We're getting closer and closer people :(

Bush war adviser says draft worth a look
By RICHARD LARDNER
Fri Aug 10, 7:06 PM ET



WASHINGTON - Frequent tours for U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan have stressed the all-volunteer force and made it worth considering a return to a military draft, President Bush's new war adviser said Friday.

"I think it makes sense to certainly consider it," Army Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute said in an interview with National Public Radio's "All Things Considered."

"And I can tell you, this has always been an option on the table. But ultimately, this is a policy matter between meeting the demands for the nation's security by one means or another," Lute added in his first interview since he was confirmed by the Senate in June.

President Nixon abolished the draft in 1973. Restoring it, Lute said, would be a "major policy shift" and Bush has made it clear that he doesn't think it's necessary.

"The president's position is that the all volunteer military meets the needs of the country and there is no discussion of a draft. General Lute made that point as well," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

In the interview, Lute also said that "Today, the current means of the all-volunteer force is serving us exceptionally well."

Still, he said the repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan affect not only the troops but their families, who can influence whether a service member decides to stay in the military.

"There's both a personal dimension of this, where this kind of stress plays out across dinner tables and in living room conversations within these families," he said. "And ultimately, the health of the all-volunteer force is going to rest on those sorts of personal family decisions."

The military conducted a draft during the Civil War and both world wars and between 1948 and 1973. The Selective Service System, re-established in 1980, maintains a registry of 18-year-old men.

Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., has called for reinstating the draft as a way to end the Iraq war.

Bush picked Lute in mid-May as a deputy national security adviser with responsibility for ensuring efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan are coordinated with policymakers in Washington. Lute, an active-duty general, was chosen after several retired generals turned down the job

link:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070810/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bush_war_adviser

Technically, The Draft has never gone away.

The most recent Selective Service Act was passed in 1948 that required all men between 18 and 26 register (and which made men from 19 to 26 liable for induction for 21 months' service, which would be followed by 5 years of Reserve duty).

Though the United States put an end to actively conscripting at the tail-end of the Vietnam War in 1973, the Selective Service remains an active law as a vehicle to register American males upon reaching the age of 18. This registration serves as a contingency should the conscription measure be reintroduced.

The 'registering for the draft' requirement was even suspended in April 1975, but then reinstituted in 1980.

I am proud of you for having gone down to the Post Office and registering, though, Dunkirk.
You are a great American.

:thumbs:

Start researching those deferments!

These are the strongest words used by its current proponent:
"I think it makes sense to certainly consider it."

Don't cancel your /fall plans kids.

it is easy to stay out of the draft. smoke lots of pot. show up at the induction wired on acid. or wear a t-shirt that says i suck on first sight. wear womens clothes with a dildo shoved up your ass. (unless you are a woman, then options change). use your imagination.

Thank god I'm a woman! :D

No one's going anywhere.

Ain't gonna happen. The republican voters, aka chickenhawks, simply won't allow thier children to go and fight in the war, the same war they championed and backed for the past 5 years. And there will be no deferrments.

I admire how such a huge country with the most powerful military in the world, fighting in wars all over the planet STILL has no draft..

I admire how such a huge country with the most powerful military in the world, fighting in wars all over the planet STILL has no draft..

You may want to rethink most powerful military in the world part of your post ... our military has been ruined by this republican administration and it will take a decade or more to heal, which over that period of time, China will have become the lone super power.

Yeah I know ... reality is a bitch.

I admire how such a huge country with the most powerful military in the world, fighting in wars all over the planet STILL has no draft..We make up for a relatively low number of personnel with technology and buttloads of money.

We make up for a relatively low number of personnel with technology and buttloads of money.
I wouldn't call 1,5 mln people low number, even relatively. But imagine how much money US could save if a fully contract army would be diluted by conscripts.

I can't believe dop thinks the republican party has WEAKENED our military.. it has STRENGTHENED it times a billion... how have they weakened our military???

Thank god I'm a woman! :D

All able-bodied citizens should be eligible for conscription.

If a Draft is actually admitted then well.. lets just say...

technically...

The Taliban won't be the only ones who seem suicidial.

I can't believe dop thinks the republican party has WEAKENED our military.. it has STRENGTHENED it times a billion... how have they weakened our military???I believe he said "this Republican administration."

I can't believe dop thinks the republican party has WEAKENED our military.. it has STRENGTHENED it times a billion... how have they weakened our military???

What do you call a military that is nearly 50% independent contractors or illegal aliens serving for amnesty and a military that used to be able to kick some serious ass .... (like half of the world at a time) compared to what we have now that can't even secure the green zone in Baghdad? Do you really think those mercenaries would be there if they weren't being paid or the illegals would be there if there wasn't something in it for them?

Talk to some of the returning troops ... there is no way in hell they want to go back... most of them have lost faith, spirit and focus and that's what 4 and 5 deployments will do to people. But you wouldn't know that because you never deployed even once.

When you've lost the enthusiasm of the foot soldier, the tin-can sailor, the airmen on the ground and the marines in the field, you are no longer a world power.

Our military is run like a car lot handing out cash-back incentives. That's what you get when you let civlians with no military background take the war away from the generals and admirals.

Like I said ... reality is a bitch.

... our military has been ruined by this republican administration ...

Well, if you mean *ruined* in the sense that it has been sent into battle for no other reason than to make some Big Oil and Big Defense corporatists fabulously wealthy, I would agree.

....and it will take a decade or more to heal, which over that period of time, China will have become the lone super power.


The military of this nation will never be *healed* as long as it continues to be used as nothing more than the bullyboy enforcers of the Corporate States of America, with the express mission of forcing the rest of the planet to bow down and submit to predation by the various U.S. Corporations operating overseas.

Smedley Butler had the entire scam pegged many, many years ago, and he was a man who knew exactly what was going on and who spoke his mind about it.

(and now you can await the useful idiots from the Rightwing who post here to tell you that Smedley Butler was an evil Communist, or a subversive radical, or a pinko fag, or to launch some other such obfuscation of what he so accurately pointed out)

I think The Fighting Quaker was an important part of the united states expansion of its business interests abroad. His problem is he became a pacifist during a time when it wasn't in style. It wasnt that he tried to speak out,he tried to speak out too much. Besides I never ever believed the whole FDR coup legend.

All able-bodied citizens should be eligible for conscription.
Hrm... I'm not even sure about women being in the military at all.

I am glad you mentioned that. I was asking myself that same question when you posted you were glad to me a women.

Part of me wants to think females can be effective police officers,Fire fighters,rescue workers and EMTs. I believe that females can do anything men can do physically and intellectually. Ofcourse a man might have an edge in a physical contest,a female would probably have the edge in a mental contest. (they are crazy you know) All in all the strengths and weakness of each man and woman in the armed forces are looked at as position and duty are handed out as a result of that assessment.

The other part of me thinks they would be a distraction on the field. Would thier nuturing instict put them in danger. Would a mans instinct to protect women put him at risk? I sure wouldnt want to put that to the test in a battle.

I do realize women have fought along side men in battle all though out history such as Cathay Williams and scores of others,but to have it is policy I am not totally convinced.

Smedley Butler had the entire scam pegged many, many years ago, and he was a man who knew exactly what was going on and who spoke his mind about it.

(and now you can await the useful idiots from the Rightwing who post here to tell you that Smedley Butler was an evil Communist, or a subversive radical, or a pinko fag, or to launch some other such obfuscation of what he so accurately pointed out)

Old Smedley only has 2 (or is it 3) medals of honor ... of course he's a prime candidate for swift-boating.

a female would probably have the edge in a mental contest.
Even at the highest level, the number of female chess players that can compete with male chess players is small indeed.

And congrats on being the first poster to have his avatar and signature blocked by me. Creep.

LiquidFork, when are you going to remove that annoying McDonalds vs. Burger King fight from your posts? It has NO relevance to anything you post any how.

LiquidFork, when are you going to remove that annoying McDonalds vs. Burger King fight from your posts? It has NO relevance to anything you post any how.


Now your going to pick on my signature. The heck with countering my posts in spirited debate of experiance and opinion. People here have cartoon ducks,political humor,figures from history ect... in thier signature,and i am the one getting picked on. Any type of independant thought or originality and you want to criticize. Why dont i scour the web for a lengthy aricle that mimics slightly what i believe and use that as a signature.

You want to pick on me,thats all fine and good. I am grown folk.......i can take care of myself. But to go as far as to complain about my signature because it has nothing to do with the content of my posts is pretty pathetic. Go on.... pull out one of your 5471 articles you have on stand by and explain how my signature is a form of the neo con agenda,or whatever bullshit you like to peddle..

You know, you might be completely desensitized to blood and violence from movies and the Internet and stuff, but some others of us might want to keep our humanity.

There has been a democratic representative that has been trying to reinstate the draft several times. But, he is using it as a political tool. He believes, as do I, that if there was no deferment and there was a decent possibility that everyone of age, regardless of your status, would be fighting in this war, it would end very very quickly. Unfortunately the Democratic Party is afraid to do something that bold and continues to pander legislation the president says he will veto from the get-go.

There has been a democratic representative that has been trying to reinstate the draft several times. But, he is using it as a political tool. He believes, as do I, that if there was no deferment and there was a decent possibility that everyone of age, regardless of your status, would be fighting in this war, it would end very very quickly. Unfortunately the Democratic Party is afraid to do something that bold and continues to pander legislation the president says he will veto from the get-go.

Okay, I'll bite. How would having a draft end this war very quickly.

I on the other hand could end this war in a heart beat. Load the planes up and head home.

Done.

Now your going to pick on my signature. The heck with countering my posts in spirited debate of experiance and opinion. People here have cartoon ducks,political humor,figures from history ect... in thier signature,and i am the one getting picked on. Any type of independant thought or originality and you want to criticize. Why dont i scour the web for a lengthy aricle that mimics slightly what i believe and use that as a signature.

You want to pick on me,thats all fine and good. I am grown folk.......i can take care of myself. But to go as far as to complain about my signature because it has nothing to do with the content of my posts is pretty pathetic. Go on.... pull out one of your 5471 articles you have on stand by and explain how my signature is a form of the neo con agenda,or whatever bullshit you like to peddle..He actually did address your point first. Then he pointed out your stupid avatar and signature. You started out by saying that you'd remove it if it was too much, then you cry when someone points out that it's too much. Hmmm.

He actually did address your point first. Then he pointed out your stupid avatar and signature. You started out by saying that you'd remove it if it was too much, then you cry when someone points out that it's too much. Hmmm.


Well shows what a foold you can be when you dont have thew faintest clue of what your talking about. I said I would take down the old one if anyone complained and I did. So if you want to go read all my posts to find out about me try to keep up a little better. O.K??? thanks alot....

Since your avitar is no better (beauty in is the eye of the beholder) I wouldnt talk. Since your peaking on me I have been peaking on you. I guess I expect this behavior from a longhorn. GO OWLS!!!

I can't believe dop thinks the republican party has WEAKENED our military..
Decka,
You're being too kind. Shake your last vestige of common sense and re-read his post.

He didn't say weakened (To make or become weak or weaker),
he said ruined (total destruction or disintegration).

Well shows what a foold you can be when you dont have thew faintest clue of what your talking about.Since I noticed your earlier comment, it would seem that I do have at least a faint clue.
I said I would take down the old one if anyone complained and I did.Well, if this is an improvement, you're sensibilities are awfully low.
So if you want to go read all my posts to find out about me try to keep up a little better. O.K??? thanks alot....Fair enough, but as of right now, I'm not impressed.
Since your avitar is no better (beauty in is the eye of the beholder) I wouldnt talk.Rothko v a suicide suggestion for kids. Real good comparison.
Since your peaking on me I have been peaking on you. I guess I expect this behavior from a longhorn. GO OWLS!!!Did you go to Rice?

Fatigue cripples US army in Iraq (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2147052,00.html)

Exhaustion and combat stress are besieging US troops in Iraq as they battle with a new type of warfare. Some even rely on Red Bull to get through the day. As desertions and absences increase, the military is struggling to cope with the crisis

There's nothing stopping you from enlisting, dbum. Then you can be part of the solution rather than a disgruntled observer.

There's nothing stopping you from enlisting, dbum. Then you can be part of the solution rather than a disgruntled observer.
As much as I agree with you es, it probably wouldn’t be in dhrama’s best interest to enlist. He’d learn first-hand what ‘friendly fire’ is all about.

As much as I agree with you es, it probably wouldn’t be in dhrama’s best interest to enlist. He’d learn first-hand what ‘friendly fire’ is all about.

Probably from his D.I. .

There's nothing stopping you from enlisting, dbum. Then you can be part of the solution rather than a disgruntled observer.

I would not be part of any solution. Once you join you give up your rights.

The solders rely on outspoken, patriotic Americans like myself to make sure they are not used unnecessarily.

:thumbs:

I would not be part of any solution. Once you join you give up your rights.

The solders rely on outspoken, patriotic Americans like myself to make sure they are not used unnecessarily.

:thumbs:

In other words, you do nothing but bitch about it here. Good job!

The solders rely on outspoken, patriotic Americans like myself...
This needs to be in the humor section.

In other words, you do nothing but bitch about it here.

Hardly.

I have met personally with all three of my representatives in the last year.

What have you done besides piss and moan on here about me?

:thumbs:

Tell us of your activities then.

Tell us of your activities then.

What have you done lately es?

Besides piss and moan about me, that is. :rolleyes:

I support the troops by sending packages of goodies overseas. Those packages are assembled from donations received from various local businesses. I also work with families of troops overseas & those families coming back together following a return from deployment.

Good for you Es. At least you are doing something besides pissing and moaning about me on here.

I support the troops by working to get the strategy for Iraq changed and get them home. I have sent care packages also but that is just a band-aid, not a cure.

:thumbs:

At least you are doing something besides pissing and moaning about me on here.

:thumbs:

You're giving yourself more credit than due. A legend in your own mind.

Whatever Es.

Have a nice day! :)

I got together with a local Half Priced Books and we send boxes of reading material over. (Oh, and my neighbors have joined to help me fund sending flea collers for the legs of Marines.)

Since I noticed your earlier comment, it would seem that I do have at least a faint clue.
Well, if this is an improvement, you're sensibilities are awfully low.
Fair enough, but as of right now, I'm not impressed.
Rothko v a suicide suggestion for kids. Real good comparison.
Did you go to Rice?


Yes I did I class of 1999. Thinking of going to grad school,but not sure.

I do not believe also my sensibilites are up for display and to be judged by you. I am really not here to impress you or anyone else. I do not believe you are here for any type of validation either. I do not seem why my signature,or my avitar is even being discussed.

I do not seem why my signature,or my avitar is even being discussed.
Because it's tasteless, and needlessly graphic. You open yourself up to that kind of treatment when you decide to repeatedly place disgusting material with every post and worse, identify with it.

Because it's tasteless, and needlessly graphic. You open yourself up to that kind of treatment when you decide to repeatedly place disgusting material with every post and worse, identify with it.

There you go hun. I changed it for you. Hope you can still fit something else to cry about before the end of the day.

Yes I did I class of 1999. Thinking of going to grad school,but not sure.

I do not believe also my sensibilites are up for display and to be judged by you. I am really not here to impress you or anyone else. I do not believe you are here for any type of validation either. I do not seem why my signature,or my avitar is even being discussed.Why are you here then, honestly? Validation of one's self or ideas, even if in a contrary mannor, is a good thing, usually. When someone who seems reasonable comes out with such an intentionally in-your-face avatar, or whatever, it makes me wonder what's up. Why the need for that sort of attention?

http://cagle.com/caglecards/main.asp?image=/news/IraqTourExtensions/images/keefe.gif

http://cagle.com/caglecards/main.asp?image=/news/IraqTourExtensions/images/keefe.gifGreat site!:drinktoth

Ain't gonna happen. The republican voters, aka chickenhawks, simply won't allow thier children to go and fight in the war, the same war they championed and backed for the past 5 years. And there will be no deferrments.


Give me a freakin break. It is OUR sons and daughters that have the courage to even enlist...

There you go hun. I changed it for you. Hope you can still fit something else to cry about before the end of the day.
Your sig is entirely too huge. A three line post should not fill up the entire screen.

It didn't matter anyway. I had it blocked.

Welcome, people to the next phase of our illustrious leader, Herr GrubenFurher bush, to occupy the world's oil via the draft.....and there WILL be a draft, because he wants to also attack Iran as well as take over most of the middle east, which will make him owner of the oil there.....at the cost of how many lives, no one will know. It's too bad that we have such cowards in the Congress right now, otherwise, this bastard would be impeached and charged with war crimes, him, the Vampire cheyney, all of them. But, instead, we have a country almost under martial law (give him a moment, he's working on that one right now), we have people starving in THIS country, while he sends troops over to other countries to fight in their civil wars, and now he wants to add to that by conscriping more young bodies for the slagughter.......I say that he should send all of his little republicanazi party supporters over there first, and see just how much support he has after that. And, this includes all of you who support this administration's need to gut the Constitution in favor of whatever Facist dictates they have in mind!

Give me a freakin break. It is OUR sons and daughters that have the courage to even enlist...

Like Mitt Romney's 5 military-age sons, not one of them, not a single one, has served as much as a day in the military. Those kinds of sons and daughers?

And Mitt didn't serve either.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.

Like Mitt Romney's 5 military-age sons, not one of them, not a single one, has served as much as a day in the military. Those kinds of sons and daughers?

And Mitt didn't serve either.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.

I rather enjoyed Romney's justification for how his sons are "serving" the country.

"One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."

Sheesh.

"One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president."
Signs that the apocalypse is upon us!

LiquidFork, when are you going to remove that annoying McDonalds vs. Burger King fight from your posts? It has NO relevance to anything you post any how.
Dude - that was AWESOME! I loved it, LF.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.
As opposed to the endemic democrat-muscle we have in the military now. Yeah - that's what you gutless wonders are known for. :rolleyes:

You're the biggest tool and liar we have here (save Dharmabum), Dop - what, with 655,000 dead "innocents" in Iraq, and not to mention, your personal best on Allforums - 100,000 (LOL!) "murdered" in New Orleans by Bush in '05.

Get bent, stooge. :upyours:

Dude - that was AWESOME! I loved it, LF.


Seems no matter what I do or what I do there are people on here who are going to hate. I mean I accept that. It is the way life is. I dont know if they are so insecure about themselves they need to rip apart other people or maybe they do not like my opinions so much they need to attack me on things like my signature. I have never been verbally assault so much as I have here the past two weeks. I mean I do not know how anyone on here can stomach it if you are not a liberal. All I can see is "See you next tuesday"

Like Mitt Romney's 5 military-age sons, not one of them, not a single one, has served as much as a day in the military. Those kinds of sons and daughers?

And Mitt didn't serve either.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.

yeah like Clinton,Gore,Kennedy {oops,he actually signed up for
TWO years in the army but was assigned to SHAPE in Paris.}
That was AFTER he was expelled from Harvard for cheating on an
examination.
Like I said,Even if a Lib Does sign-up,like Kerry,they cheat.
Kerry got into the Navy after repeated attempts to get a college
deferment to study in Paris.
The Navy had a strict 2 year waiting period when Kerry signed up.
Kerry also managed to file the necessary documentation for
one of his Purple Hearts.Something almost unheard of.
To this day,Kerry has NOT disclosed what he told Tim Russert
on a -- Meet the Press -- He promised he would sign and release
his Form 180.
Kerry released some records to The Boston Globe.
They tried to cover for him.Basically it was just his grades
from Yale.
Kerry never did what he promised Russert and the audience
on -- Meet the Press --.
There,I just Proved what Hoodwinking little Liars,those Dimocrats
who serve are.
The

Seems no matter what I do or what I do there are people on here who are going to hate. I mean I accept that. It is the way life is. I dont know if they are so insecure about themselves they need to rip apart other people or maybe they do not like my opinions so much they need to attack me on things like my signature. I have never been verbally assault so much as I have here the past two weeks. I mean I do not know how anyone on here can stomach it if you are not a liberal. All I can see is "See you next tuesday"Gawd, quit crying! You put intentionally offensive crap on your signature and avatar, then moan when people point out that it's offensive. Personally I'd like to know something about your opinions/positions on issues, but you distract from anything of value you might have to offer by the immature sideshow antics and then whine about not getting a fair hearing. Shit, LF, give us something to work with!

Good post, Shiloh. We all must respect other posters. When someone expressed disapproval of a signature image of mine, I took it down.

Dude - that was AWESOME! I loved it, LF.
It is a cool ani. But to have any animated picture in a sig or avatar is rude, to have one so graphic, regardless of how cool it is, is unconscionable.

Like Mitt Romney's 5 military-age sons, not one of them, not a single one, has served as much as a day in the military. Those kinds of sons and daughers?

And Mitt didn't serve either.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.

Dop, in case you didn't knowit is a volunteer force, and parents can't force their children to join. I still do not understand why people think parents either can send or keep their kids from joining the militray. It is up to the person, as you must be an adult to serve. Adults make their own decisions. If you are 17 then you must get your perents signatures to enlist as I did.

Like Mitt Romney's 5 military-age sons, not one of them, not a single one, has served as much as a day in the military. Those kinds of sons and daughers?

And Mitt didn't serve either.

today's republican's are chickenhawks deal with it.

And deal with this, when you use the term 'Republicans' you include all of us who have voted Republican, including vets, US Marines, US Army, US Navy, US AirForce and all of their families.

Dop, in case you didn't knowit is a volunteer force, and parents can't force their children to join. I still do not understand why people think parents either can send or keep their kids from joining the militray. It is up to the person, as you must be an adult to serve. Adults make their own decisions. If you are 17 then you must get your perents signatures to enlist as I did.True, if someone has an issue with people's kids not joining then he should take it up with the kids themselves, not their parents.

Regardless, the issue seems to have more to do with class than political affiliation.

Regardless, the issue seems to have more to do with class than political affiliation.
Of course. It always does.

big time politicians are always upper class though. You have to be a multi millionaire to even think about running for federal office.

Dop, in case you didn't knowit is a volunteer force, and parents can't force their children to join. I still do not understand why people think parents either can send or keep their kids from joining the militray. It is up to the person, as you must be an adult to serve. Adults make their own decisions. If you are 17 then you must get your perents signatures to enlist as I did.

Point taken --

we'll wait and see if there's a backlash from the parents if/when the draft starts ... the percentage bet would be 'yes'.

And deal with this, when you use the term 'Republicans' you include all of us who have voted Republican, including vets, US Marines, US Army, US Navy, US AirForce and all of their families.

I qualified my post with the key word today's ... meaning the republicans in congress now and their enablers.

If you served and voted republican, the post was not aimed at you and if you took it that way ... well I apologize for not explaining it better but had you been a member here longer you probably would have figured out I wasn't talking about veterans, especially my brothers and sisters from nam (or anyone that ever served) ...

So deal with that :D

It is a cool ani. But to have any animated picture in a sig or avatar is rude, to have one so graphic, regardless of how cool it is, is unconscionable.
Nappy dictating what's rude?:confused:

the End is neigh:(

Quick, get in the basement, lock the doors and close the windows! I hope you have your emergency cache of food!

the End is neigh

Huh?

The "End is neigh".................?!?!?

As in .....

http://www.featurepics.com/FI/Thumb300/20060824/6323CrazyHorse68805.jpg

........I suppose.

:@@:

Heh - :)

I qualified my post with the key word today's ... meaning the republicans in congress now and their enablers.

If you served and voted republican, the post was not aimed at you and if you took it that way ... well I apologize for not explaining it better but had you been a member here longer you probably would have figured out I wasn't talking about veterans, especially my brothers and sisters from nam (or anyone that ever served) ...

So deal with that :D

Sorry, really, I did not comprehend that. I think that term 'today's' might be new to me. I guess I figured I'd get my feet wet despite it all. :(


I certainly have had to vote Republican......and Democrat and Reform. It's the sad truth though, most have been Republican votes out of desperation....lol!

But I suspect you understand the point I'm making that Americans who tend to be Conservative are not afraid to join the Military.

Sorry, really, I did not comprehend that. I think that term 'today's' might be new to me. I guess I figured I'd get my feet wet despite it all. :(


I certainly have had to vote Republican......and Democrat and Reform. It's the sad truth though, most have been Republican votes out of desperation....lol!

But I suspect you understand the point I'm making that Americans who tend to be Conservative are not afraid to join the Military.

Point taken Merced.

Point taken --

we'll wait and see if there's a backlash from the parents if/when the draft starts ... the percentage bet would be 'yes'.

of course there will be backlash. I can not think of anything worse an American could go through then to be forced into the military and sent to a war. The militray is tough enough when you volunteer, but at least in the back of your mind you know you choose to be there. Being there agaisnt your will would be like a living hell I would imagine. A draft would greatly reduce the morale and effectivness of the army and introduce all sorts of problems between draftees and volunteers. Of course some great soldiers and heroes could come out of the drafted ranks too, but they would be far less then those who became CPL klinger types who spent thier whole time trying to get out of stuff or trying to get kicked out.

of course there will be backlash. I can not think of anything worse an American could go through then to be forced into the military and sent to a war. The militray is tough enough when you volunteer, but at least in the back of your mind you know you choose to be there. Being there agaisnt your will would be like a living hell I would imagine. A draft would greatly reduce the morale and effectivness of the army and introduce all sorts of problems between draftees and volunteers. Of course some great soldiers and heroes could come out of the drafted ranks too, but they would be far less then those who became CPL klinger types who spent thier whole time trying to get out of stuff or trying to get kicked out.
Exactly. A draft isn't healthy for society or for the military, nor is it very fair for those who are drafted.

of course there will be backlash. I can not think of anything worse an American could go through then to be forced into the military and sent to a war. The militray is tough enough when you volunteer, but at least in the back of your mind you know you choose to be there. Being there agaisnt your will would be like a living hell I would imagine. A draft would greatly reduce the morale and effectivness of the army and introduce all sorts of problems between draftees and volunteers. Of course some great soldiers and heroes could come out of the drafted ranks too, but they would be far less then those who became CPL klinger types who spent thier whole time trying to get out of stuff or trying to get kicked out.

That's what it felt like when I found out they weren't giving me the job I had contracted to join for. I should have took the offer and went back home when they gave it to me, but the stress of basic training wore down my resolve and I ended up staying in. It wasn't until after I had finished tech school and went on to my base that I found the courage to fight it again.

It sucks, because I was such a drag on the guys around me, because my heart wasn't in the military anymore. Every time some bullshit came down, instead of just grinning and bearing it, I complained, loudly, to the guys around me. I didn't make many friends. I thought once I was at my first duty station, I'd be able to just chill and things would get better. When I still couldn't get along, I had to punch out. It wasn't that the military didn't want me, they sent back my first discharge package. Some might call me a quitter, but six years is too much to ask of a bright nineteen year old who had done nothing wrong.

I don't know about the Army, but the Air Force would completely cease to work if they threw a bunch of conscripts in. The officers are too career minded and callous as it is.