I’ve walked the wall and touched the names of classmates. I respect those who fought in Vietnam; many were draftees. It was my generation’s war. A volunteer force improved the military—a positive—but the idea exacerbates the growing division within our country.
We’re a divided nation with a loss of faith in institutions and a lack of “national pride.” We’re destroying our culture and heritage. Polls report declining patriotism. America’s future is at risk if an unpatriotic trend continues. There seems to be a “Me First” generation of takers not givers. I heard someone say, when my country does something for me, I will consider doing something for it. Have we forgotten President John F. Kennedy’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
The public has no skin in the game. In past wars, everybody knew somebody serving. Not today. Citizens exercise their Constitutional rights without realizing the associated costs. Who makes the payments to sustain those rights and preserve national security?
Only 0.5 percent of citizens serve in the military, a stereotypical force that doesn’t represent the country. A service member is generally conservative, patriotic, comes from a family with a military background, has religious beliefs, is less affluent, and a large percentage volunteer from southern states. The military is an alternative and offers opportunities for education and adventure. Some join for pride, structure, and discipline. However, there’s a manpower concern: 75 percent of those aged 18 to 25 can’t meet military standards. Recruiting goals aren’t met: a 15 percent under achievement for the Army and Navy and 13 percent for the Air Force.
Translation: Can we man ships and planes and deploy units to deter an aggressor, defeat an adversary, and protect American interests?
We’re hearing veterans not recommending military service, a cornerstone to recruiting. This is partially attributable to Afghanistan, Benghazi, respect, trust, and sacrifice. I would add concern over a lack of warrior mentality. Do we change Geneva Convention rules to name, rank, serial number, and pronouns? When our president attacks MAGA, realize many potential recruits believe in Making America Great Again and are turned off by the Commander in Chief’s divisive commentary.
We need to affirm allied commitment to oppose communist China and protect Taiwan and Pacific interests, including economic, or be prepared to capitulate to China’s expansion—or worse, “return” when ready. The Chinese Communist Party’s intentions are clear and inevitable: to change the world order in its interests. To combat and defeat China, we need a stronger military. Our military reports to civilian authority. If you’re Xi Jinping, are you deterred by current leadership?
Perhaps it’s time to debate compulsory service. More than 26 countries have a military service requirement, including our adversaries. China (1.4 billion population) has conscription and recently changed policies to draft those with science, technology, engineering, and math skills versus previously recruiting from those with a more rural farming background. It ups China’s game.
A draft is more inclusive, and draftees can be trained. A draft will increase public patience for entering military action and place an emphasis on shorter wars. Alternatively, service can be in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other non-governmental organizations. It’s about service beyond self, building national unity. I was once told we spend $24,700 per recruit. A portion can be saved and diverted for other use, such as pay, housing, etc.
I agree a draft isn’t an appealing solution, but a divided, unpatriotic nation is more alarming. Compulsory service would be a step in recognizing the cost of protecting our freedoms, benefit the individual and the nation, and be a unifying element to bring our nation together. Service allows everyone to have a stake in making America a better place and understand the realities of life and the challenges of today’s world through selfless commitment to our nation.
Don’t only thank me for my service, join me in serving, and you'll have our nation’s deepest gratitude.