The United States Should Have a Draft for Military Service

Claremont Colleges Debate Outreach – [email protected]

The United States should have a draft for military service

Key Terms Sources Draft How the U.S. Draft Works Conscription http://people.howstuffworks.com/us-draft.htm Socio-economic Class BBC News Vietnam War http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3242923.stm Exemption Public good Military Readiness

Fact Set  38% of military personnel are minorities, while they make up only 29% of the general population.  The largest military branch, the Army, is comprised of 45% minorities (Ronald Walters, University of Maryland professor).  1973 was the last year the draft was in effect.  Only 35 percent of senators and 27 percent of representatives in this Congress have ever served in the military.  16,073,428 men were drafted to serve in WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Arguments in favor of a draft  If lawmakers and other influential Americans had children that were eligible for the draft, they might be less likely to support war.  National security is a public good- protecting our country is a burden that should be shared by citizens from all different walks of life.  Currently minorities and poor Americans are more likely to join the military than other social groups. A draft would remedy this inequality.

Arguments against a draft  Today’s highly technical military techniques could not be taught easily to troops who were drafted and only served a short time. A high turnover rate would result in more poorly trained forces.  The most influential members of society will still find ways around being drafted- a draft does not ensure equal participation.  Requiring people to serve who have not volunteered will hurt military morale. Claremont Colleges Debate Outreach – [email protected]

The United States should have a draft for military service

Key Terms Sources Draft How the U.S. Draft Works Conscription http://people.howstuffworks.com/us-draft.htm Socio-economic Class BBC News Vietnam War http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3242923.stm Exemption Public good Military Readiness

Fact Set  38% of military personnel are minorities, while they make up only 29% of the general population. The largest military branch, the Army, is comprised of 45% minorities (Ronald Walters, University of Maryland professor).  1973 was the last year the draft was in effect.  Only 35 percent of senators and 27 percent of representatives in this Congress have ever served in the military.  16,073,428 men were drafted to serve in WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Discussion Questions  What is the draft?  What is the Selective Service system?  How does the all-volunteer force work now?  How did the draft work?  How do issues of class and race relate to the draft?