A Draft

[korme]

With war approaching, what are the chances of having a draft? I would rather not risk my life, and I feel like I'm the perfect age - 17... I am weak, I am small. I am not made for war.

Thoughts.

[samifan24]

I doubt they would reinstitute the draft. Our nation's military forces are well-staffed and I do not expect casualties to be high enough on our end to warrant the reinstitution of the draft. I am 20 years old and not made for war either, but if drafted I would defend my country.

[McSweeny]

so how's the weather up in canada this time of year? ;)

[bigdawg2003]

I'm 18, so if there was a draft, I would probably be worried. But I remember my pops saying he was drafted for Vietnam, but got out of it because he was in college. Is that how it still works?

[dacman]

Sorta...you can only get out up until that year in college is finished (if you're already enrolled and attending). That is, if they don't change the rules again, which they are liable to do if a draft becomes necessary.

[Aylmar]

If I remember correctly, only-children and married young men are also passed over on the first draw.

[TLK]

What about an only-son? I also have a heart condition and am a lover, not a fighter. That said, I would go if called upon.

TLK

[Noble_Platypus]

Quite a corageous bunch we have on this site. You guys originally from France?

[JeffNights]

The only way a draft would be likely is IF, North korea goes crazy...errr...crazier and decides to invade the south at aboutthe same time have 300,00 troops in the gulf.

[MylesKnight]

JeffNights, that brings to mind an interesting possibility...

If you're North Korea, wouldn't that maybe be a smart move,.. to attack while the United States is a bit busy with another important matter?

I'm guessing the probability of that happening is fairly low, but it definitely makes you think..

[Havok]

Quite a corageous bunch we have on this site. YOu guys originally from France?

LOL!!!!!!!!

if that doesn't make it to the quote thingy at the top of this site then i dont know what will.

[JeffNights]

North Korea may be that nutty indeed. however, South Korea defiantely has enough troops and enough american equipment to at least hold them while the massive U.S. Arieal counter attack wipes out NK's armor divisions.....this is huge overlooked fact it seems to me, North Koreas air force is a complete sham...when the pair of migs shadowed the EP3 a feew weeks ago a big deal was made becuase they hadnt done it before...WHY? Becasue quite simply they dont have the resources too...i really hate listening top talk radio on my way home and listeing to these idiots call in and say north korea is too big and too many men and thats why Bush isnt dealing with them...(sigh) ah well...

[Aylmar]

Originally posted by MylesKnight
If you're North Korea, wouldn't that maybe be a smart move,.. to attack while the United States is a bit busy with another important matter?

It might seem a smart move in the short-term, but the long-term outcome would be grim for the North Koreans. I'm fully convinced that North Korea is doing very little other than rattling the saber to try and convince the world (especially China) that they're not afraid of the big, bad USA.

[MylesKnight]

I hope you're right Aylmar.

The whole "Divide & Conquer" scenario, involving the USA & Her Allies scares me a bit.

This is the only way I can realistically see the United States military struggling.. If all hell breaks loose elsewhere in the world while we're at war with Iraq.

[samifan24]

I belive the bottom line is that there will not be a draft, barring some unforseen bizarre situations developing like those mentioned above.

[mckerney]

I'm 18, registered for selective services and all that good shit, and unlike Shorty am not scrawny and unable to fight (a good 6'0" 185), but I am not worried about the draft, and won't be even if it is put into action.

And why not? Medical deferment, woohoo!

Apparently the way I've heard it from someone who knows (read: former military recruiter), having a metal plate in your elbow as a result of suffering a bone fracture means you can enlist or anything like that.

Plus, I'm assuming I'm not going to flunk out of college for at least two and a half to three years.

[Noble_Platypus]

If this is the lot that a draft would have to be supplied by, we would be in better shape activating the girl scouts.

[Neuqua]

Originally posted by Noble_Platypus
Quite a corageous bunch we have on this site. You guys originally from France?

Hilarious.

[GoldenEagle]

I am 18 and in college.

If there was a draft and i was subject to be drafted, however, I would probably enlist. Why? I would much rather be in a foxhole with guys that wanted to be there instead of guys who didnt.

Plus the army would pay off my school and I could finish my degree. I could leave after five years or stay and become an officer.

[samifan24]

Good point. Another benefit would be the ability to do what you wanted to do (to a point and depending on the numbers).

[GoldenEagle]

Right. I want to fly a plane. :)

[couriers]

I am 32 years old and have never been in the service. The thought of enlisting has been racing across my mind more often than not lately. If it weren’t for my current responsibilities to my business partners I would seriously consider looking into the age restrictions on new recruits. If the situation in the world deteriorates any worse over the next year the consideration may grow regardless of whatever else is going on in my life.

[stkelly52]

Originally posted by couriers
I am 32 years old and have never been in the service. The thought of enlisting has been racing across my mind more often than not lately. If it weren’t for my current responsibilities to my business partners I would seriously consider looking into the age restrictions on new recruits. If the situation in the world deteriorates any worse over the next year the consideration may grow regardless of whatever else is going on in my life.

Sorry you are too old. 28 or 29 is the cutoff.

[Bee]

There's practically no chance they would institute a draft, even if NK invaded SK.

They'd first have to go through all the BS in washington just to get it approved to start. They'd debate it forever. Once it got past that, they'd have to start getting notifications out and give physicals and everything. They'd have to provide some length of period for those drafted to make arrangements (jobs, apartments, etc) between getting notified and reporting. Then you have to send them through basic training and everything else. By the time all that was done, both wars would probably be over.

Wars just don't last long enough anymore for a draft to be practical unless it's a "standing requirement" like some other countries use.

[AgPete]

Isn't the first age group in a draft ages 18 to 26? I imagine the only chance for a draft is if Saddam Hussein holds out longer than expected and attracts Muslim support just like Afghanistan did with Russia. It'll be difficult to fight through Baghdad but I doubt it will be as touch as the mountainous terrain that held off the Soviet Union for so long. Also, Hussein would probably do wonders for Middle East support if he attacked Israel. I think many of the leaders in that region are putting on a public face to please extremist factions in their country but are privately hoping that Hussein will be taken out of power and a longtime problem will be taken care of. If he can invade Kuwait and Iran, no one is safe. If for some reason there was a draft and you don't think you'd cut it as a grunt, I'd recommend enlisting instead of taking chances on your birthdate and a national lottery because you might get a better choice. I know people that took advantage of that in Vietnam and were given easy duty onboard U.S. Naval ships instead of being thrown into the jungle as infantry.

[couriers]

Originally posted by stkelly52
Sorry you are too old. 28 or 29 is the cutoff.

O'well, it's the thought that counts right? Maybe the shit will hit the fan so badly, god forbid, and they will lift the age restrictions to allow my short, balding and apparently too old dumb ass in.

[MizzouRah]

Maybe the shit will hit the fan so badly, god forbid, and they will lift the age restrictions to allow my short, balding and apparently too old dumb ass in.


Not a good thought. Is this what people in America want? Thousands of service men and women dying. Maybe, just maybe this will be another quick war and little killing to be had.

I hope your balding, too old dumb ass stays home playing FOF.


Todd

[couriers]

Originally posted by MizzouRah
Not a good thought. Is this what people in America want? Thousands of service men and women dying. Maybe, just maybe this will be another quick war and little killing to be had.

I hope your balding, too old dumb ass stays home playing FOF.


Todd

Read the whole statement before jumping down my throat next time. I used the phrase "God forbid" for a reason. If people would stop puting words and intentions into the thoughts of others then maybe there wouldn't be such useless backlash like this as often as there is.

[MizzouRah]

Read the whole statement before jumping down my throat next time. I used the phrase "God forbid" for a reason. If people would stop puting words and intentions into the thoughts of others then maybe there wouldn't be such useless backlash like this as often as there is.

I did read the whole statement. Why say something like that? I don't even like the thought of this small war turning into a major war. At least not with my friends and family over there fighting.

...and couriers, I'm not jumping down your throat, just interpreted the post different than you intended...?


Todd

[Havok]

If this is the lot that a draft would have to be supplied by, we would be in better shape activating the girl scouts.

Stop it Noble!!!!!! You just made me shoot pepsi out of my nose!!

[mckerney]

My only problem with serving in the military is it's way to strict and structured for me. I don't think I'd have too much of a problem actually going into combat (though it wouldn't be my choice of things to do), though having someone have as much control over me and telling me what to do constantly I couldn't put up with.

[Noble_Platypus]

Originally posted by mckerney
My only problem with serving in the military is it's way to strict and structured for me. I don't think I'd have too much of a problem actually going into combat (though it wouldn't be my choice of things to do), though having someone have as much control over me and telling me what to do constantly I couldn't put up with.

So being shot at is ok with you, but taking orders isnt?

THAT should be the quote of the century.
And yes, I did serve. 6 years in the Navy

[Noble_Platypus]

By the way Havoc, sorry about the pepsi. I'll wait until you are finished next time.

[Noble_Platypus]

Hey Havoc, do you get the feeling that on Saturday nights a lot of the people on this board put on their berets, grab a hunk of cheese and a glass of wine, and settle in for a Jerry Lewis all night marathon?

[sachmo71]

"I figured I should join before I got drafted."

*SILENCE*

"Son, there ain't no draft no more."

"There was one?"

[Noble_Platypus]

classic

[couriers]

Originally posted by MizzouRah
I did read the whole statement. Why say something like that? I don't even like the thought of this small war turning into a major war. At least not with my friends and family over there fighting.

...and couriers, I'm not jumping down your throat, just interpreted the post different than you intended...?


Todd

Fair enough Todd and sorry if I came across as rude in my response. I had hoped that it was clear in my original statement that I in no way wanted things to get ugly but instead I was just trying to convey my appreciation for our soldiers so much so that I was willing to join them if ever the possibility arose. I have the deepest of respect for our military and the realization of the worst for them would be one of my greatest fears. I have no problem with someone interpreting my words differently than I intended them to be I just wanted to make sure that no one thought that I meant them in a negative manner. Furthermore, upon reflection I should have chosen my words more carefully. Instead of saying, “Maybe the shit will hit the fan so badly” I should have said, “Maybe if the shit hits the fan” to help clarify my position. Hope that helps.

[Craptacular]

Originally posted by Bee
By the time all that was done, both wars would probably be over.

Wars just don't last long enough anymore for a draft to be practical unless it's a "standing requirement" like some other countries use.

Bingo. I remember a few guys from my HS who enlisted in January 1991 because they wanted to kick Iraq's butt. I don't think they made it in time. ;)

[MizzouRah]

Fair enough Todd and sorry if I came across as rude in my response. I had hoped that it was clear in my original statement that I in no way wanted things to get ugly but instead I was just trying to convey my appreciation for our soldiers so much so that I was willing to join them if ever the possibility arose. I have the deepest of respect for our military and the realization of the worst for them would be one of my greatest fears. I have no problem with someone interpreting my words differently than I intended them to be I just wanted to make sure that no one thought that I meant them in a negative manner. Furthermore, upon reflection I should have chosen my words more carefully. Instead of saying, “Maybe the shit will hit the fan so badly” I should have said, “Maybe if the shit hits the fan” to help clarify my position. Hope that helps.

Excellent post, and point taken.


Todd

[ctmason]

All the questions answered here, guys: www.sss.gov

[Noble_Platypus]

After seeing the amount of effort put forth in finding ways out of a draft taht isnt going to happen anyway, I believe this group could cure cancer, stop global warming, and figure out the meaning of life all at the same time if you put your mind to it.

[Bee]

Originally posted by Noble_Platypus
After seeing the amount of effort put forth in finding ways out of a draft taht isnt going to happen anyway, I believe this group could cure cancer, stop global warming, and figure out the meaning of life all at the same time if you put your mind to it.

we did that on the old board.

[nilodor]

Originally posted by McSweeny
so how's the weather up in canada this time of year? ;)

10 degrees today, nice and sunny. Good day for shorts. I guess that would be 10 celcius, 50 F, or like 504 R

[AgPete]

Originally posted by Bee
we did that on the old board.

:D :D :D