If only it was the NFL that wanted to draft me

To many young Americans - with only their parents' Vietnam-era stories for guidance - the idea of a draft might seem far-fetched and improbable. Unfortunately it is not quite as improbable as we think and wish.

Last month, this blog reported that a group of high influence conservative scholars were pressing for the re-implementation of the civilian draft to supply the necessary manpower to sustain the war in Iraq and effectuate further missions in the Middle East and other potential problem areas. ("Can’t afford an Escalade? No worries, you may be rolling in a Humvee in no time." February 1, 2005)

Now, an influential leading liberal publication, the Washington Monthly, is also advocating a possible reinstatement of the civilian draft. The article points out an obvious fact recognized by Liberal and Conservative alike. The military is currently at or near its limit with the current operations in Iraq. Even if you are of the opinion that we should not be in Iraq, you still must accept that we are; and the possibility remains real that we may require more troops for various reasons in the near future.

The article reviews a series of possible alternatives to conscription, but none of which seems likely to succeed. Realigning the military to better fit the current military climate and doctrines only goes so far. Ultimately, in order to sustain current policies, an increase in the number of troops is necessary. And of course, since we have been in Iraq it has been and will continue to be very difficult to increase or even maintain the number of volunteers entering the military.

This numerical reality is why Rock the Vote has been and will continue to be so vigilant about the prospect of draft reinstatement in any form.

We want you to understand how the game really works. The intellectuals lay the groundwork. When the policymakers run out of options within their current paradigm, they start casting about for alternatives. Presto: all the arguments have been laid out, people have thought it through, and here's a nice solution, siting on the shelf.

It is worth pointing out that there is a notable distinguishing factor between this proposal and the drafts of the past. This draft would be in an altered form whereby conscripts would be given a choice of military or service-based duty with entities such as Americorps. The idea is that some would choose the military and others would choose alternatives such as military policing and homeland security posts at U.S. ports, thus freeing up traditional volunteer military forces to concentrate on combat-related duties.

While some would say this proposal puts the draft in a potentially more palatable form - if it walks like a draft and quacks like a draft, it ain't a duck.

The Washington Monthly is not alone in liberal circles in supporting a return of the draft. Last year, Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel of New York introduced a bill for reinstatement. Rangel introduced the bill at least in part to bring attention to the reality of war and the socioeconomic disparity of the volunteer military.

Can you imagine having mandatory service after high school, whether in the military or in a community organization? How would that really work? Would kids get thrown in jail for ducking out?

Some say this would ignite a renewal of national pride. We think it might ignite riots in the streets. But what do you think?

Don't let the intellectuals do all the talking.

posted by Miles Granderson