Is The US Military ‘Laying The Groundwork’ To Reinstitute the Draft? The Pentagon Says No

AI imagines what would happen if Biden declares and activates the Selective Service Act and begins drafting 20 years old to war pic.twitter.com/896Htrtteu

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 27, 2023

Military Times/AP: No, the US military isn’t ‘laying the groundwork’ for a draft  

Claim: The U.S. military is planning to reinstitute the draft.  

AP’s Assessment: False. Defense officials confirm the armed forces have made no such recommendation to Congress or the president, which are the entities empowered to authorize a draft.  

The Facts: With America’s allies in Europe and the Middle East embroiled in conflicts with no end in sight, social media posts are claiming the U.S. military is considering mandating regular citizens to enlist in the armed forces. 

A number of those are sharing a headline from a Sept. 25 article from the Mises Institute, a libertarian group in Alabama that reads: “The US Military Is Laying the Groundwork to Reinstitute the Draft.”  

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WNU Editor: "U.S. military draft" has been trending on search engines for the past few weeks. Videos like the one above and rumors on social media are probably fueling it .... Video of Biden calling for a military draft is AI-generated, not real | Fact check (USA Today). More here .... Fighting 'Joe Biden's wars': False rumor of 'draft' spreads across social media as 'medicated' Gen Z slammed for not signing up (Meaww), and here .... Fact Check: Video of Joe Biden calling for a military draft was created with AI (Reuters).

Just one more note. 

On the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine the Kyiv government was telling everyone to not worry, and to stay home. Within 24 hours of Russia's invasion, the Ukraine government immediately closed its border to men of military age who can be drafted. The U.S. government will do the same. Telling everyone that everything is fine, until the very moment that the "shit hits the fan".

U.S. House Armed Services Committee Vote To Require Women To Register For The Draft

Women would be required to register with the Selective Service System under a proposal approved by the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. (Chief Master Sgt. Jaimee Freeman/Air Force)  

Politico: House panel backs requiring women to register for the draft 

The House Armed Services Committee vote follows a similar vote in the Senate to expand the Selective Service System to include women. 

The House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday voted to require women to register for the military draft, making the change one step closer to becoming law after senators endorsed the move this summer. 

During late night deliberations on the committee's annual defense policy bill, lawmakers voted 35-24 to adopt an amendment from Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) to expand registration for the Selective Service System beyond men. 

The move caps off a contentious debate and could stir up conservative opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes defense spending and lays out military policy. 

Several Republicans broke ranks to help Democrats to adopt the amendment.  

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Update #1: House panel backs making women register for draft (The Hill)  

Update #2: ‘We need everybody’: Plans to make women register for potential military draft advance in policy bill (Military Times)  

WNU Editor: I expect this motion will be passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in the coming months.

Will The U.S. Bring Back The Draft?

Gen. Gus Perna, commander of Army Materiel Command, administers the oath of enlistment to 27 future Soldiers during the 2019 AUSA Global Force Symposium and Exposition ROTC/Future Soldiers luncheon, March 28. (U.S. Army/Richard Bumgardner, USASAC Public Affairs)

Military.com: Bringing Back the Draft: 5 Possibilities for the Future of Military Conscription

Late in the evening on Jan. 2, as Americans contemplated a return to work after the New Year holiday, shocking news began to ricochet across the internet: The United States had conducted a deadly drone strike on Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, one of that country's most esteemed military officers. Suddenly, the U.S. appeared to be on a war footing with a sovereign nation, one with nuclear aspirations.

As whispers of a possible World War III gained viral speed, something unexpected happened: The nation's attention turned to a small federal institution that has been little more than a historical footnote since the end of the Vietnam War. Google search traffic for "the draft" reached its highest levels since at least 2004; the U.S. Selective Service System's website, which officials say was undergoing maintenance at the time, slowed nearly to a halt as panicked visitors flooded in. In the days that followed, the U.S. Army was forced to issue an announcement combating a malicious hoax. No, officials said: We will not conscript you and order you off to basic training via text message.

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WNU Editor: I do not think bringing back the draft is the priority of the U.S. government right now. But when this pandemic is over I do foresee severe economic times and a geopolitical situation that will be extremely tense. In this environment some countries will be testing what they can get away with, and the usual response will be to show a sign of military force to dissuade an aggressor nation. Will the U.S. have the means to project this force, for now I will say yes. But I would still keep all options, including the draft, on the table.

The Draft Is Returning To Europe

Making a comeback. (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier)

Quartz: European countries are quietly bringing back the draft

The draft is slowly coming back in vogue in Europe.

Last week, France joined the growing number of European countries reintroducing mandatory national service. Following through on president Emmanuel Macron’s election promises, the government introduced a national service requirement for all 16-year-olds that will be divided into two phases.

The first phase is mandatory, and involves a month-long placement that focuses on civil culture. Young French citizens can look into teaching or work with charities, or take part in traditional military training with the police, fire service or army. The second phase is an optional placement of between three months to a year, where young people can work defense and security, or in social care, the environment, or heritage.

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WNU Editor: I expected more opposition .... but no .... there seems to be public support for this policy.

The U.S. Military Wants To Draft Hackers And Computer Experts

The Next Web: The US military could begin drafting 40-year-old hackers

The National Commission on Military, National and Public Service has begun seeking feedback on a host of possible changes to the way it could one day draft young men and women for military service. Currently, the “selective service requirements” preclude certain men and women, specifically those over a certain age, from participating.

But that could soon change.

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WNU Editor: Welcome to the new world.

Nearly Half Of Americans Favor Mandatory Military Service

Zero Hedge: 49% Favor Mandatory Military Service For US Youth

Nearly half of Americans favor mandatory military service for the country’s youth, according to a recent poll from Gallup.

As TheAntiMedia's Carey Wedler details, the polling organization surveyed 1,006 Americans over the age of 18 between November 3 and November 4, and 49% of those questioned expressed support for compulsory service.

Further, “a majority of Republicans, including independents who lean Republican, favor it (57%), as do men (57%) and those 65 or older (66%),” Gallup summarized.

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WNU Editor: The Gallup poll is here .... Half of Americans Favor Mandatory National Service (Gallup).

Top U.S. Marine And Army Generals Say Women Should Register For The Draft

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the implementation of the decision to open all ground combat units to women, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 2, 2016. Seated from left are General Neller, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

New York Times: 2 Generals Say Women Should Register for Draft

WASHINGTON — Two senior military leaders said Tuesday that women should be required to register for the draft now that the Pentagon had opened all combat roles to them.

Although the move would be largely symbolic — the draft has not been used since the Vietnam War — it would represent another step in the military’s shift toward viewing men and women as equals.

At a Senate hearing on women in combat, Gen. Robert B. Neller, the commandant of the Marine Corps, said he believed that “every American who’s physically qualified should register for the draft.” Gen. Mark A. Milley, the Army chief of staff, said he agreed.

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More News On The Top U.S. Marine And Army Generals Saying That Women Should Register For The Draft

Army generals push to rule that all men AND women should have to register for military draft -- Reuters
Army and Marine Corps chiefs: It’s time for women to register for the draft -- Washington Post
U.S. military generals want women to register for draft -- CNN
Generals say women should have to register for draft -- FOX News
Army, Marines chiefs say women should register for the draft -- Washington Times
Exclusive: Report shows Marines' shifting approach to women in combat -- CSM

The US Sends Military is Still Sending Out Draft Notices .... But To Men Born In The 1800s

US Sends Military Draft Notices To Men Born In The 1800s -- BBC

The agency that manages the dormant US military draft has apologised after sending conscription registration notices to men born in the late 1800s.

The Selective Service System (SSS) said the error occurred after a clerk neglected to select the century in a search for newly eligible young men.

It sent 14,250 notices to Pennsylvania men born 1893-97 in addition to 1993-97 before discovering the error.

The men are all almost certainly dead, as the youngest would be 117.

Male US citizens must register for the draft shortly after their 18th birthdays and all male immigrants between ages 18-25 must register.

But the draft has not been in effect since the Vietnam War, and the US military is now an entirely volunteer force.

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My Comment: I always find how bureaucracies work to be amazing.

Do Americans Support Women Entering A Would-Be Draft?

59 Percent Support Women Entering Would-Be Draft, Poll Says -- Washington Times

As the Pentagon unveiled plans to reverse a ban on women serving on the front lines, a poll released Wednesday found that most registered voters believe women should be eligible for a military draft if one is reinstituted.

The survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research shows that 59 percent believe women should be included if a draft becomes necessary again, compared to 38 percent who say they should not be included.

The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon and the news site CapitalSoup.com to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the U.S. military draft, according to the website.

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My Comment: It is easy to say yes when we have a volunteer military .... but institute the draft right now and it is a guarantee that a lot of resentment will come from those who are drafted .... especially from those who do not want their daughters drafted into a military that has its plate full right now in stemming an epidemic of sexual assaults on their female members.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs: No U.S. Draft, But Maybe 'Universal Conscription'

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivers remarks during a National Press Club luncheon in Washington, Oct. 10, 2012. Dempsey said the Defense Department depends on its relationships with partner nations to build stronger ties throughout the world. DOD photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sun L. Vega

Draft, No, But Dempsey Would Support “Universal” Conscription -- Kevin Baron, Foreign Policy

Forget a draft. The nation’s top military officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, said on Wednesday that he would support universal mandatory military service for all Americans.

“You now -- do I support a draft? I think there’s universal service, there’s selective service, and then there’s the all-volunteer force. If I thought that we could adopt as a nation some form of universal service, I’d sign up for it in a second. Selective service really doesn’t become something that generally produces either the force you want -- because it becomes so restrictive, that the issue of being selective mostly means that there’s plenty of people who opt out, and those that opt out generally speaking then, cause a part of this society to bear a disproportionate share of the responsibility,” Dempsey said.

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My Comment: Short of a major war .... this is not going to happen. But doesn't General Dempsey have more important things to think about?

Why The U.S. Draft Will Not Be Reinstated

Why The Draft Won’t Work -- Max Boot, Commentary

In theory, the idea of national service–making all young people donate a year or two to serve the country–sounds great. It has been endorsed by liberal and conservative luminaries alike. So why hasn’t it happened? Put another way: Why hasn’t the draft been revived since it expired in 1973?

Part of the obvious reason is that Americans are intensely individualistic and resist forced labor even at the government’s behest unless there is some pressing national emergency. There was indeed such an emergency during World War II and the height of the Cold War–but there isn’t now. That is not to say that we don’t face threats, but we have found since the 1970s that we have no trouble filling the military’s ranks with high-quality volunteers.

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My Comment: Could not have said it any better.

Is Now The Time To Bring Back The Draft?

President Obama and now retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal. Pete Souza/The White House file

McChrystal: Time To Bring Back The Draft -- Josh Rogin, The Cable/Foreign Policy

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the former top commander of international forces in Afghanistan, said this week that the United States should bring back the draft if it ever goes to war again.

"I think we ought to have a draft. I think if a nation goes to war, it shouldn't be solely be represented by a professional force, because it gets to be unrepresentative of the population," McChrystal said at a late-night event June 29 at the 2012 Aspen Ideas Festival. "I think if a nation goes to war, every town, every city needs to be at risk. You make that decision and everybody has skin in the game."

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My Comment: He makes a convincing case .... but I suspect that in today's climate .... if put to the vote .... the mass majority of Americans would say no and would vote for their politicians accordingly.

A Return Of The U.S. Draft?

Defense Cuts Could Lead To Military Draft, House Armed Services Chairman Says -- Washington Post

If the bipartisan debt supercommittee is unable to reach a deal by Thanksgiving, across-the-board cuts to defense spending could lead to the reinstatement of a military draft, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said Monday.

“We ... need to understand what it’s going to mean to keep an all-volunteer force,” Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) told Fox News Channel Monday. “Do we want to reinstitute the draft? Some of the cuts we’re talking about would take over 200,000 out of end strength from our military.”

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Update: US lawmaker warns cuts may revive military draft -- AFP

My Comment: There is no political will in Washington to implement the draft. None whatsoever.

The End Of An Era For Vietnam Vets

Photo: The last of the draftees: Army Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Mellinger, 58, reveals he is retiring

Last Vietnam-Era Draftee Decides To Retire -- CBS

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (AP) — He didn't join the Army willingly, but as Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Mellinger prepares to retire, he's grateful he found his calling.

Mellinger was drafted to fight the Vietnam War, and the Army believes he's the last draftee to retire, after 39 years. Most did their two years and left. But Mellinger had found home.

"I think I'm pretty good at it, but I like it. That's the bottom line. I love being a soldier and I love being around soldiers," he said.

When the draft notice arrived in the mail in 1972 at his home in Eugene, Ore., tens of thousands of troops had been killed. Anti-war protests were rampant. Draft notices were being set on fire and returning soldiers were treated as part of the problem. The military wasn't a popular job.

The return address on the letter was the White House. Just 19, he was impressed that President Richard Nixon would write to him.

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Update #1: Last Vietnam-era draftee is retiring from Army -- Yahoo News/AP
Update #2: 'I told them, I don't need to go into the Army, I've got a job': Vietnam's last draftee retires after 39 years -- The Daily Mail

My Comment: In a way this story is not related .... but in another way it is .... for a great read about football, computer geeks, the marines, and the draft .... read it all.