by Jasper Wolf

Created on: May 27, 2007

A military draft should not be reinstated because our all-volunteer force levels are sufficient, and provide a reasonable limit on how far we can extend ourselves militarily.

A military draft is necessary only if the demand for soldiers outstrips the all-volunteer supply. There are obvious signs of supply shortfalls, but these deficiencies are currently being met by active duty extensions, increased mobilization of Reservists and National Guard units, and increased recruitment made possible by lowering qualifications (according to the Congressional Budget Office's October 2006 report). It is clear that supply is approaching demand, but demand is determined by our foreign policy. Those conducting our foreign policy are not calling for a draft. They are, however, continually increasing their demands on the individuals in our armed services.

A draft is not warranted by our current war, and the current size limit of our military is a good countermeasure to further discretionary military actions. The rhetoric and resistance around the current troop surge in Iraq suggests that further troop surges are unlikely.

Reinstating the draft would have certain benefits. Deployment of volunteer forces, Reservists, and National Guard units could be rolled back to their expected durations. Qualifications would no longer need to be lowered. We would be better prepared to respond to unexpected conflicts. And with all Americans confronting the possibility of a conscripted loved-one, Americans would confront the sobering realities of our foreign policy. Of course this last point is a red herring: a draft would tear our country apart just as it did during the Vietnam War.

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