I read an article this morning from a veteran who was talking about there not being a need for us citizens to thank him for his service. Draft was mentioned.

 

Would we go to war less often if we had a draft?

 

If the answer is "yes" then what does that say about our system?

Edited July 17, 201511 yr by Clyde

How would a draft affect how often we go to war?

What was his logic on why we would go to war less often if there was a draft?

We had a draft consistently from WW2 to 1972. Fought a short war in Korea n a long one in Vietnam during that time. Not sure a draft changes things historically

I should mention that I do not believe there would be exemptions for a draft today for those kids in college like we had previously.

How would a draft affect how often we go to war?

 

What was his logic on why we would go to war less often if there was a draft?

 

I'm interested in this as well. I'm not seeing the logic in it.

Look it from a demographics standpoint.

 

What is that demographic today vs an all-inclusive/no exemptions draft?

How would a draft affect how often we go to war?

 

The logic is something like voters would be less likely to support politicians in favor of war if it would mean the voter himself would have to go. I don't think the argument is that it would lead to outright pacifism, but more that there's a perceived casualness to how politicians expend the military that might be curtailed.

I don't think it would impact our foreign policy.

 

I am in favor of 1 year of "service" of some type after high school. I believe it would be an equalizing influence to our youths. It could introduce those who had limited exposures in their lives to more opportunities; and it could take the silver spoon out of the mouths of those who were born with unlimited opportunities...if we manage it right. It doesn't have to be only military service...there are other forms of public service.

The logic is something like voters would be less likely to support politicians in favor of war if it would mean the voter himself would have to go. I don't think the argument is that it would lead to outright pacifism, but more that there's a perceived casualness to how politicians expend the military that might be curtailed.

 

I'll admit that I don't follow most campaigns too closely, but I don't ever remember there being a candidate that was adamant about being pro-war. I still don't see how a draft would affect our frequency in war.

The theory is the draft would draw from a more affluent demographic which has a more powerful voice. Not all, but a hefty portion of those which voluntarily enlist come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Money = power.

I'll admit that I don't follow most campaigns too closely, but I don't ever remember there being a candidate that was adamant about being pro-war. I still don't see how a draft would affect our frequency in war.

 

Pretty much every politician is sensitive to whether their positions are popular or not.

 

This is the logic: Some members of Congress decide the only way to deal with Iran is by using force. A debate opens up across the country about whether Congress should authorize a military operation. Hypothetically, if I (or my son, daughter, spouse, etc.) had to leave my job/school/etc. to go do this undoubtedly dangerous and deadly work, would I be more likely or less likely to support the decision? I think someone like the person in the OP would say the public would be less likely unless all other alternatives could be ruled out and people felt the country's security was gravely at stake.

 

For what it's worth, I don't know how I come down on the question, but that's the logic.

Edited July 17, 201511 yr by Habib

Draft all the illegals that meet age and other standard qualifications. Compulsory 2-year term to get on a citizenship track.

Draft all the illegals that meet age and other standard qualifications. Compulsory 2-year term to get on a citizenship track.

 

 

Interesting thought, but I am not sure I want an army of illegals. :eek:

Draft all the illegals that meet age and other standard qualifications. Compulsory 2-year term to get on a citizenship track.

 

I have also felt this way about some criminals as well. Let them serve 4 years in military vs jail time, either way we are paying them, but at least in military we are getting a service from them and if it turns 50% of the criminals lives around, thats better than what the jail system is doing. Obviously you wouldnt do this with high violent criminals and murders.