What is your opinion on bringing back the military draft?

[Darien A]

We are doing a debate in class, and i am not sure which side to go on. Please tell me your opinion and why.

[teejayniles]

Some of the "Selective Service Registration" procedure is already in place for 18-year-old males - - whether that should be expanded for females is certainly an interesting subject. For young role models like Prince William and Prince Harry of England there is no question but that military and volunteer experience is good for a sense of common national commitment. Do you agree that the military should be made up of people of all socio-economic levels - - not just those seeking to get military scholarships after their term of service to our country?

[Bitsy]

I don't think it's a bad idea at all. Two years service to your country. Might teach this younger generation a good work ethic and respect for your country. Might make them appreciate what they have and not expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter.

[jeligula]

Bad idea. Mandatory service for a two year term is not the draft. We have too high a population for that to make sense anyway. It works for countries like Switzerland, but would be a total wash out here in the U.S. Our society would not support it, either. The U.S. Armed Forces would be swamped with gangs who would use the experience as in-roads for criminal advantage.

[NWIP]

The military reaches it goal in the US every month with volunteers. There isn't enough room at any of the bases to hold anymore than they have. Already with the Navy there is a delay that can be months and months long before you leave because there is only 1 Boot camp location now, compared to 3 years ago. Then there is all the ratings that are closed or very limited advancement.

Now if there was a way in which the service had to be completed including overseas humanitarian aid it would be possible. Have teams together that react to disasters including forest fires, etc... My sisters & brother were able to do that years ago in the summer while in high school. There would be locations in remote areas where they would help fight fires, replant, etc...