Students around the country will soon return to campus and begin the invigorating schedule of classes, jobs and partying. Many assume that this schedule will continue for four years, sometimes more, and be the “best time of their life.” Freedom is redefined in college; it is the first time that many are living on their own and picking up new responsibilities. Major worries may include doing laundry for the first time, making new friends, sharing a bathroom and even getting homesick, which are all a part of this freedom.
Through all of these worries it is hard to remember many people the same age are in a different land protecting the very freedom we take for granted. With the war in Iraq escalating and more American deaths occurring everyday, inevitably very few students will voluntarily enlist in order to preserve this lifestyle for future citizens. So the question is: will there be no other option than to reinstate the draft?
Though not explicitly outlined in the Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 12 does state Congress has the power “To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years.” This has been interpreted to give Congress the power to enforce a draft.
Although the United States does not have an active draft today, the Selective Service is responsible for enlisting young men ages eighteen to twenty-five. The fine for failing to enlist is $250,000 and ineligibility from several federal programs, including student aid. Jack Martin, the former head of the Selective Service, has indicated that he feels it would be unlikely that there would be lengthy deferments for college, and that it is possible that both men and women could be drafted.
The Army and even the Marines are doing everything in their power to prevent men and women form being called up. The Alliance for Security asserts these organizations have implemented every possible way to ensure their requirements are met, including extended overseas deployments, heavy reliance on the National Guard and Reserves, call-ups of Individual Ready Reservists and Retired Reservists, stop-loss orders, significant re-enlistment bonuses and shifting of troops to complete understaffed units. President Bush even wants to train more Iraqi troops so that they can eventually take over for American soldiers.
In this period of advanced technology, the military must have a force of highly skilled and intelligent individuals. If the draft were to be reinstated, it would take the newcomers nearly their entire deployment time, two years, just to learn how to operate new advancements. This would be impossible; meaning their ability and their level of commitment would be poor. According to the Alliance for Security’s website, “the Army is already stretched to the breaking point and now faces the prospect of a crisis in retention and recruitment. If the Army can’t get enough volunteers to meet the demands it faces, then a draft will not be a matter of choice.”
Support for the war against terrorism is rising with our allies, especially after the recent bombings in London and other attempted terrorist attacks. Hopefully, their reinforcements will further delay the draft. If not, the draft will have to be reinstated.
No one wants this to happen, but if it does occur, it is the only way possible to preserve the way of life that Americans have become accustomed to and provide that opportunity to others. The military is on a mission to enhance the lives of those who do not know the definition of freedom.
Freedom is the ideal upon which this country was founded. Consider those who are protecting it; they are doing so by choice. It is their duty to protect the United States. Soon new classes will begin, along with new friendships, new jobs, new residences, and a new life. Take advantage of freedom as it is today, because as quickly as it was given, it can be taken away.
Joelle Parks ([email protected]) is a sophomore intending to major in journalism.
