To secure the continuing existence of the United States democracy against intractable religious fanaticism, whose goal is nothing less than a Muslim theocracy for all of planet Earth, it is inevitable that military conscription will again be implemented during the months following the 2004 Presidential ElectionAttempted stipulation of a point under debate. In other words, bullclinton.
It's the Dims pushing for conscription right now. Specifically, Rangel and Hollings. Their obvious goal is to de-popularize the military and de-patriotize younger voters, the way the 1960s draft did. They provide themselves cover by claiming the GOP and the military brass is planning it, but not talking about it.
In reality, the last thing the brass wants is a draft. A kid who gets drafted at nineteen is liable to hate it, resent it, and count the days until he gets out. Undrafted, he may decide on his own to enlist at twenty. He'll have a better attitude, may sign up for advanced training, and is more likely to re-up. Plus, conscription is a way to build numbers on the cheap. You don't have to worry about pay or benefits if you have it.
But facts are facts, and with our forces three untrained unmotivated nineteen year olds are no substitute for one highly trained technical sergeant in his eighth year, even if they make 1/3 as much.
-Eric
Dear Dave: The draft ain't gonna happen. You can, however, go enlist. May I suggest your local Marine recruiter. Ask for the infantry- code it UH on your contract. Then, in about 1 year come visit us here on FR. You'll be a changed man. Your sanctimony and self righteousness and ability to swallow liberal twaddle will disappear to be replaced with self discipline, pride and deeper understanding of this country's greatness. Do it for your country and for yourself. You'll not regret it.
Rangel and Hollings want a draft because they envision protesters and rioters in the streets and bringing down a Republican administration with it. They see a triumph of The Revolution to complete the partial success of the 60s/70s.
Millions of young men were drafted for four year tours of duty in the fifties and sixties: most did just fine afterwards without any deeply harbored resentment against the military. The military did fine because they could raise the bar for enlistment to the extent that over a third of young men were rejected as unsuitable for service.
You'll note during that period the the military was able to maintain very tough standards and operate highly technical equipment...they just did it with a force largely comprised of conscripts: just as the Israeli's and South Koreans do today.