photo credit: Mackenna Miller
With the possibility of a war looming over the United States, the age-old practice of the draft is under criticism. Many argue that society has outgrown this method to build up the military has been outgrown by society.
An all-volunteer military proves to be more ethically convenient and creates a stronger military. In today’s society, a draft is unnecessary for a multitude of reasons.
Compelling individuals to serve against their will is unjust, and citizens should have a choice whether they should have to serve in the military. Serving will likely disrupt their personal lives and aspirations, leaving behind their families at home.
According to Pew Research Center, the US Military is half the size it was in 1990. Because of this, some are concerned that this may be harmful and has diminished their trust in the military, as the percentage of American adults who trust the military has decreased by 14 percent since 2019.
A draft would not result in a stronger military or improve it whatsoever, it would just make a larger army. America’s current method of an all-volunteer force results in volunteers staying in the military longer, that allows them to advance their skills with longer training and more consistency.
Also, the cost of training a larger group for the military poses to be expensive, just for the training to be used on somebody who would prefer not to participate. Especially if the person wasn’t necessarily interested in the military, and decided to leave just years after.
Usually in the military, quality trumps quantity, as dedicated and motivated soldiers are way more beneficial than those who may have had to be forced to participate. Having a draft would bring little to no benefit towards the military while negatively affecting many people’s lives.
The United States’ modern society tends to be against the draft overall, this is a large difference compared to other times in history, as a majority of Americans actually used to support the draft.
According to Gallup News, a public poll shows that about 80 percent of citizens are against the draft and will riot if it is brought back. However, society has not always been against the draft, as only 36 percent of citizens were opposed to the draft in the 1970s.
The draft’s former basis on age, gender, and health may also pose as an issue in today’s society, as there have been conversations arising whether women should also be drafted. In the past, only men would have to sign up for the draft upon turning 18.
Additionally, the military has not shown itself to be welcoming towards marginalized groups. A study done by Campus Times shows that 54 percent of women in the military reported sexual assault.
Even if there was a draft, most Americans would be ineligible due to mental and physical health issues. According to USA Today, only 20 percent of Americans qualify to serve by the military’s standards.
The small percentage of eligible Americans displays how unprepared today’s society would be for a draft. While this would make the military larger, it wouldn’t be a significant enough amount for the expenses.
In times of conflict, the draft could also serve as a threat of legal consequences if avoided. This should not be an accepted form of punishment, as most people are not simply able to up and leave immediately when drafted. Overall, a voluntary registration system is optimal. Continuing to give citizens a choice whether they should be eligible for the draft is necessary.
