Reinstating the Draft: Good or Bad?

Draft...it's a word with two meanings both of which make the majority of people cold inside. The type of draft that I'm referring to however, is the requirement by law to serve in the military. But is reinstating the draft good or bad for America? Since the founding of the United States the draft has only been instated once and it led to the deaths of thousands of brave young men. But, times have changed and making it mandatory to serve in the military might not be such a bad idea.

America is currently at war with terrorism, and though the military has been fighting insurgents for the last seven years it will take much longer to completely rid the world of terrorism. America may have the money to stop terrorism; however it doesn't have the man power or support. America's military has lost almost all favor with the people it serves, for example during world war two almost everyone tried to help and support Americas troops. However, today regular citizens constantly criticize the military but have never experienced life in the armed forces and don't understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Making it mandatory for all able bodied citizens to serve in the military would help inspire the country to support the troops and teach them to be grateful for what the military does for America and other countries.

American soldiers who have signed up to serve in the military voluntarily need a break. If the government were to reinstate the draft the military would have more people who can temporarily take the place of those who have been serving for the last seven years. Many have served two or more tours in the Middle East and need time to be with their families. Others who have signed up voluntarily have faced so much emotional strain during the time spent in the Middle East that they need to get away from the gung-ho military life and be normal Americans for a while.

Many recent high school and even college graduates have no idea what they want to do with there lives. The military offers both jobs and training all over the world that could give those required to serve a chance to see who they really are, while allowing them to gain work experience. The military teaches all of its member's honor, teamwork, dignity, and most importantly respect. In American society respect seems to be a forgotten virtue and with the reinstatement of the draft, respect for elders and each other could be taught by the hierarchy of military officials.

Serving in the United States military should be required for all able bodied citizens. It can help relieve the troops currently in the Middle East and aide recent graduates in finding out who they really are. Mandatory service would also teach morals, and respect to all young Americans, which will help our country achieve goals that we never thought possible.