Let me say this. I employee numerous young men that are in their twenties. They don't know how to work or even work on their own. A draft where they would learn discipline, be made to show up on time and on consequitive(sp) days would make them better people.
I question the all-volunteer military because, is it right or moral for a few to defend the freedom and rights of the many. But it is as the retired General said, there are 'sheep', 'sheepdogs' and 'wolves' in the human population.
So, I guess it is best to leave the 'sheep' to graze.
Times have changed.
There are less rural farm kids to draw from, since family farms have been decimated.
Most volunteers are from rural backgrounds.
Im not saying you didnt do well as a draftee, but the military lost the discipline inducing about 25 years ago, about 10 years after the draft. They went with quality versus quantity, because it costs less to have people do what they are told.
They dont have the overhead anywhere near what was - pre Gulf War 1.
They pay more, because they dont want to waste training on someone who does not listen to orders or has a negative personal agenda. Lots of the dirty details, almost all are contracted out. No more buffing floors, KP, laundry details,take out the trash,clean the bathroom, fire/dorm/hurricane watch/CQ after basic training, and I doubt they emphasize it there either.
See above, Parmy.
Not to take anything away from the great service you gave to this country but, imo, you are more the rule than you are the exception. One of the big lies about Vietnam is how well overall the draftees perfomred. BTW, I was commanding a Basic Training Company as the draft was ending. I believed then and I believe now we should not have done away with it. Just so you know, I enlisted in 61. Vietnam and the 60's pretty much define me.