http://www.qando.net/ - Here’s an anniversary to note

July 1 marks the 35th Anniversary of the All-Volunteer Armed Forces.

Until July 1973, the military operated under an involuntary draft policy to produce manpower to fight the country’s wars. For the past 35 years, volunteers manned 100 percent of the armed forces during the nation’s times of need, including the Cold War as well as conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo. They filled the ranks and fought in the Persian Gulf, Panama and Grenada.

Retention continues to flourish – in both the active duty and reserve components – even while continuing to operate in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout most of the 20th century, the majority of America’s Armed Forces were drafted, serving our Nation in both World Wars, the Korean conflict, and Vietnam. In the late 1960s, the American public's concerns with the draft prompted President Richard Nixon to establish The President's Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force. After studying whether to retain the draft or establish a volunteer military, the Commission concluded that a volunteer force would be economically viable and potentially more effective. After much debate, the Nixon Administration and the Congress allowed the authority for the draft to lapse, and formed the all-volunteer force.

One of its great strengths, of course, is everyone in the military is there by choice. And that means that the culture of the military is allowed to flourish and take precedent over concerns about those who were involuntarily conscripted. It has allowed the US to build the finest military we or the world has ever seen.

As someone who served in both the draft military and helped build the modern volunteer military, I can say, without equivocation or second thoughts, that the volunteer military is vastly superior to a conscripted military.

I certainly understand that at some future date the possibility of a national emergency which might require conscription could unfold. I have my doubts that it ever will and, frankly, hope it never does. But for all the naysayers who claimed that a volunteer force would never work, the proof of the inaccuracy of that sentiment is currently serving with distinction around the world and is acknowledged by friend and foe alike as the best there ever was.

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As someone who served in both the draft military and helped build the modern volunteer military, I can say, without equivocation or second thoughts, that the volunteer military is vastly superior to a conscripted military.

There is little I can add to this statement other than to agree with it whole heartedly.

But for all the naysayers who claimed that a volunteer force would never work, the proof of the inaccuracy of that sentiment is currently serving with distinction around the world and is acknowledged by friend and foe alike as the best there ever was.

Well said!

Written By: SShiell
URL: http://

You mean the "Wage Slaves of the Empire", right McQ those from the economy and nation blighted by Republican domestic policies who now have no choice but to prostitute their bodies on the altar of Corporate Greed?

Until we have a People’s Militia, America will neveer be free or safe, nor will her neighbors.

Written By: Joe
URL: http://

"Throughout most of the 20th century, the majority of America’s Armed Forces were drafted,"

I believe this statement is inaccurate. According to my recollection, and the following source, the draft was in effect for only 35 years of the 20th century. And, using the number of inductions per year supplied by the source and comparing it with total military personnel (using only my sievelike memory as a source), I also believe the majority were not drafted.

http://www.sss.gov/induct.htm

I think a volunteer peacetime military was always possible had the country been willing to pay for it, but the draft was cheaper.

Written By: timactual
URL: http://

"You mean...."
"Until we have a People’s Militia,..."

You going left or right with that? :)

Written By: timactual
URL: http://

Just 4 or 5 months before was the last draft lottery. I got the 85th spot (they drafted up to 59 that year).

Written By: Neo
URL: http://

I recently read that the famed economist, Milton Friedman, served on the committee that recommended the volunteer military. At a hearing, a General (Westmoreland I believe) said [paraphrased] that he would not want to serve in a volunteer military because it would be comprised of mercenaries. Friedman replied by asking how he felt about serving in a military comprised of slaves.

The committee got the point and made the recommendation for the all volunteer military.

Written By: Kurt Brouwer
URL: http://www.fundmasteryblog.com

Until we have a People’s Militia, America will neveer be free or safe, nor will her neighbors.

You still here, Joe? I thought you were moving to Canada - you know, because of all those 2nd Amendment guns out there and all. Oh, I see. You’re afraid we’ll invade Canada.

Never mind.

Written By: SShiell
URL: http://

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