Reasons For Returning to A Military Draft Now!

 The scandal involving the Veteran's administration Hospitals is one reason why a universal selective service system is needed.  Problems only now obvious likely would have been avoided if Members of Congress had some military  experience.   Much as I like to blame Obama for everything that goes wrong in the country; Members of Congress are equally guilty. How many of them have served in the military?

Unlike the Israeli Knesset (Parliament), where all members and their staffs have  served in the IDF, the IAF or Navy; the vast majority of Congress people have only the vaguest concept of military life. Most members of Congress have not served in the military This is why they come up with screwball schemes such as admitting transgenders  in the military. This is why they see no problem with asking relatively few to face multiple tours of duty in combat zones  Most Congressmen and their constituents, especially those who represent Progressive  gated-communities  don't understand that military life is different. That doesn't matter to them because neither their children nor the children of their friends will have to deal with it.

My solution is to bring back the draft. Not the corrupt and hated draft of the Vietnam era. I propose a modified  version of the Israeli system. Both Male and Female could be drafted. From the age of 18 to the age of 22 everyone would be subject to an annual draft lottery . Obviously, not everyone would be drafted, but everyone would have to consider that possibility.  Only those in the most dire situations would be granted deferments.

The other reason for a draft is a return to basic fairness. Does anyone really think leaving the defense of the nation to one per cent of the citizenry is fair?  Does anyone really think requiring some people risk their life  again and again until they develop PTSD or worse, is fair? Remember the Army Ranger who was introduced at this  year's State of the Union ? He  served 10 combat tours in 10 years. On his last tour of duty he suffered traumatic brain injury among other problems.

Returning to a draft will make the country more just and increase understanding among the various demographic groups. In the past it wasn't uncommon for Members of Congress  to have served in the military, today it is. That has to change

Among those most against a draft will be the Pentagon brass. They understand  they will have to do a better job of justifying military action abroad.