mandatory military service

I would like to say that during the Vietnam conflict, the local draft boards, that were made up of local citizens as a school board, had way too much power over who went and who didn't.
The poster who's husband had a plan to be a consciencious objector and work 2 years at the state psych hospital was instead sent to federal prison, no doubt because his plan was rejected by the local draft borad.
How can we fix this?
In Italy, my understanding is they have a draft. If you are a conscientious objector that is accepted- but don't get caught on a hunting trip or punch someone out in a barroom brawl-You will be punished for lying about your stance on violence/nonviolence. This too seems a little heavy-handed. I personally would not like to see the draft reinstated. A volunteer force makes the most sense to me. My 19 y/o son wants to finish his degree, then join the navy as an officer. This is not something I would choose to do.
I do think that some individuals should be offered a chance to serve as an alternative to a prison sentence.

Missed ya, Kevin! Wonderful post!

The first place I saw the draft was in Israel. They had pride, much more than we do. The service was for all men and all women between certain ages. The soldiers got to carry their weapons home with them, because there are no armories, per say. Plus they are at war. It must be a frustrating situation for them when suicide bombers kill their citizens because I would have to say their population would be the best trained and best armed.

Just reading this thread and noticed the dates. It is amazing to me that all of you spent hours on New Years' Eve and New Years Day on this thread.
Holey-Moley !

I agree with this, plenty of people are enlisting voluntarily, either in the Reserves or other programs.

Had to go looking for this because I was pretty sure it existed.

http://www.sss.gov/FSmedical.htm

The age has been upped over the years I've been a nurse. It's one of those things they don't tell you in nursing school, or medical school for that matter. Puts a whole new spin on reinstating "the draft" doesn't it?

As I neither qualify for military service, and have no children of that age (other than fur babies), I really don't have a right to speak.

However, I think that the Bush twin girls should be the first draftees inducted, along with Jeb's niece. They could use the discipline.

Dr. Kate, it is not too comfortable to realize that I could be drafted. I am in the age range for the next 6 years and am in good health. Really makes one think about things, doesn't it?

Gosh, never thought about myself being draftable. Here I was worried about husband and sons. Hubby too old, sons too young. Me--draftable. I guess I would go if had to, only hope I would have a house left to come home to. I am sure that would look like a war zone too.

If this war thing does happen, and I am here, I hope to help the women and children who are here and need that extra helping hand. Becoming a one parent household sure can't be easy, and I think the men abroad would find some comfort in knowing we were all their to help their family in times of need. This sounds like a great way to support our troops.

I would go in a heartbeat.