NationStates Jolt Archive


Question for Americans

North Island
02-04-2005, 00:38
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?
Drunk commies reborn
02-04-2005, 00:40
No, there won't be a draft. It's political suicide for any politician who votes for it.

Even if they do start a draft those drafted won't be used in combat roles. Conscript soldiers suck. They'd use the draftees to fill in non-combat roles to free up real soldiers.
Clandestinity
02-04-2005, 00:41
I haven't heard anything about it... I do know that the Army is severely under manned right now, though. Other branches, however, are downsizing, so on one hand it makes sense, but on the other doesn't.

To answer your second question, that would me that if people need to be drafted, selection numbers would be drawn, and you would have to go serve.
Vetalia
02-04-2005, 00:43
The draft would do more damage than missed quotas could ever do. The quality of conscripts is usually atrocious, and their strong ties to civilian life would undoubtedly drag down morale. Plus, they would not be motivated to serve.
Custodes Rana
02-04-2005, 00:44
Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?


Unless you're 39 years old.
North Island
02-04-2005, 00:44
No, there won't be a draft. It's political suicide for any politician who votes for it.
This is Bush's last term so what does he have to lose?
Drunk commies reborn
02-04-2005, 00:46
This is Bush's last term so what does he have to lose?
Congress has to propose a draft and vote on it before the president sees it. Congressmen and senators have no limit on how many terms they can serve, unless they do something so stupidly unpopular as voting for a draft.
North Island
02-04-2005, 00:46
Unless you're 39 years old.
20 and registerd. Your Embassy here made sure of that. :sniper:
Go to fight for America just because I was born there, land of the free indeed.
Kusarii
02-04-2005, 00:50
I'm not an American, but I had read that the draft, IF it is instituted will be unlike any draft previously introduced in the United States.

Many of the shortages of troops in the US army and other forces are technical and or skilled in nature. Computer personell, doctors, nurses and the like. Hence it is quite likely that to lessen the political fallout of re-introducing the draft only people who's skills are required would be drafted. Additionally, this would include women as well as men aged 20-40.

I'd post you the source where I read all that, but it was a month or two ago, and I really can't remember where I got it, sorry :(
Objet dart
02-04-2005, 00:50
Where are you now?
North Island
02-04-2005, 00:53
Congress has to propose a draft and vote on it before the president sees it. Congressmen and senators have no limit on how many terms they can serve, unless they do something so stupidly unpopular as voting for a draft.
Yes, but youre people are very patriotic now, more then in post war times so it is almost like a duty you must serve. I read an American news article and in it a U.S. Army Captain and other high ranking officers say that the only thing that could make it hard for Congress to pass the bill is the fact that Americans do not really see themselfs at war now.
New British Glory
02-04-2005, 00:54
Ha ha the Land of Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all is conscripting its citizens because a war most of them don't support is sucking up all the real soldiers. The irony is fantastic.
North Island
02-04-2005, 00:55
Where are you now?
Me?
Lacadaemon
02-04-2005, 00:58
Ha ha the Land of Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all is conscripting its citizens because a war most of them don't support is sucking up all the real soldiers. The irony is fantastic.

You know, if you bitch about the US enough, you might get your Empire back. :rolleyes:

There is no draft. (Conscription is an English term).
Nycton
02-04-2005, 01:41
Last time I checked, only 2 congressman want the draft back and wuld vote yes. The only way the draft would EVER come back if we were ever involved in a major conflict like China, Russia, or something.

The US military is not under manned. We've been cutting soldiers like mad for the past 10 years. We are all computerized now. We don't need waves and waves of grunts. Like the slogan says

"The army does not lie in numbers, in lies in a army of one."
Dempublicents1
02-04-2005, 01:58
Many of the shortages of troops in the US army and other forces are technical and or skilled in nature. Computer personell, doctors, nurses and the like. Hence it is quite likely that to lessen the political fallout of re-introducing the draft only people who's skills are required would be drafted. Additionally, this would include women as well as men aged 20-40.

I hadn't heard that they would do this - but I suppose it would make sense.

Meanwhile, women *should* have to register for selective service, if we are to have it at all.

And, by the way, if anyone is worried about being drafted - it's easy - just say you're gay.
Lancamore
02-04-2005, 02:00
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?

I just learned that there is a very high chance Europe will act militarily to remove the dictatorships in Zimbabwae, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and North Korea. Is that true? What does that mean?
Benokraitis
02-04-2005, 02:08
And, by the way, if anyone is worried about being drafted - it's easy - just say you're gay.

Thanks for the advice!
North Island
02-04-2005, 02:26
I just learned that there is a very high chance Europe will act militarily to remove the dictatorships in Zimbabwae, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and North Korea. Is that true? What does that mean?
Well then you get to see us and your nations braves on CNN killing people. How grand.
Don't post here if you have nothing of value to say in regards to the topic!
Keruvalia
02-04-2005, 02:41
As an under the cut-off age for recruitment and an experienced combat veteran, I would be eligable for any draft that came my way.

I would refuse. That's right, you heard me. I would refuse.

I volunteered when I volunteered because I felt I needed to give something back to those men and women who served valiantly before me to ensure my good place in this world - even though they never knew me.

However, I now serve those brave men and women through the power of ideas and through the pen. If Uncle Sam demands I hold a rifle for him, he best watch out where I aim it.
AnarchyforRevan
02-04-2005, 03:10
However, I now serve those brave men and women through the power of ideas and through the pen. If Uncle Sam demands I hold a rifle for him, he best watch out where I aim it.

:) nice
Keruvalia
02-04-2005, 03:40
:) nice

*takes a quick bow*

Yes, well ... the truth is the truth. I owed those who came before me and I still owe them today. The United States is just as much Audie Murphy as it is Jane Fonda.
Trammwerk
02-04-2005, 03:45
Well, if they do, they'll save me the trouble of choosing between the Peace Corps and the Army. Yarr.
Kervoskia
02-04-2005, 04:00
As said earlier, its political suicide.
Nonconformitism
02-04-2005, 04:21
well i cant say anything factual as to the likelyhood of a draft but how's this,
the secretary of defense and other high ranking military officials have been quoted saying that a draft could currently be instituted in three months, to me it seems like theyre a little too prepared
Kervoskia
02-04-2005, 04:23
As an under the cut-off age for recruitment and an experienced combat veteran, I would be eligable for any draft that came my way.

I would refuse. That's right, you heard me. I would refuse.

I volunteered when I volunteered because I felt I needed to give something back to those men and women who served valiantly before me to ensure my good place in this world - even though they never knew me.

However, I now serve those brave men and women through the power of ideas and through the pen. If Uncle Sam demands I hold a rifle for him, he best watch out where I aim it.
Well said.
Nonconformitism
02-04-2005, 04:27
And, by the way, if anyone is worried about being drafted - it's easy - just say you're gay.
not bad but dishonest, if you really object the war why dont you just show them pictures of all the protests youve been to, that way there is no question abute the concientous(mispelled?) objector status
Kervoskia
02-04-2005, 04:34
not bad but dishonest, if you really object the war why dont you just show them pictures of all the protests youve been to, that way there is no question abute the concientous(mispelled?) objector status
I don't think they grant objector status anymore.
Lancamore
02-04-2005, 04:38
Well then you get to see us and your nations braves on CNN killing people. How grand.
Don't post here if you have nothing of value to say in regards to the topic!
Er... how about a sarcastic expression of how little weight I attatch to the sensationalist claims that we're about to have a draft??
Keruvalia
02-04-2005, 04:39
I don't think they grant objector status anymore.


I'd still object. :p
Kervoskia
02-04-2005, 04:42
I'd still object. :p
As would I. :)
Keruvalia
02-04-2005, 04:50
As would I. :)

Schweet! So we form a commune and grow some veggies.

Actually, no. I think the next draft protest will be far worse than the last. In the last protest, it was a bunch of radical long-haired hippies who couldn't make a dent in politics if they tried.

This time, we're dealing with people like me - folks who are combat veterans - who would protest a draft. The difference? I know how to use a gun. I know how to train others - SSG Rangers, thank you very much - and I know how to take care of myself.

I'm not just some college drop-out hippie. Those days are gone.

I served and I served voluntarily. It would cheapen my service to the United States if suddenly they're taking anybody with opposable thumbs. No. No draft. I will fight against it with every breath and fiber in my body.

In short, there'd better not be a draft. I'd rather the US just give its sovereignty to the UN before adopting the draft.
Holy Sheep
02-04-2005, 04:53
Unless its actual Soverenty was treatened? Like if Canada was knocking on the White House door and ready to loose our beaver legions eh Keru? Or no matter what?

And not all long haired hippies are college dropouts! Some of them intend to get MD's!Or something... They still have like, 2 & 1/2 years left to decide on what.
Dempublicents1
02-04-2005, 06:04
not bad but dishonest, if you really object the war why dont you just show them pictures of all the protests youve been to, that way there is no question abute the concientous(mispelled?) objector status

I didn't say I would do it, just that it would work.

Personally, if I were drafted, I would go, unless I were completely and totally opposed to the war in question.
Heiligkeit
02-04-2005, 06:38
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean?
I trust Bush will do any crazy thing. Draft is when the government forces people to enter the army.

Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?
What?
Lunatic Mothballs
02-04-2005, 06:46
Hey, I've got long hair! And I never went into college in the first place!

And... well, I'm not a hippy, either. Damned hippies... just ripoffs of beatniks... nonetheless, it's all good, and I'm glad I live in a country, and so will not be drafted.

I'm tired.
Marrakech II
02-04-2005, 06:48
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?


Your spreading false propaganda. No need to debate this because it isnt going to happen unless a very big war starts. I dont mean wars with Iran or Syria. N Korea would have to kick off and drag on for a long period. Really no discussion about this.
Andaluciae
02-04-2005, 06:50
If we see a draft next year, we will see several independent congressman, and an independent presidential candidate take a hunk out of the two parties lead on a Ross Perot scale.
Lancamore
02-04-2005, 20:51
If we see a draft next year, we will see several independent congressman, and an independent presidential candidate take a hunk out of the two parties lead on a Ross Perot scale.
YAY!
Blessed Assurance
02-04-2005, 20:58
Ha ha the Land of Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all is conscripting its citizens because a war most of them don't support is sucking up all the real soldiers. The irony is fantastic.
Hello, it is fiction. It didnt hapen, it will not happen
Blessed Assurance
02-04-2005, 21:09
Schweet! So we form a commune and grow some veggies.

Actually, no. I think the next draft protest will be far worse than the last. In the last protest, it was a bunch of radical long-haired hippies who couldn't make a dent in politics if they tried.

This time, we're dealing with people like me - folks who are combat veterans - who would protest a draft. The difference? I know how to use a gun. I know how to train others - SSG Rangers, thank you very much - and I know how to take care of myself.

I'm not just some college drop-out hippie. Those days are gone.

I served and I served voluntarily. It would cheapen my service to the United States if suddenly they're taking anybody with opposable thumbs. No. No draft. I will fight against it with every breath and fiber in my body.

In short, there'd better not be a draft. I'd rather the US just give its sovereignty to the UN before adopting the draft.
You're a windbag and a braggart, you gonna shoot the civil servant (Mr. Johnson from down the street) who delivers your draft card since you "know how to use a gun". You want to end you nations soverignty because you dont agree with a draft, you're pathetic.
Diaga Ceilteach Impire
02-04-2005, 21:13
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?

i highly doubt there will be a draft , not that i would mind
12345543211
02-04-2005, 21:14
20 and registerd. Your Embassy here made sure of that. :sniper:
Go to fight for America just because I was born there, land of the free indeed.

What are you talking about? Nobody is going to hunt you down in frekkin Iceland. Why do you think hippies went to Canada during Viet Nam?
Neo-Anarchists
02-04-2005, 21:15
You're a windbag and a braggart, you gonna shoot the civil servant (Mr. Johnson from down the street) who delivers your draft card since you "know how to use a gun". You want to end you nations soverignty because you dont agree with a draft, you're pathetic.
Healthy disagreement is well and good, but perhaps it's not a wise idea to make personal attacks on others?
Just a thought.
Diaga Ceilteach Impire
02-04-2005, 21:16
Schweet! So we form a commune and grow some veggies.

Actually, no. I think the next draft protest will be far worse than the last. In the last protest, it was a bunch of radical long-haired hippies who couldn't make a dent in politics if they tried.

This time, we're dealing with people like me - folks who are combat veterans - who would protest a draft. The difference? I know how to use a gun. I know how to train others - SSG Rangers, thank you very much - and I know how to take care of myself.

I'm not just some college drop-out hippie. Those days are gone.

I served and I served voluntarily. It would cheapen my service to the United States if suddenly they're taking anybody with opposable thumbs. No. No draft. I will fight against it with every breath and fiber in my body.

In short, there'd better not be a draft. I'd rather the US just give its sovereignty to the UN before adopting the draft.

i think this very post proves your not a combat veteran, if you ever were , you are a disgrace
Invidentia
02-04-2005, 21:28
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?

its not true as far as ive heard.. i would like to know where you got that info from.. funny enough.. the only politicians calling for a draft are Democrats.. specifically one from New York :mad: who is suppose to be a representatives of the state!...
Blessed Assurance
02-04-2005, 21:28
It would be hard to have to leave my cushy civilian life again to serve but I would do it if called.
Invidentia
02-04-2005, 21:38
Yes, but youre people are very patriotic now, more then in post war times so it is almost like a duty you must serve. I read an American news article and in it a U.S. Army Captain and other high ranking officers say that the only thing that could make it hard for Congress to pass the bill is the fact that Americans do not really see themselfs at war now.

and every miliary general who has been interviewd on this subject has stated unmistakably that the last thing they want is a draft... volunteer military produces willing soliders who are comitted and dedicated to doing an upstanding job.. while a draft brings unwhiling untrained and angry citizens to the front lines.. not exactly making a picture perfect army.. this is why our military is so revered today..everyone there WANTS to be there and it was their choice!

There is no point to it anyway.. in less then 10 years robots will be a major player in our military
North Island
03-04-2005, 01:02
Your spreading false propaganda.
How is this 'propaganda'?? What is wrong with you? Do you even know what propaganda is?
North Island
03-04-2005, 01:08
What?
I think its when the SS I mean SSS people pick a date of the year and all registerd people that have a birthday on that date and are at the age of 21 get a number witch is then put in a 'pot'. The SSS or military people then piick a number from that lottery and send the person whos number they got a draft card. I think how it works, not sure.
North Island
03-04-2005, 01:11
Nobody is going to hunt you down in frekkin Iceland. Why do you think hippies went to Canada during Viet Nam?
Good, even if you did I wouldnt go. Never heard of hippies going to Canada during the Vietnam War.
Cave-hermits
03-04-2005, 01:37
not even sure where ive heard them, or if they are at all accurate, or propaganda or what not, but ive heard a few rumorish sorts of things about the draft.

i did hear the bit about drafting trained professionals, like doctors and such.

i also heard some rumor about 'warming up' the whole draft mechanism thingy.

ive got some fairly recent military experience, so if a draft does come up, im likely to get recalled or something before then.

i got mixed feelings on it.

im prolly a better candidate then some random person, i dont have family, spouse, children etc. im not set in a career, im arguably not even a positive contribution to society, so if someone is going to get shot at, who better?

at the same time, i have some very strong objections to war in general, and more specifically the one we are currently waging. i am also just generally opposed to a draft. i feel it would render military forces less effective, it goes flat in the face of a 'free' country, and it is a fundamentally classist system, where the upperclass/wealthy are making the decision to go to war, and the lowerclass/poor are the ones serving, and getting killed in it.(granted, thats nothing new, and unlikely to change. ever.)
The Lagonia States
03-04-2005, 07:30
Charlie Wrangle is the only political-type that favors a draft (And Boxer occasionally). There won't be a draft
Doom777
03-04-2005, 08:02
No, there won't be a draft. It's political suicide for any politician who votes for it.

Even if they do start a draft those drafted won't be used in combat roles. Conscript soldiers suck. They'd use the draftees to fill in non-combat roles to free up real soldiers.
Yep. If you ever played Civilization III, conscript soldiers have only 2 lives, while regular have 3, veterans(which any nation with sun tsu's art of war) have 4 and elite have 5. SO an elite soldier is worth 2.5 conscript soldiers.
New Illyria
03-04-2005, 08:04
Let me guess, I am the only person here who has signed up for the Selective Service. Am I right?
Trammwerk
03-04-2005, 08:06
No. If you're 18 or older and feel like voting, you have to sign up for selective service. Plus, if you want to get federal loans for college, you have to. I do both. So I'm signed up for it.

Don't be so disparaging.
Urneska
03-04-2005, 08:07
ya know whats funny about america, you gotta give up alot of your freedoms to keep the ones your giving up, in other worlds there isn't any freedom 'cuse your giving them up (in am maner of speaking)
Urneska
03-04-2005, 08:08
I say this because it kinda ties in with the subject
New Illyria
03-04-2005, 08:12
No. If you're 18 or older and feel like voting, you have to sign up for selective service. Plus, if you want to get federal loans for college, you have to. I do both. So I'm signed up for it.

Don't be so disparaging.
Sorry I just made the false assumption that nobody else would sign up. Only 20% of those who are supposed to sign up for the Selective Service do.
Andaluciae
03-04-2005, 08:15
Let me guess, I am the only person here who has signed up for the Selective Service. Am I right?
I plan on getting a job with the government someday, and voting in every election, so of course I'm registered.
Markreich
03-04-2005, 08:16
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-06-01-military-draft_x.htm

WASHINGTON (AP) — No matter what the Pentagon says, the idea of restarting the military draft never seems to go away.
Defense officials say they don't want it. And polls show the American public doesn't either. So why do lawmakers keep suggesting that conscription be reconsidered?

Since the fall of 2002, when the Bush administration asked Congress to approve force against Iraq, the Defense Department has said repeatedly that it sees no reason to abandon the all-volunteer, professional military and return to the days when thousands of untrained men were forced into service.
Daistallia 2104
03-04-2005, 08:20
This rumor came up repeatedly (around once a week) during the lead up to the election in the US last November.

It was shown to be to be baseless political scare mongering again and again.


Schweet! So we form a commune and grow some veggies.

Actually, no. I think the next draft protest will be far worse than the last. In the last protest, it was a bunch of radical long-haired hippies who couldn't make a dent in politics if they tried.

This time, we're dealing with people like me - folks who are combat veterans - who would protest a draft. The difference? I know how to use a gun. I know how to train others - SSG Rangers, thank you very much - and I know how to take care of myself.

I'm not just some college drop-out hippie. Those days are gone.

I served and I served voluntarily. It would cheapen my service to the United States if suddenly they're taking anybody with opposable thumbs. No. No draft. I will fight against it with every breath and fiber in my body.

In short, there'd better not be a draft. I'd rather the US just give its sovereignty to the UN before adopting the draft.


i think this very post proves your not a combat veteran, if you ever were , you are a disgrace

1) Keruvalia's opinions are shared by a number of vets I know.

2) Abusive ad hominem attacks are a no-no.
Escojido
03-04-2005, 08:25
I just learned that there is a very high chance that the 'draft' will start next year.
Is that true? What does that mean? Do we all go to war if our number comes up in the lottery?

I'm gay so I am except! Cuz i'll be telling the world that I'm gay and proud of it. I will not hide who i am to "fight" or take part in a "war" that I do not feel truly benifitted our country and came at too high a price in lives both of ours and theirs.
Sidestreamer
03-04-2005, 08:25
Ha ha the Land of Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all is conscripting its citizens because a war most of them don't support is sucking up all the real soldiers. The irony is fantastic.

Stateside, we don't call it conscripting. It's called a draft.

And no, it's not going to happen. Too many of these lardass chickenhawk Republicans would rebel. The TS case already cost Bush the Religious right, and even though he may not be running again, he wouldn't dare mess it up for the rest of the party by instituting something as unnecessary as a draft.
New Granada
03-04-2005, 08:28
All I know is that if I get drafted and cant get to a civilized country (and they wont make me an officer) i'll frag the officer. Vietnam style, kill the [edit: profanity got a shade out of hand~]
United East Asia
03-04-2005, 08:31
lol, again a draft discussion. Honestly... You realize that the draft would be pretty expensive? And surely is anyone willing to hand material worth millions of dollars over to drafted soldiers with basically no professional training. Last I heard was the that military was against the draft as well.

Then again, once the first drafted soldier gets killed in Iraq... then you'll have a real anti-draft/government demo in Washington. I think it'd be far worse than any of the hippy-shit from Vietnam.

Besides...

If you want to get your ass kicked on the field, fine, bring the draft back. I'd say the French would laugh their ass off.

Really lol, who would you want to have sitting at the firecontrol of a SAM battery. Some professional soldier with decent training or some draftee who's just counting his days until he gets out of it?

People need to realize that the draft is dead, has been for a while. It fitted into the 19th century and the early 20th, but with modern technology you need specialists and not large numbers of cannonfodder.
Sidestreamer
03-04-2005, 08:31
All I know is that if I get drafted and cant get to a civilized country (and they wont make me an officer) i'll frag the officer. Vietnam style, kill the [edit: profanity got a shade out of hand~]

A representative to Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez will be meeting you shortly to be asking you some questions. You are to cooperate fully or face action.

Have a nice day :)
New Granada
03-04-2005, 08:43
A representative to Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez will be meeting you shortly to be asking you some questions. You are to cooperate fully or face action.

Have a nice day :)


Indeed the jackboot Republican Guard will probably be coming with a knock in the night.