Draft or Volunteer Army: Our Nation's Best Interest

摘要

Since the nation took its roots in 1776, the U.S. military forces have, at times, been an all-volunteer force and at other times a combination of a volunteer and a draft force. Many in today's military have reviewed writings concerning the Vietnam era draft years; however, they have only served as part of the all-volunteer force that was established in 1973. This research paper reviews the historical aspects of a military draft in the United States and in some foreign nations. It examines and compares today's all-volunteer force and the Vietnam era draft in the following major areas: (1) military effectiveness, (2) cost and other economic considerations, (3) socio-political force composition and equity, and (4) level of conflict. The author presents the arguments for a volunteer Army versus a non-volunteer Army. Finally, recommendations are given with regard to the continuance of the all-volunteer Army.