Mandatory Military Service in the United States Essay

The United States of America is the nation with the largest, most powerful, and most funded military. The United States has been known to commonly get involved with other nations purely based off the fact that it is militarily capable. In the past the United States has had to implement several drafts to support the military’s need for more troops. The question is, in this day and age, would it be acceptable for the United States to order a national mandatory military conscription to fuel the military? There are always those that are exempt from military service, as well as those who cannot be exempt which increases the gap of inequality which will harm some more than others. Due to evidence presented in previous conscription efforts, possible

“I think we ought to have a draft. I think if a nation goes to war, it shouldn't be represented by a professional force because it gets to be unrepresentative of the population . . . .” (Fayette, par. 2). Those are the words of General Stanley McChrystal, the former senior commander of international forces in Afghanistan, speaking of his stance on whether the United States should bring back the draft. The American public has become disconnected from the military. The time has come to do something about this; it is time to reinstate the draft. There are three reasons why the draft should be reinstated. The costs of military personnel have soared in recent years, it would make elected officials think twice before sending troops overseas since there will be a larger pool of draftees it would create a melting pot of backgrounds. Although there are those who condemn the draft, they miss the point entirely. Without question, the draft should be reinstated immediately.

Think also, the possibility of forcing young criminals between the ages of 18 and 25 to join the military. Maybe due to joining the military, these young criminals would be reformed into honorable, self-respecting individuals or become leaders of our great nation. In addition, if military conscription were implemented, the tax payers would not have to pay for the juvenile criminals to be locked up in maximum or minimum security centers.

Serving the United States Military comes with many responsibilities as well as pressure and accountability. However, the military isn’t for everyone, but it offers so much for those who serve. One thing that must be known and dealt with is that this career could be a life threatening one, and there are many obstacles one must go through beforehand.

The Military Draft has been a major part in United States history. The draft has been used in four different conflicts in the United States of America. It was used in Both world wars, the Civil war, and the Cold war. It might have been effective during these times, but it also causes great corruption and sacrifice. It caused families to lose their sons and friends. Many people lied about their age to join the war, and they were too young and didn’t understand the consequences of war. War is never a good thing to be in, in any circumstance. It this paper I will give you reasons why we don’t need a United States draft. As Americans we have to be thankful that we have a strong and productive Military, so we can have our freedom and safety in times of need.

When draftees are tested only eighty percent score average or above average while 99 percent of volunteers scored average or above on the standardized military test (Jehn, 2). Recruits score higher on enlistment tests when an all-volunteer force is used. Also, not all people have the personality it takes to serve in the military. Some people are meant to do other jobs like and teaching and farming. The US will also have a shortage of expertise if a draft is put into place. When an all-volunteer military is in place, the military is able to obtain workers that specialize in specific areas such as medicine and military strategists. With a drafted force, soldiers come to the base, the soldiers are trained, the soldiers fight, and then they are honorably discharged. While an all-volunteer force is in place, soldiers must stay for the required time they need to serve due to requirements of that branch of the military. While soldiers are serving this period of time, they are able to specialize in a field. The US should have an all-volunteer military because people that are volunteering have a better knowledge than a draftee that has never considered the military. Previous studies show that volunteer soldiers out perform drafted

This pamphlet has been created to help you understand why the draft should be brought back in today's society.

For most of American history men, and women have rose to the occasion in times of war, and joined. Women served as nurses, and cooks, while the men fought. This idea of fighting for our country is slowly fading; the U.S. Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam war, and the Korean War all used drafts. What if everyone was required to spend two years in the military? When did the idea of fighting for one’s country, one’s freedom, leave the minds of young adults in the country. A two year draft might not affect you, but your children, your grandchildren, and so forth deserve to live in a country that is great. Fighting for your country should be something everyone takes part in; we should not take our freedom for granted; the United States of America has your back, give the country

On July 1, 1973, Congress chose to end the draft in favor of an All Volunteer Army. According to "The Professional Bulletin of Army History, No. 27," the last man was drafted in December 1972 and reported for training in June 1973. Now, not only might the renewed military draft come back but also the age of compulsory service in the meat grinder might be extended from its former limit of 26 years up to 42 years of age.

The military draft has been used several times throughout the United States history. It has been used for different conflicts such as the World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. By 1973, the country switched to an all-volunteer military service, abandoning the concept of the military draft (Brisbane, par. 1). Congressman Charles Rangel planned to introduce a legislation calling for the draft reinstatement. If a military draft is reinstated, everyone, no matter what social class the person is, will have to do his or her part in the defense of our country.

With all the controversy surrounding mandatory military service, past and recent incidents have shown a greater need to protect ourselves from those who wish to do us harm. Continued decline in enlistment, and a

The United States military eventually became one of low morale and deteriorating race relations. This was contrary to the image we liked to have of our military. Young Americans found that the draft and the war violated their moral and religious ideas (Accettola 169). In the United States, young men should have been able to practice religion and have their own ideas without restraint. Through deferments, exemptions, legal technicalities, and noncombat alternatives, the draft rewarded people with money and power (Stoner and George 77). The draft was contrary to American ideals in that it unfairly rewarded some who had more than others. The draft hurt military efficiency by substituting motivated volunteers for unmotivated draftees. It was bad for troop morale and performance, so it endangered the mission (Bodenner). The draft endangered the American mission in Vietnam by lowering morale and performance, therefore endangering the United States as a

Throughout human history, war has permeated the lives of billions of people. From early conflicts such as conquests to control vast swaths of land by Alexander the Great and Cyrus the Great to modern, global wars such as the World Wars, the concept of war has been at the forefront of humanity’s mind for centuries. However, in recent years, opposition to war and lack of participation in the military has become a common theme in many countries, including the United States. To help alleviate the troubles caused by lack of participation, the United States instituted a law allowing for the conscription of its citizens. Conscription, which can also be referred to as a draft, is defined as the compulsory drafting of citizens into military service (What). The Draft has been utilized throughout US History in a couple of prominent wars; however, opposition has manifested against the Vietnam War and the draft, rightfully stemming from ethical opposition to the war and hatred for what the war and the draft stood for.

Mandatory conscription has left a bad taste in the mouths of Americans since the Vietnam War. In modern day society, it can be seen as slavery and Americans today have become accustomed to the voluntary army system we currently have. For some, the perceived loss of freedom also means not being able to achieve educational and occupational goals, but that is definitely not the case.

Around the time Joseph enlisted in the army, President Richard Nixon began working on establishing the All-Volunteer Armed Force (AVF), which would rely on volunteers to make up the armed forces and end conscription. Many worried that the AVF would result in an unskilled, mediocre army or that few men would volunteer because the Vietnam War was an unpopular war (Warner). However, these qualms were proven wrong (Warner). In fact, the All-Volunteer Armed Force has been so successful that contemporary America continues this practice. For this reason, there has been a rise of military propaganda. In addition to that, many Americans are attracted to joining the forces because of the GI Bill (Bailey).