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US 'will have to face military draft dilemma'
Singapore Today ^ | June 13 05 | Singapore Today

Posted on 06/13/2005 10:19:29 PM PDT by churchillbuff

The United States will "have to face" a painful dilemma on restoring the military draft as rising casualties result in persistent shortfalls in US army recruitment, a top US senator warned yesterday. . Senator Joseph Biden, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the prediction after new data released by the Pentagon showed the US Army (picture) failing to meet its recruitment targets for four straight months. "We're going to have to face that question," Mr Biden said on an NBC television show when asked if it was realistic to expect restoration of the draft. . "The truth of the matter is, it is going to become a subject if, in fact, there's a 40 per cent shortfall in recruitment. It's just a reality," he said. . The comment came after the Department of Defence announced on Friday that the army had missed its recruiting goal for May by 1,661 recruits or 75 per cent. Similar losses have been reported by army officials every month since February. . However, experts said even that figure was misleading because the army has quietly lowered its May recruitment target from 8,050 to 6,700 people. . That has prompted charges that the real shortfall was closer to 40 per cent, which in turn has led to questions about the future viability of the army as a force, if it continues to be plagued by lack of new recruits. . Since October, the army has recruited more than 8,000 fewer people that it had hoped to, which amounts to a loss of about a modern brigade. . The army, navy and Marine Corps reserves also fell short of their monthly goals by 18 per cent, 6 per cent and 12 per cent respectively, according to the figures. . Recruitment at the Army National Guard was down 29 per cent, while the Air National Guard fell short 22 per cent. — AFP Senator's prediction follows recruitment shortfalls

WASHINGTON — The United States will "have to face" a painful dilemma on restoring the military draft as rising casualties result in persistent shortfalls in US army recruitment, a top US senator warned yesterday. . Senator Joseph Biden, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the prediction after new data released by the Pentagon showed the US Army (picture) failing to meet its recruitment targets for four straight months. "We're going to have to face that question," Mr Biden said on an NBC television show when asked if it was realistic to expect restoration of the draft. . "The truth of the matter is, it is going to become a subject if, in fact, there's a 40 per cent shortfall in recruitment. It's just a reality," he said. . The comment came after the Department of Defence announced on Friday that the army had missed its recruiting goal for May by 1,661 recruits or 75 per cent. Similar losses have been reported by army officials every month since February. . However, experts said even that figure was misleading because the army has quietly lowered its May recruitment target from 8,050 to 6,700 people. . That has prompted charges that the real shortfall was closer to 40 per cent, which in turn has led to questions about the future viability of the army as a force, if it continues to be plagued by lack of new recruits. . Since October, the army has recruited more than 8,000 fewer people that it had hoped to, which amounts to a loss of about a modern brigade. . The army, navy and Marine Corps reserves also fell short of their monthly goals by 18 per cent, 6 per cent and 12 per cent respectively, according to the figures. . Recruitment at the Army National Guard was down 29 per cent, while the Air National Guard fell short 22 per cent. — AFP Senator's prediction follows recruitment shortfalls

WASHINGTON — The United States will "have to face" a painful dilemma on restoring the military draft as rising casualties result in persistent shortfalls in US army recruitment, a top US senator warned yesterday. . Senator Joseph Biden, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the prediction after new data released by the Pentagon showed the US Army (picture) failing to meet its recruitment targets for four straight months. "We're going to have to face that question," Mr Biden said on an NBC television show when asked if it was realistic to expect restoration of the draft. . "The truth of the matter is, it is going to become a subject if, in fact, there's a 40 per cent shortfall in recruitment. It's just a reality," he said. . The comment came after the Department of Defence announced on Friday that the army had missed its recruiting goal for May by 1,661 recruits or 75 per cent. Similar losses have been reported by army officials every month since February. . However, experts said even that figure was misleading because the army has quietly lowered its May recruitment target from 8,050 to 6,700 people. . That has prompted charges that the real shortfall was closer to 40 per cent, which in turn has led to questions about the future viability of the army as a force, if it continues to be plagued by lack of new recruits. . Since October, the army has recruited more than 8,000 fewer people that it had hoped to, which amounts to a loss of about a modern brigade. . The army, navy and Marine Corps reserves also fell short of their monthly goals by 18 per cent, 6 per cent and 12 per cent respectively, according to the figures. . Recruitment at the Army National Guard was down 29 per cent, while the Air National Guard fell short 22 per cent. — AFP


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KEYWORDS: bidenbuff; blanketparty; hagelbuff; hatesthemilitarybuff; ilovespreadingbsbuff; janefondabuff; kickmeagainbuff; moronbuff; neville; nevillebuff; thequisling; tinfoilerbuff; tokyorosebuff; trollbuff; usefulidiotbuff
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To: econ_grad

Law of supply and demand apply entirely differently to humans and the rest of the natural world.

Nature doesn't care if individuals survive, or if species survive.

Earth has flung off most of life at least twice.

In nature you eat or you are eaten.

In nature, the weak, the old and the injured are the first in the pot.

The law of supply and demand are different for humans and they always will be.

Humans can store for future shortages, humans can affect supply by increased production.

Every scarcity is someones opportunity.

When the drought comes, animals have only the choice to move to better feeding grounds or die.


481 posted on 06/14/2005 7:53:09 AM PDT by TASMANIANRED (Democrats haven't had a new idea since Karl Marx.)
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To: econ_grad

Star CMC said:

"I'd sure as hell rather have my Friend with the Zot gun protecting my lily white butt - which I am currently slacking on - than someone like you with the pointy pencils looking at the bottom line to see if it's worth it."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=434#434


And you said:

"It isn't."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=440#440


Now, ELABORATE on what isn't worth it.


482 posted on 06/14/2005 7:53:31 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: econ_grad; txradioguy
If TX was a gentleman I would have thanked him for his service. He isn't and I am sure he is compensated adequately for what he does.

You really are a little ungrateful twit, aren't you?

(Yes........that's another name, and I used it with purpose).

And back on that 'hate' Bush thing. You're probably right. Your cold economic heart probably doesn't have enough passion to hate.

483 posted on 06/14/2005 7:54:19 AM PDT by ohioWfan ("If My people, which are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray.....")
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To: econ_grad
Let me ask you again what I asked in my previous post #378 that you conveniently ignored!

What is wrong with offering bonuses to enlisting or reenlisting People?

Since you don't like the idea of a draft or the bonuses,what would you propose to solve the problem of drawing more young people to join the military?

Like I said before,you can not have it both ways!

BTW,I think it is nothing but fear mongering by the left and the MSM.
484 posted on 06/14/2005 7:54:49 AM PDT by Mrs.Nooseman
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To: txradioguy

Zot or not. I claim victory. I win, you lose. I am sure you are the kind that likes to shoot an unarmed guy. So go ahead do it when I am gone for work. You haven't refuted anything except exposed what a fraud you are. I, however, do wish you well in the battle-field. You will be in my prayers if you are called in. Better you than the terrorist.


485 posted on 06/14/2005 7:55:57 AM PDT by econ_grad (The US Constitution presents no significant challenge to the government.)
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To: econ_grad

Star CMC said:

"I'd sure as hell rather have my Friend with the Zot gun protecting my lily white butt - which I am currently slacking on - than someone like you with the pointy pencils looking at the bottom line to see if it's worth it."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=434#434


And you said:

"It isn't."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=440#440


Now, ELABORATE on what isn't worth it.


486 posted on 06/14/2005 7:56:07 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: econ_grad
So what percentage of people have you met who joined because of the opportunities it will bring in their lives.

I refuse to make-up a statistic. I think that more than a few people would be unwilling to admit that they joined for anything other patriotism, but I'll also admit that anything I could comment on the subject is strictly anecdotal. I've served directly with probably a thousand men and women between my active duty and reserve time, and I've known perhaps an additional thousand, which should make me pretty knowlegeable. Nonetheless, I don't know the inner workings of their motivations.

Unfortunately, people in this society are taught that there are higher purposes than money or material gain, so they tend to downplay their financial motivations and focus on the so-called higher purposes: patriotism, "for the children," freedom, justice. All of those things are among the reasons people join the military, and in most cases there is more than one reason. Hell, a few join just so that they can legally go kill someone... but I like to believe they are a trace minority.

487 posted on 06/14/2005 7:56:33 AM PDT by flada (Y2K? What are you selling, chicken or sex jelly?)
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To: txradioguy

Ten minutes and he's claiming victory.
Despite having his butt ripped off.
A new record.


488 posted on 06/14/2005 7:56:52 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: Darksheare

You are not going to get an answer from him!

I asked him a simple question and he has yet to answer!


489 posted on 06/14/2005 7:57:09 AM PDT by Mrs.Nooseman
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To: econ_grad; txradioguy
I am sure you are the kind that likes to shoot an unarmed guy.

You're not just a twit. You're despicable.

490 posted on 06/14/2005 7:57:46 AM PDT by ohioWfan ("If My people, which are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray.....")
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To: Mrs.Nooseman

I know.
He asked for proof of his trollish behavior, and he provides the proof so cheaply and easily in how he behaves.
:-/

I still have yet to see him answer a direct question with a meaningful answer.


491 posted on 06/14/2005 7:58:19 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: Darksheare; Diva Betsy Ross; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; tomkow6
I think I found the perfect song for our "friend." Whatdya think?
492 posted on 06/14/2005 7:58:51 AM PDT by StarCMC (Free tagline courtesy of JesseJane!)
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To: econ_grad

Idiot, txradioguy was called in.
Or did you miss that?

Star CMC said:

"I'd sure as hell rather have my Friend with the Zot gun protecting my lily white butt - which I am currently slacking on - than someone like you with the pointy pencils looking at the bottom line to see if it's worth it."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=434#434


And you said:

"It isn't."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=440#440


Now, ELABORATE on what isn't worth it.
Or is the question too direct for you to answer?


493 posted on 06/14/2005 7:59:14 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: Mrs.Nooseman

Who said I didn't like it? I am sure they need economic incentives to join because that is what motivates most of them. My argument so far has been we need to give them economic incentives because only patriotic ones wouldn't even fill one division. BTW, yours has been the most honest post.


494 posted on 06/14/2005 7:59:44 AM PDT by econ_grad (The US Constitution presents no significant challenge to the government.)
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To: StarCMC

It fits him quite well, thanks!


495 posted on 06/14/2005 7:59:49 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: econ_grad

Star CMC said:

"I'd sure as hell rather have my Friend with the Zot gun protecting my lily white butt - which I am currently slacking on - than someone like you with the pointy pencils looking at the bottom line to see if it's worth it."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=434#434


And you said:

"It isn't."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/1422347/posts?page=440#440


Now, ELABORATE on what isn't worth it.


496 posted on 06/14/2005 7:59:56 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: Darksheare

"Ten minutes and he's claiming victory.
Despite having his butt ripped off.
A new record."


BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!


I KNEW that it was about to happen.

His "statistical model" showed him that he was helplessly outnumbered and it was time to RUN AWAY!!! RUN AWAY!!!!


497 posted on 06/14/2005 8:00:07 AM PDT by txradioguy (In Memory Of My Friend 1SG Tim Millsap A Co. 70th Eng. K.I.A. 25 April 2005)
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To: econ_grad
I claim victory.

You can claim anything you want. You've been doing it all night. Doesn't make it so.

498 posted on 06/14/2005 8:00:37 AM PDT by auboy ("Unfair" is in the eye of the bemoaner)
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To: txradioguy

Too bad there isn't a killer rabbit or a cartoon peril for him.


499 posted on 06/14/2005 8:00:39 AM PDT by Darksheare (Hey troll, Sith happens.)
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To: econ_grad

ROFLMAO - you are SOOOOOO second grade! Ha ha ha!! Take your little toys and go home to mommy. She's hanging out at DU and cheering you on. Be a good little tyke now.


500 posted on 06/14/2005 8:01:09 AM PDT by StarCMC (Free tagline courtesy of JesseJane!)
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