Hollings Sponsors Bill to Reinstate Military Draft Senator cites current heavy use of reserves and national guard, need for shared sacrifice WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings last night introduced the Universal National Service Act of 2003, a bill to reinstate the military draft and mandate either military or civilian service for all Americans, aged 18-26. The Hollings legislation is the Senate companion to a bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.). Specifically, the bill mandates a national service obligation for every U.S. citizen and permanent resident, aged 18-26. To that end, the legislation authorizes the President to establish both the number of people to be selected for military service and the means of selection. Additionally, the measure requires those not selected specifically for military service to perform their national service obligation in a civilian capacity for at least two years. Under the bill, deferments for education will be permitted only through high school graduation. Sen. Hollings stressed that the national service mandated by his legislation would not mirror that of the Vietnam era, nor would it replicate the inequitable deferment and exemption standards associated with the military draft of the past: "We all share the benefits of life in America, and under this plan, we all help shoulder the burden of defending our freedoms," continued Hollings. "Our proposal ensures that all Americans answer the call of duty. High school students could be deferred until they graduate, but in no case will that deferment extend beyond the age of twenty. As we fight this war on terrorism and protect our way of life, we must once again listen to the words of President John F. Kennedy, who implored us to, 'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.'" Citing the increased and extended number of deployments of the nation's reserve and national guard forces as well as the increased number of operational rotations for our active forces, Sen. Hollings expressed his concern about the military's ability to fight two wars at once, a capability to which the Department of Defense has attested. "In the event of a prolonged engagement, it is clear that we will have to call up our National Guard and Reserve forces which have unfortunately already been heavily used in the war on terrorism and in endless peacekeeping operations," said Sen. Hollings, a World War II veteran and senior member of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee. "Our active duty forces have experienced a high operations tempo since the beginning of our air war in Kosovo and throughout the war on terrorism, often keeping soldiers away from their families for long periods of time. Our proposal would provide the additional manpower our armed forces need to carry out their missions and to defend the freedoms we fought so hard to obtain. As Americans, we must share in the sacrifice when Washington sends troops into harm's way."
I dont think that's gonna happen unless things escalate to another level. I mean we've still got a ton of reserves that havent been called on yet (no I dont have any #'s). Not real sure about how I feel about it though. I mean it would be easy for me to say... yeah! great idea. But I'm 31 it aint gonna affect me. I will say that I actually considered inlisting after 9-11. Something that I never thought I would even THINK about. I think alot of people gave it a thought. But after the initial shock wore off,I would have probably regreted it. I dont know though I do have somewhat of a deathwish. I think I could do some damage to those sadistic fucks.
It wont happen unless things get real bad. Im 23 so ill be goin if there is. This military is against it, its the democrats who want it so bad to hopefully sway the publics opinion of war back towards them. Its the same thing they did in vietnam, using peoples lives to get thier political message across.
I'm surprised at you SS.... With all the pro war, pro Bush, republican rhetoric, I assumed that you (of all people) would be willing to fight in this war. So, I just want to be clear on this..... the war is necesary & for the good of our country (ie. Saddam needs his ass kicked- just not by you), but for your own safety, you'd rather be in the rear with the women, old heads, & republicans??
"Prison Life"?? come on. If thats how you see "serving your country" then i disagree with you. I am 21. Would be round 2 in the draft. Sylent, you would be like round 4 being 23. 18yr olds, you are last. http://www.sss.gov I hope we dont have a draft. But if we do I'll be proud and happy., but im going to have to be told that i HAVE to go. SS, i dont think you had a smoke today yet cause that totally isnt you. Im sorry for yankin at cha guys. (Edited by agrowguy at 12:11 pm on Mar. 25, 2003)
I hope they have the draft.There will be alot of young horny women left at home for us 30 somethings +
Won't happen, unfortunately. The bush daughters are too close to the magic number. I think its a great idea, except rather than opting for military service, something like the WPA might provide a different path. A spin on the Roman requirements for citizenship, serve the country for four years and you can apply for citizenship rights. This just popped into my head (doobie assist): how about everyone, prior to having full citizenship rights, having to serve in some capacity the Social Good. Whether that be a works program or military service, your choice. This would be applied across the board- no exceptions. It may seem unworkable and you may have arguments against this idea, but why not?
Thc I like the idea,as long as everyone has to do it.You should also have to learn how to speak English during those years,then you become a citizen.It should probly be 2 years,so most people could get it over right after high shool.Has this idea ever been brought up in congress?
I think it may have in some diluted form, but what fatcat wants their kids to have to serve? I'm pretty sure it has never been required for citizenship rights, however.
