Should we reinstate the draft? Would it affect the quality of our military? Would it drive better policy decisions?

CPT Aaron Kletzing, one of the problems I have with Bacevich's example though is when you compare the 12 million strong draft military of WWI against the USA population with the 1.5 million strong military of today with the USA population.
A much larger percentage of Americans were in the military in WWII than would be in our military of today.

The Greatest Generation would be a poor eample for instituting  draft in today's society. Back then, people committed suicide when they could not serve their country. Today, we sue our government at the drop of a hat. I don't see our society falling in line with this concept unless it had happened immediately following the 9/11 attacks. I hope I am wrong, but I just don't see it at the moment.

We should offer everyone a branch immaterial training. If you wanted to focus on military skills you could. If the military offended you, you could be taught something else. Regardless, it makes a whole lot more sense than continuing the Selective Service system that in today's world, if it ever was needed would be set up too late to do much good.

SFC Mark Merino - Good response ! Hollywood almost had to shut down for WW1 and 11.So many were joining.

Came across this study while doing quick research: (Quote) Bitter sectarian divisions, desertion, poor discipline. The Afghanistan army of 2013? No, the U.S. army during the waning years of Vietnam, when racism, drugs and "fragging" of leaders threatened to undermine the organization from within.

"The army in the 1970s was a terrible organization," said Conrad Crane, a retired Army officer and chief of historical services at the Army Heritage and Education Center. Within a decade the U.S. military had solved most of its problems and was on its way to today's volunteer force...By the end of the Vietnam war and the years afterwards, racial tensions and drug abuse were widespread. Officers and NCOs had been killed or wounded by their own troops in "fragging" attacks.

In almost all military cases,Vietnam is a poor example to use.The US drafted a lot of physically and mentally challenged people.The political current was in total disarray.Few military facilities was set up for combat training.In October of 1966 : 50,000 young men poured onto bases. Most of our training personnel were E-5`s just returning from overseas. Example: I threw 1 grenade,fired 20 rounds from a .45,and @ 150 rounds from a M-14. The recruits and out training teams did the best we could with what we had.The last draft was in 1973.The Draft Dept. has never been abolished.People go to work every day,with almost nothing to do.The unemployment of under 24 year olds, is @ 30%.Someone mentioned the drug problems and racial tensions of returning Vietnam veterans. Have you hung out on the block lately.Many of Americas businesses were created by the skills learned in the Military.Granted,with the current Politically correct Military ,the draft might be difficult.At some time we need to reintroduce the youth of today to pride and honor.

I have no idea what you're talking about and what to answer because this reads like a rant and a history lesson I didn't need. I was just responding to your question.

SSG Carlos Madden - Well, your reply was vague, inaccurate and lacking in substance especially given your Rank. So I was sure it's 'cause you didn't know or choose to ignore the Facts as they are WELL know by almost everyone in the Military. Even back then as trainees we knew some of this stuff, all of the CO's and NCO's did too then. I mean they were some of my sources.

A replay can't be inaccurate if it's an opinion. Please don't assume I don't know history because I do. Personally, I wouldn't count Tom Brokaw, BCT/AIT NCO's and CO's as authorities on history either. No one was questioning or ignoring facts, so I'm still not even sure what you're talking about. One can't just assume that almost everyone in the military will know about any of these facts just because some of the leadership in your initial training environment did.

SSG Carlos Madden - I happen to believe that opinions ought to be based on Facts, researched and as accurate as possible. Including in it if at all possible some reliable Statistics if available and some opinions from people like Tom Brokaw. I owe that to those who listen or read any and all my opinions.