Bring on the draft! — Part 2
Although Congress is unlikely to follow calls
from a top Democrat to bring back the military draft, the United States does
have a plan, if necessary, aimed at inducting millions of young men for
service.
Although Congress is unlikely to follow calls from a top Democrat to bring back the military draft, the United States does have a plan, if necessary, aimed at inducting millions of young men for service.
The Selective Service System, an agency independent of the Defense Department, says it’s ready to respond quickly to any crisis that would threaten to overwhelm the current all-volunteer military.
“We’re the fire department,” said spokesman Pat Schuback at the service headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
“We’re prepared to do the mission with whatever time period we’re asked to do it in. Our current plan is 193 days and that was based on manpower analysis.”
If needed, the U.S. Selective Service System says it’s ready to pull the trigger on a new draft. According to the Selective Service, here’s how a draft would happen:
A crisis occurs that overwhelms the current all-volunteer military, forcing Congress and the president to authorize a draft system.
Selective Service starts a lottery, based on birth dates, beginning with men age 20.
Those with who are assigned low lottery numbers are “ordered to report for a physical, mental, and moral evaluation at a Military Entrance Processing Station to determine whether they are fit for military service,” according to the Selective Service’s Web site.
They have 10 days to claim “exemption, postponement, or deferment,” that would excuse them from service.
Compared to the Vietnam War era, any future draft would allow “fewer reasons to excuse a man from service,” according to the Selective Service.
If Congressman Rangel’s planned introduction of a bill reinstating a mandatory draft provokes debate — it’s achieved what checks and balances are all about.
Posted: Tue - November 21, 2006 at 05:31 AM