by Jerry Curtis

Created on: November 21, 2008

One of the best arguments for reinstating the draft arises from our recent war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our military simply was (and still is) stretched to the breaking point, and we had to resort to recycling our National Guard reservists in what has been called a "back-door draft." While every reservist is a volunteer, most never figured they were volunteering for extended active duty and two or three tours in a war zone. In fact, the idea behind "reservists" is to actually be held in reserve.

Aside from the obvious numbers problems that a draft would solve, the arguments for reinstating the draft are rather compelling. Here are a few:

-Military service is just the thing for the post-adolescent at "loose ends." It is an opportunity to focus on service rather than self. It also has the cathartic effect of having to start at the very bottom to cope and compete in the absolute meritocracy-dictatorship that the military is all about. The boot camp experience and the subsequent increase in confidence, pride in self and friends who overcame the challenges make better people and citizens. We could use more of that these days.

-With a larger number of youngsters in the military drawn from a larger cross-section of society (as a result of the draft), it is likely that those in charge of putting our troops in harm's way will be under wider scrutiny and might be more careful when and how they send our youngsters into battle. Our terrible experience in Iraq where we sent volunteer troops with inferior equipment and armor would not be repeated if the folks back home had more "skin" in the game.

-The draft would have an indirect beneficial effect on other public service programs. Those who prefer to opt out of military service (conscientious objectors, for example) could be given the option of other federal service, which would not necessarily have to be cushy. For example, two years up in the Alaskan tundra inventorying caribou or working for the Peace Corps in Equatorial Africa building sanitary facilities for the natives might be acceptable alternatives to military service.

-The draft could be a way to keep our reserve force full. If active duty needs are low at any given time, draftees could report for training and be put on the inactive or active reserve rolls and called up as needed. Every draftee could be called up to serve at least 12 to 18 months of active service.

Finally, there is an intangible, but beneficial, result that the draft would bring. Older veterans who served during the draft know about this one: The common experience of military service serves to unite our citizens as nothing else can. Serving in the armed forces (or public service) of the United States of America would be one thing many of our citizens would have in common because of the draft. As youngsters from Texas serve with street-wise guys from Brooklyn, or the Nebraska farm boy makes friends with the kid from San Francisco, they accumulate life experiences, values and a sense of loyalty to others. Most important, later, as they recall their service to their country, they will look back with a pride that has a special significance for both our active and former military people.

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