serious criminal records, and they can also have waivers for more medical conditions. The relaxed requirements are now becoming common among all branches, as a means to attract the people that they need to fill the spots that are required for America's thin-running military."

APA

Abstract

The author of this paper argues that reinstating the draft would prove one thing beyond doubt, seemingly: the current Bush administration has plans for imperialism unparalleled in recent history. The author argues that the U.S. government is willing to be as sneaky as it needs to be to send another generation of the best and brightest to their deaths without even the Cold War specter of spreading Communism to afford cover for the will to make war, as was the case in Vietnam.

From the Paper

"A conclusion one could make, considering this stealthy (and therefore dishonest) attempt to reinstate the draft without citizen approval or even knowledge, is that Bush needs lots more men and women than the public is aware of to fight more wars than the public could conceive of. Swomley notes that "the Bush strategy permits him to decide, well before there is any action or threat of action against the United States, to make war against any nation he chooses, or whose oil or other resources he covets." War fighters are necessary for that."

We Should Not Reinstate the Military Draft:

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We Should Not Reinstate the Draft

I never thought I would say this but I think we should reinstate the draft. It has been years since we have wanted or needed a draft, but in view of the United States being attacked on September 11, 2001, I feel our country must be ready and prepared to defend itself. If being prepared means reinstating the draft, a mandatory summons for military service, then I think we should consider this a reasonable proposal. I think the tragic events of September 11 will evoke most people to agree with me. Since September 11 we have seen a surge of patriotism in this country that seemed hidden for many years. I am so glad patriotism was not lost, and I think most Americans would be willing to defend their country in light of this attack. We are a nation and a people who believe in freedom and democracy. It tells other nations who we are and what we stand for. It is these beliefs that lead me to believe that the people of the United States will do anything to preserve our freedom and democracy even if it means reinstating the draft. I want to prove this notion, but am unsure how to accomplish this. I have not read any recent articles in newspapers or magazines that have dealt with this issue. My textbook was not a source either. So I decided to do two things. First, I went to the Internet for any information, articles, discussions, or statements relating to this issue. Second, I decided to conduct an informal poll. This informal poll consisted of male and female respondents with an age span of eighteen to sixty two. My poll started with classmates in my Western Civilization and Studio Art classes and the professors who instruct these classes. My poll included emailing friends and family who live and work in New York, family currently serving in the Armed Forces, and a family member who is a Veteran of the Viet Nam War. Also included in this poll is a random sampling of the townspeople of Los Alamos. Medical personnel at Los Alamos Women's Health Services, and the lunch crowd at Cafй' Allegro rounded out my poll. This cross section of Americans evoked many feelings and opinions and stimulated many conversations and critical thought. These conversations exhilarated me and the results I obtained amazed me. The results made me think twice about ever assuming anyone's opinion, and ultimately disproved my hypothesis that many people would agree with me about reinstating the draft.

My first search utilizing the Internet was easy

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