I can't get away from the fact that everyone is mumbling over the draft being reinstated next year. While it seems a little early to assume anything is going to happen for sure, this article lays things pretty flat for anyone who has any questions about what would happen if the draft were reinstated. One of the more important points for those my age is that higher education will not be a suitable hiding place from the draft - underclassmen who are called upon will be able to finish out their current semester and seniors will be able to finish the year. Even so, I'm not currently enrolled in a college and my current plans don't have me back there by next year at this time. At almost-twenty, not only am I fairly likely pick for the draft but I make excellent bullet fodder. Needless to say, I'm hoping the armed services wants to become involved in content management systems.
I'm a little skeptical about using an article from a website called 'Soldiers for the Truth' but the author does make an interesting point in this article. What can you do, really, when the volunteers start to leave your army because things suck (extended tours, poor morale) and yet you're still 'committed' in one or more locations? The answer is simple - force people to join the millitary or help the fight for 'homeland security' and tell them that if they refuse, they're doing their country a disservice. Most people I know don't even support a war or this unwelcome occupation we're currently involved in and we don't even have a draft yet - I can't speak for my entire generation but I know a lot of people that have issues with this. A draft makes things personal and the government risks igniting the activism within those who would not otherwise speak out so boldly against the policies of the administration.
Taking in to account the points of the second article, I wonder about the administration and the kind of message they get when they see such an exodus from the current millitary complex. I share Michael Hanscom's curiousity about when we will be able to respect our leaders, our nation and ourselves again.