[RJCogburn]

Your points are all well made.

Although I believe military service would be helpful and useful experience for a lot of people, the concept of the draft itself, forced service, is a bad one.

[jwalsh07]

There is only one valid reason for a draft and that is to ensure that the privileged classes "contribute" their fair share. :-}

And while conscription has a long and checkered life in America, the volunteer Army is by far the best way to go.

[WFTR]

Thanks for your comments.

I remember reaching a point at the end of my high school days when I realized that I would never fit well in military life. I had wanted to join the Navy because my Dad had been in the reserves for many years, and I wanted to serve my country. However, I realized that I wouldn't be what they wanted and I wouldn't enjoy or really benefit from my time there. At that time, recruiting was based on a "be all you can be" attitude and not an "Uncle Sam needs you" attitude. I didn't see any point in taking a slot that would have been a good opportunity for someone else.

If something had happened that would cause me to be needed, I wanted to be drafted. I just didn't want to go into the service if it would be a waste for everyone. Because of that, I still support the idea of a draft when it is truly needed.

WFTR
Bill