As I was writing the other day I realized that we haven't had a draft here in the United States in fifty one years. The last time was June of 1973. Since that time everyone that has served did so voluntarily. Recruiting goals have not always been met but I believe our military has stood ready regardless. In my time I have noticed the use of the National guard far more frequently and in far more combat situations. Fifty years ago those in the guard were often called "weekend warriors" and it was a bit of a disparaging remark. Remember how they were portrayed in the Rambo movie? They were thought of as a bit inept. I don't believe that is the case today.
Personally I think we should still have a draft. I don't think it is too much to ask of our citizens. There has always been exceptions and exemptions available to those that don't qualify or simply didn't want to join. They have covered quite the range. In the civil war you could simply pay someone else to take your place. Yes, if you had the money, you could do that. How that was viewed in society I can't say for certain but I expect it wasn't favorable. There have been deferments for continuing education, exemptions for conscientious objections, physical ailments or disabilities. Two years of active duty service does have a maturing effect on people, something we cold use today!
I don't stay current with the rules and regulations applicable in todays military. I suspect, as it has always been, things are a bit different now. In my time I saw what we called "just messing around" change into what was called "hazing" and punishable by court martial. Guess I'm one those old people that thought it was just fun to pull pranks on others and engage in some other high jinx's. No one got physical injured, well maybe a minor bruise or a scrape, but nothing serious. Mostly you got humbled a bit. Depending upon your reaction to that you were either accepted into the group or ignored. It was still, don't ask, don't tell in my time.
The pay has improved a bit over the years, although by civilian standards, on the lower end. Vacation days are pretty good, thirty a year with full pay and benefits, and the medical care is good. Still I'm thinking if you want people to do as a profession the pay should be a bit higher. The skills required today are a bit more than what was required fifty years ago, no doubt about that. From what little I know ships today employ quite a bit of technology that would require highly skilled operators. I was still dealing with steam power. While I served having a digital clock or gauge was high tech!
With all the advances in technology and weapons systems do we really need as many ships as we have? Do we require the amount of ground troops as in the past? It's my feeling that any future wars will only require those ground troops when the combatants exercise restraint. That is to say, do not use the more advanced and lethal weapons systems that we have. History has shown us one example of that. What ended WW2? Yes, it was the deployment of those nuclear weapons that forced the Japanese to capitulate. Whether the use of those bombs was warranted or not is still debated today. That lives were saved is beyond a doubt, but the horror of their use still resonates in everyone's soul.
Veterans today are enjoying the recognition they richly deserve. As we all know that hasn't always been the case. Those engaging in combat missions have not had a clear objective, the enemy has been elusive and confusing. The cause of "freedom" is a difficult concept to adopt when the bullets are flying. It is one thing to defend your nation, your family and your way of life and quite another to simply follow the orders of your superiors. That is what veterans do however, they follow orders. In fact this is what they pledge:
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God It is what we do. |
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