I know that both Kerry and Bush have very clearly stated that under their jurisdiction there would be no draft, but how would one counter the fact that our military is being stretched to its limit, with 90% of our active duty troops deployed overseas? How do we plan to fix this without a draft?
Thanks for your time,
amanda
Answer We can't. They're both being disingenuous. If we are serious about hunting and fighting terrorists and terrorist regimes, we will need to expand out activities into Iran and probably Syria. North Korea is a different matter.
However, if they both wish to be "honest" with their forner statements, they could approve a compulsory "national service" bill, which would mandate national service for all 18 year-old men and women - BUT it could be structured in such a way as to make the armed service aspect somewhat more desirable.
For instance: you turn 18 and you have a choice. You can choose military service for two years or non-military service (Peace Corp, inner-city teaching, social work, cleaning streets, whatever) for four years. If you choose the military, you get better pay, paid college, no downpayment mortgages, $250,000 life insurance policy, and they'll let you pick the top three services/duty stations, where you would like to serve (if available).
If you pick the four year America Corp. option, you get zilch, and you still might be sent to Baghdad to teach English.
This wouldn't "technically" be a draft, and it would probably solve some of the manpower problems in the short run. If more people are needed, then either the incentives for the military get better, or the overall options are reduced.
"Sorry, you picked the Peace Corp, but all those slots are filled. You should have volunteered earlier instead of waiting until we called you. Now all we got left is the Army Infantry stationed in the Sudan - bon voyage."
