Military Draft System To Be Tested

Officials Say Selective Service Apparatus Is Being Checked, Not Implemented

(CBS/AP)  The Selective Service System is making plans to test its draft machinery in case Congress and President Bush need it, even though the White House says it doesn't want to bring back the draft.

The agency is planning a comprehensive test — not run since 1998 — of its military draft systems, a Selective Service official said. The test itself would not likely occur until 2009.

At the direction of the White House, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Knoller, Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson is making it clear he is not advocating the reinstatement of a military draft. He told a news conference that society would benefit from a return to the draft, but a few hours later, after the White House disavowed the remark, Nicholson issued a statement in line with administration policy. He said he strongly supports the all-volunteer military and does not support returning to a draft.

President Bush has repeatedly stated that the all-volunteer army would remain all-volunteer.

"We're kind of like a fire extinguisher. We sit on a shelf," Scott Campbell, the service's director for operations and chief information officer, said. "Unless the president and Congress get together and say, 'Turn the machine on' ... we're still on the shelf."

The administration has for years forcefully opposed bringing back the draft, and the White House said Thursday that policy has not changed and no proposal to reinstate the draft is being considered.

The "readiness exercise" would test the system that randomly chooses draftees by birth date and its network of appeal boards that decide how to deal with conscientious objectors and others who want to delay reporting for duty, Campbell said.

The Selective Service will start planning for the 2009 tests next June or July, although budget cuts could force the agency to cancel them, Campbell said.

President Bush said this week he is considering sending more troops to Iraq and has asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates to look into adding more troops to the nearly 1.4 million uniformed personnel on active duty.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, increasing the Army by 40,000 troops would cost as much as $2.6 billion the first year and $4 billion after that. Military officials have said the Army and Marine Corps want to add as many as 35,000 more troops.

Recruiting new forces and retaining current troops is more complicated because of the unpopular war in Iraq. In recent years, the Army has accepted recruits with lower aptitude test scores.

In remarks to reporters, Nicholson recalled his own experience as a company commander in an infantry unit that brought together soldiers of different backgrounds and education levels "in the common purpose of serving."

Rep. Charles Rangel, a New York Democrat, plans to introduce a bill next year to reinstate the draft. House Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi has said such a proposal would not be high on the Democratic-led Congress' priority list.

Hearst Newspapers first reported the planned test for a story sent to its subscribers for weekend use.

The military drafted people during the Civil War and both world wars and between 1948 and 1973. Reincorporated in 1980, the Selective Service System maintains a registry of 18-year-old men, but call-ups have not occurred since the Vietnam War.

[sharncedar]

why do so many in the power structure want to bring back the draft? I don't get it - is it an attempt to plunge the country into open rebellion?

If my children are threatened with death by the draft, I will respond at the utmost of my powers to defend their lives. These clowns better tread carefully, because it ain't just me.

I will do whatever it takes, under heaven over hell, to protect my children. A coward chickenhawk will never give orders to my daughter, or endanger her precious life. I'll go outlaw, change my identity, and live a life of crime in Mexico before I'd allow that.

[jetauma]

The solution is simple: Let those in favor of war...go. Let those in favor of a draft...go.
The rest of us will stay home.

If the fat old men and women who sit around fomenting disharmony, hate and war...if they had to go, if their sons and daughters were guaranteed to go...how many would sit silently cowering the corner, muttering, "er, er' er.
The gutless wonders of...so brave with someone else's life.

[jeffk1623]

Unfortunately I fear the draft will have to be initiated. Our troop levels are becoming seriously low and for those still in uniform a third or fourth tour to Iraq is upcoming. GW and his crew will not pullout, as we continue to hear of troop increases in Iraq. This is a mess we shuold have never gotten involved in and our children are being left to pay the ulitmate price. Thanks GW and all you NEOCON bast@ards.

[nothappyatall]

BUSH has put the brakes on that SharnCedar- you can't simply move to Mexico or Canada, nor can you escape identity changes- EVERYTHING is on line now, including public documents, bankruptcies, your real estate taxes and property ownership, divorce records, DMV and so much more. There are databases galore now. Go to your county tax assessor's web site and no doubt if you look up your address you will find your home ownership is up there for all to read- how much tax you paid, it's value, your mortgage holder, what you paid, photos and floor plans. Many counties were in the news after scanning and putting documents up that included people's SS#'s and other sensitive personal info.
You now need ID to get on an airplane, more ID to get a driver's license or change it, proof of residency and all the rest.
Before long the Bush regime will have us on a DNA, electronic implant, iris scan, voice scan or fingerprint ID system- it's coming.
Mexico is no paradise either, people work 11-12 hours a day for about $1.50 an hour down there and thanks to the Bush regime- other countries hate our guts more than ever- it's dangerous now to travel to any foreign country.

[observantx]

I remember the draft. I recall the letterform my local draft board that started with the salutation%u2026%u201DCongratulations, %u2026%u201D

The PNAC mob doesn%u2019t dare initiate the draft. You thought they have trouble with Cindy Sheehan. Multiply that by tens of thousands. Considering the poll numbers and the election results, this would be the same as shooting themselves in the foot. But then again, considering the track record of Clueless Leader and the rest of the neocon trash in this preemptive lie called Iraq, it%u2019s a wonder they aren%u2019t all in wheelchairs and on crutches. But then again aren%u2019t a lot of our sons and daughters on crutches, in wheelchairs, blind or dead because of these imperialistic Aholes

[delta5243]

How about just serving your country....right or wrong, I know John Kerry thinks we're uneducated morons, but what the hell. My word actually means something to me and when I give it I keep it, no matter what anybody else thinks.

[njrebelle]

I remember well the draft of the Viet Nam era. I worry now, because I have a son. The draft is immoral, inpractical in present circumstances, and if ever reinstated would, I feel, tear this nation apart. This government which has blundered in so many ways will never get our children! Lets those wonderful patriotic young people who WISH to serve form our armed forces. I am sure that they have no wish to serve with people forces into the military.

Draft Beer!!

Not People!!

[hollyt2-2009]

Is there any statistics on how many politicians have had there sons, daughters or family members killed or even gone over to the war? Just wondering. And wondering if the draft ever came back would we all get to know the loop holes on how to keep our own children from having to go.

hollyt2, sure, your son would just have to say he was gay and looking for a husband, they won't take him

[jetauma]

Holly, I think there is one congressman with a son in Iraq...that's it.

[oleander8]

If the war in Irag were a "just" war - if there can be such a thing - the military would have no problem recruiting people to serve. There was a huge surge in enlistments after 911 - as there was after every attack against America.

But this war is unclear - it's about big oil, big business, an incompetent leader, and lies. I hope with all my heart that the citizens of this country reject any attempt at re-establishing the draft.

[bluestardad]

Hope they plan on drafting women too cause if they open this can that will come up!

[working2hard]

Don't worry about the draft coming back. With what Bush has done to our economy and our national debt, soon the only jobs available will be with the military and recruitments will soar.

[grumpas]

I don't think Bush has the guts to reinstate the draft. It would make him even more unpopular than he already is...if that is possible! All of his cronies children and grandchildren would be put in the head of the line. So, would Georgie's twins! Most of us would insist before our children and grandchildren were sent. He has resisted the draft because that would be the final straw for him. He would have a full scale rebellion on his hands. I would not mind my grandson going if there were a threat to us as a nation. But, these imaginary threats of his to our freedom just doesn't cut it! This war on terror of his is a joke. He is doing nothing whatsoever about terrorism but making it 100% worse. He doesn't have a clue what he is doing as always. He isn't even dealing with these people in the right manner. He has done nothing with military force but escalated the mess.

[ihatebush1]

There is no way I would go or let any of my three children be drafted into a war of choice that a lier rushed us into then completely botched it probably on purpose for the sake of getting his rich friends even richer. I am made as a rattle snake I will fight to to death anyone who tries to take my children away to the military. The president's policy is so stupid. How is our soldiers driving around getting blown up making us safer from terrorist? It is creating terrorists! Get out of Iraq and apologize for all those innocent civilians that were murdered over there. If Sadam was responsible when thousands died under his regime, President Bush is responsible for all those innocent deaths. Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11. Shame on the USA! I am so mad I can just spit! Come to my house to get my kids and there will be a shoot ***!

Like I said before

Draft Beer...

Not people

[bks59]

I really hope these commentaries aren't representative of Americans as a whole. But then when I look at the folks I know, perhaps it is. As a nation we have forgotten to serve our nation to protect our freedoms, the NIMBY syndron is a live and well in hamlets across the country. As individuals we want safety and protection, but all to often it is somebody else's responsibility to deliver it. While I know it is important for individual responsibility, it is also equally important to help and protect others. War is disgusting, but anarchy is worse. I support civil draft, where inidviduals perform military/civic duties. It helps folks recognize the responsibilities we have towards our nationa and neighbors.

[nodraftnow]

In this day and age, why isn't that women have to register for selective service? Having only men register is UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Women should register for selective service, starting with the drunken Bush daughters. NO DRAFT! Do not give the lives of our kids to Haliburton or a country that is fighting each other over who has the "true" religon. GET OUT OF IRAQ NOW!

[ihatebush1]

Well then since you blindly support this war and this unlawful policy, GO! This war has nothing to do with civil responsiblity. It is and always was morally WRONG! There will be an accounting of this unlawful mess that we have made. I am not a coward. I served honorably. It was my hands that programed the targetting data that protected America. I believe in protecting America. But this is an OFFENSIVE war. A war that we were and are dead wrong about. Forcing more people to go would further escalate a failed policy which will make the mess so much worse that I can't even imagine. WAKE - UP !!!! When you are wrong, repent! Go the other way before you make it worse and worse and worse!!!!

[ihatebush1]

Gotcha "fartknocker".... Protect us from what? Iraqis? Iraq never attacked us! Three of my mother's children served honorably. I would gladly go fight to protect America as I have done before! But Iraq did not attck us! Haven't you been paying attention?

[processor2]

This war has nothing to do with civil responsiblity. It is and always was morally WRONG! ....

Posted by ihatebush1 at 09:59 AM : Dec 22, 2006


QUESTIONS for ihatebush1:

How did you feel about Clinton in late 1993 when he unilaterally (without U.N) sent 70,000 American soldiers to die in the Bosnia-Serbian internal conflict??

Clinton said the troops would be home by Christmas of 1994,,, and we are still there today twelve years later. Not much of an exit strategy there.

How about when Clinton unilaterally bombed The Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.??

............

[processor2]

ihatebush1

Germany didn't attack Pearl Harbor, so did that make Franklin Roosevelt an evil immoral person for attacking Hitler??

.....................

[agnim]

Here we go again.

They are trying to sneak in the draft the way they sneaked in the Iraq war, the way they sneaked in a certified idiot to be the leader of 300 million, the way 911 was a sneak attack -- ALL BECAUSE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN REMAINS SOUND ASLEEP AND UNTHINKING!

[joed1241]

If we acknowledge the truth about our venture in Iraq %u2013 that it%u2019s simply an effort to protect a major source of oil from Muslim extremists %u2013 we should be adding the cost of the war to the cost of the fuel we consume. I recall seeing recently that this combined cost %u2013 of oil plus an %u201Coil protection%u201D surcharge %u2013 would be somewhere around $3.60 per gallon. It's a much higher price than we%u2019re used to (for today, at least), but it%u2019s probably not high enough to prompt Americans to make changes to their wasteful, consumption-oriented lifestyles.
So what would it take to get Americans to change their lifestyle? I think that, unless we have skin in the game, we%u2019re not going to change. That%u2019s why I think we NEED the draft. Would people send their first-born son into the Marines if they knew that his mission was to secure a steady supply of fuel for the family%u2019s fleet of SUVs? Maybe just the threat of the draft would be enough to wake (some) people up, and perhaps start a movement that gets people thinking about energy independence. Unfortunately, even the test of the draft system won%u2019t happen until 2009, (conveniently, after the next presidential election).
There are other approaches to waking up America. Go to energybulletin.net and search for The Lottery.

[ihatebush1]

Whenever the opions from the "right" get in trouble, they blame Clinton. I am against any policy that is WRONG. If this current president sent our military to remove Sadam from power because they did have real intelligence demonstrating that we needed to do it fast, that he was not contained, fine! If as a single parent I wasn't raising my "lazy" little children, I would have re-up'd after 9-11. But we were lied to. They could have at least gotten the post-war policy right. The president of the US is probably the most powerful man [other than Jesus] in human history. With the all Republican-led branches of government Bush could have had done it anyway he wanted to. Don't blame anyone else but him. But to answer your question. I supported my president, President Bush, when they told us we had to go when we thought we were doing the right thing. I supported Clinton's decision because we thought we were doing the right thing. I would die for my country and I am proud of my family's honorable participation in the military. But you better believe that I love my kids with all my heart and would die to protect them too!

[processor2]

This war has nothing to do with civil responsiblity. It is and always was morally WRONG! ....

POSTED BY ihatebush1 at 09:59 AM : Dec 22, 2006


QUESTIONS for ihatebush1:

How did you feel about Clinton in late 1993 when he unilaterally (without U.N) sent 70,000 American soldiers to die in the Bosnia-Serbian internal conflict??

Clinton said the troops would be home by Christmas of 1994,,, and we are still there today twelve years later. Not much of an exit strategy there.

How about when Clinton unilaterally bombed The Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.??


ALSO

ihatebush1

Germany didn't attack Pearl Harbor, so did that make Franklin Roosevelt an evil immoral person for attacking Hitler??

.....................

[moonpants]

We should absolutley reinstate the draft. With a draft in place, the people of this country might actually wake up to the fact that we have a serious stake in the decisions our "leaders" make on our behalf. How might Bush's decision to pursue this war have been different if he knew that he was committing not just a professional military to action, but potentially the lives of every man in a draft pool? Even if the same call to war had been sounded, I guarantee that the execution would have been different. I know professional militaries are better trained, more efficient, etc., but they also insulate the public from the costs and realities of war. Too great a cost, imo.

[moonpants]

We should absolutley reinstate the draft. With a draft in place, the people of this country might actually wake up to the fact that we have a serious stake in the decisions our "leaders" make on our behalf. How might Bush's decision to pursue this war have been different if he knew that he was committing not just a professional military to action, but potentially the lives of every man in a draft pool? Even if the same call to war had been sounded, I guarantee that the execution would have been different. I know professional militaries are better trained, more efficient, etc., but they also insulate the public from the costs and realities of war. Too great a cost, imo.

[jmrheaume]

processor2

Bosnia was a peace keeping mission, not an oil out aggression. Slight difference

[ihatebush1]

Read my comment from 10:25 AM very slowly. Don't get me wrong. I go to church with politically right-leaning people like you. I love my fellow Americans and respect the office of all elected officials. I remember nearing the end of boot-camp when they passed around the American flag. We had been through very physical and emotional training. Some were crying, me included. Others kissed the flag. I love this American nation in all its greatness as well as its ugliness. But we cannot afford to be so pride-full that we won't admit and correct our mistakes. Let's unite and move forward together, not seperated! Only a fool would unite his enemies and seperate his friends. America must stand together. Stop being afriad of the enemy of terrorism. We can and will defeat our enemies together.

[hambonehd]

Winstrv.

Ditto.

I served also during that time ('69 - '71). My father and his father severed when they were old enough, the same for me. I was not drafted, but had I been, I would have served with the same honor and respect for this great country.
Bring back the draft.

[JMINIHAN]

Yes, we should have a draft. At age 18 years everyone should be drafted into service for the United States. This could be any kind of public service. Military, conservation corps, farm aid are just a few ways to serve. For those who are college bound it could be a possible college credit earned. There are several ways this could be accomplished. The draft could start at age 16 for those wanting to serve in the States. I believe we can have a greater nation if everyone serves.

[faireyez]

It's sad so see that Americans are the easiest population to mislead, lie to and manipulate. I still don't get why if we all know that BUSH is a liar, why is he still in office? Why our soldiers still in Iraq? If you put him there, I believe America united can take him out. United we stand! We is the UNITY of the American people? Too busy arguing about RIGHT O WRONGS, LEFT OR RIGHT! American has gotten the reputation of ALL TALK! OH! We know the war was wrong! We know he lied! But let's bring back the draft so more innocent can die! IDIOTS!

[random_radar]

JUDIE1CUTIE, et al,

I didn't spend two decades raising my sons to be your slaves. I especially didn't raise them to die for your benefit. If you want to serve America, do it of your own free will. If you want someone to die for your country, kill your own children.

Drafting people for "public service" is just a politically correct term for slavery. I still believe in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. If no one wants to volunteer to defend America, then America is not worth defending.

[agnim]

Posted by random_radar at 11:04 AM : Dec 22, 2006

Nicely put! LOL

[ronaldstark]

Let us vote on the war first and then you can gladly draft whomever you choose. But first let us see if the writing on the wall smells like manure as it certainly did prior to the invasion of Iraq.

[vancouverboo]

Restore the draft, extinguish the army of paid mercenaries, reduce soldiers pay to the 30 dollars a month it should be and restore sanity to the army.

[scouser691]

As a resident of America, I'm sure glad I didn't give up my European passport. Guess what passport my American born son is gonna get. Those neo-cons can go and f**k themselves.

[mrvolleyba11]

To ihatebush1 (and other Bush bashers) ...I got news for you, no matter who would of been president (Republican, Democrat, Independent, etc) what's happening (the insurgency) in Iraq would still have happened or be happening! ...Because this is what every good Muslim want; a chance to kill American's (or westerners). It wouldn't matter if we had 5 million soldiers there or what we have now they would still be killing each other and us with IED's and suicide bombings/attacks! There isn't a *** thing ANY President would or could be able to do about it!

Now about the draft, there should be one! Every able bodied American should go thru Basic Training and then have a choice of Military service or some kind of community/social service for 2 years! Just like most European country have!!!

[bluestardad]

Men and Women will be drafted this time they open the draft. It is unconstitutional not to draft both genders.

[Renegade.Rivers]

I said over a year ago it was coming, now you know what Kerry was talking about, when he spoke in California, and got berated for it. Its coming back, and you better be in school, or over age to go. Wouldn't be surprised to see women too, since they have done so good in the military.

[jeffk1623]

mrvolleyba11 - I got news for you, no matter who would of been president (Republican, Democrat, Independent, etc) what's happening (the insurgency) in Iraq would still have happened or be happening! ...


Back the train up a little...if Bush had not ever been voted into office we would have never invaded Iraq. Therefore the insurgency current would NOT be happening. Saddam hated the Al Qieda. Get your facts correct before spewing junk...but hey like all faithful NEOCONs if the truth does not fit your agenda then make some up that will.

[b453486]

It is real easy to want to draft someone else's kids. Bush should put his world roaming daughters up first. The all volunteer worked great until Bush felt he needed to fight his vietnam. In which he ran away from

[jeffk1623]

To add to my last post...if anyone else would have been President over the past years we would have probably already caught Bin Ladin and had Afganistan secured. But instead we got GW's personal war against Saddam.

[tejasdemo]

Sure, bring back the draft. First up ? all kids of parents who make over 150k per yr. Watch the draft disappear, along with all talk of wars.

America was sold out to the rich a looooong time ago. Nobody is fighting for anybody's freedom except for the continued freedom of the rich to rip everybody off.

Kerry was right.

[kphx]

Draft ??? Great !!! Come one we need a Roman army to invade all the countries. We have so many bases all around the world, who is going to man them. And we are yet to find the WMD. May be the WMDs are in other countries. We need to confirm that. Who is going to do all that ? Sons and daughters from white house or capitol hill or the congress. NAH ... we have so many sheep roaming around, who can't think for themselves. God wants us to do this. Tell them that. They will simply follow. Let us invade and multiply our military bases all around the world. Bring the DRAFT.

[ihatebush1]

I will try not to insult you "mrvolleyba11". I am NOT a "Bush-basher". I just call it like I see it. I saw my government, led by Bush, put ideology over fact. I could have planned this post-war better! I would have at least listened to all of my generals! Last time I checked you don't get that high in rank by being blind or just plain stupid! My brother is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. I see how perfect he has to be in how well he executes his job. If you've been paying attention, how can you defend the post war poilcy, strategy, or tactics? Do you even know the difference between them. Come on man???? When you "win" a war, you cut off the head and assume control over the power structure. Not send everyone home with their weapons!!!! Why didn't he [Bush] listen to Powell??? Remember "You broke it you bought it."? Why couldn't we follow the Powell doctrine???? The Powell doctrine was a proven winner! Somebody please tell me why the respective American professionals that were ready to go there and employ their expertise were ignored in place of the inexperienced Bush Administration loyalists???? We got the same kind of mis-management in Iraq that we had after Katrina. Aren't you ashamed now? Well you should be.

[mdc76082]

It's going to happen, it has to happen and you better be prepared for it. Watch the TV for the lottery!!!!!
If they are going to test it, it's because they are planning to use it. They did it in 98, then along came 2001 and they didn't require a need for it. They "thought" they had enough bodies. Now they have a need for it, especially with a troop build up and 2 possible fronts. The latest I've heard, Reserve/Guard recruitments are going down fast!

[ihatebush1]

I'm afraid that "mdc76082" may be right. President Bush is responsible for breaking our military. With awesome power comes awesome responsibility. I have family over there! My heart is broken when I see those young 18, 19, and 20 year old faces... Dead, dismembered, or suffering from metal problems as a result of what the president sent them to.

Somebody please tell me why the president won't take advice even now??? The Baker- Hamilton report, ignored! The White House did it's own report and Bush did his "listenning meetings". Now supposedly the new Secretary of the Defense will give his assesment to Bush. But Bush wants to wait until after the new year to give a speech on our new way forward while our men and women are still their doing their absolute best to execute Bush's stated policy of stablizing Iraq to bring democracy and freedom so that they will be our friends in the war against terror. Our people in harms way deserve the best that we [America] can give them right now, not later! I'm so mad I could just spit!