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Military Community Favors Return of Draft
By Thomas D. Segel
September 26, 2002

Take a moment and listen to the casual conversations being held on military bases, at the VFW or in American Legion Halls. There seems to be a prevailing topic... and it is "Bring back the Draft".

Those who actively follow the events and actions of our career military community come to expect specific responses and rationale from the men and women who make up its ranks. It matters not if they are on active duty, in the reserve, or on the retired roles. Career military personnel are among the most loyal and patriotic of our citizens. They have an unwritten code of God - Country - Corps, which is ingrained in their very being. They are also very disciplined in conduct and predominantly conservative in political thought.

Today our American military find two things that impact their lives very disturbing. At the top of the list is the nation's War on Terror, but close behind is the volatile situation with Iraq. They know each of these conflicts can eventually draw them into harms way.

They also see more than half of our military strength comes from reserve and National Guard forces, which are already being called upon to man the battlements. As each day more and more demands deplete the readiness and availability of the armed forces, only one solution to the problem is clear. The United States must activate Selective Service and once again induct the youth of this nation into military service.

Retired Air Force Captain Ed Lawton of Virginia feels that in addition to American citizens, foreign nationals and even illegal aliens should be subjected to the draft. Though many military personnel agree with the idea, it is quickly pointed out that about eight million aliens are moving about our country at will and the INS hasn't the slightest idea of how to find them. That being the case, it is easy to assume they would have even more difficulty tracking them down for military service.

Army Lieutenant General Billy Thomas of Colorado is quick to point out foreign nationals in this country legally have always been subject to the draft. Even now there are programs available for them to enlist in any branch of the armed forces and by doing so enhance their application for citizenship. "However," he says, "I don't suspect the illegal aliens will sign up or enlist."

In California, Stacy Roberts is disturbed by the decline in ethnic mix within the military. The former Navy Captain sees fewer Caucasians in uniform when he visits military bases. More and more minority members are enlisting, drawn into service as employment opportunities within their communities fade.

Roberts wants the armed forces to have the face of America and to accomplish this he says, "I have always believed that the United States should have universal military training for all our young people, and many times in our history I have believed we should have the draft. Today is one of them". He also feels those living illegally in the United States should be subject to the draft since they have chosen to live in this country and receive its benefits.

Another former naval officer with strong views on the subject is Dr. Michael Bowen of New Hampshire. The physician has written on the subject, saying "Boot camp is probably the safest way in the world for young people to start growing up. Right off the bat the lesson is driven home that self comes last."

The doctor believes, "our Army should be a citizen Army, made up of people from all walks of life and all social classes. Today it is degenerating into a job training program and losing the ethic of service." He sees money being spent on advertising and recruiting which should be spent on readiness and equipment.

Major Bob Jordan, of Florida a retired Marine and former combat correspondent supports universal service. "I believe that every citizen should spend time in service to their country in the military, police auxiliary, interning in a free medical clinic, assisting the aged or sweeping streets. Everyone should contribute two years, minimum", he says. "I don't believe illegal aliens should be in our country, let alone be integrated into our armed forces."

When their thoughts on a draft of young people into military service were solicited, dozens of men and women, active duty and retired, voiced their opinions. Their ideas varied, from the Marine who wants the sons and daughters of congressional members drafted first, to the Air Force Master Sergeant who wants every student who graduates or drops out of high school to face military training so they can learn respect and discipline.

There was the combat veteran who wishes all young people would be given this training so they can learn a little bit about life and themselves in an atmosphere of duty, honor and country. One soldier feels all foreign nationals wishing to live in the United States should pay for that privilege with two years of military service.

Regardless of their thoughts of how and why selective service should be implemented, the military community already knows what every American should be aware of during these dangerous times. With a nation at war on multiple fronts and new hostilities looming every day, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who wage our battles will be lost. Their ranks must not be allowed to thin and to keep our military strong, even the unwilling must be prepared to answer the call to arms.