Calls for Military Draft Unnecessary and Unwise

Calls for Military Draft Unnecessary and Unwise

a recent Sunday morning talk show appearance, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), threatened to reintroduce legislation to reinstate the military draft early next year. Rep. Rangel previously has introduced similar legislation which was nearly unanimously rejected. However, at the time he was not the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee which he will become when the next session of Congress convenes in January.

In October 2004, Congressman Rangel introduced the Universal National Service Act (HR 163), which would have required that all men and women between the ages of 18 and 26 perform a two-year period of military or civilian service in furtherance of national defense and homeland security. The legislation failed by a margin of 402 to 2. I voted against the bill. In fact, Rep. Rangel voted against his own bill. At that time only Reps. John Murtha (D-PA) and Pete Stark (D-CA) voted to reinstate the draft.

I remain opposed to the draft and believe Rep. Rangel's legislation has little chance of passing next year, under current world circumstances. The all volunteer military has served our nation well for more than 30 years. The quality, dedication, and professionalism of our men and women in uniform have never been greater. I have seen this first-hand during visits to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkan states and other places where U.S. troops are on active duty.

The United States has had an All-Volunteer Force (AVF) since July 1973. Since then the AVF has proven successful for a number of reasons.

Historically, it is more cost efficient to train individuals who have an interest in remaining in the military. Recently, our volunteer military force has had a lower personnel turnover (during the last draft 90% of conscripts left after their initial two years of service), which results in lower costs and helps maintain unit readiness and cohesion.

Although a draft produces greater numbers, past experience indicates we should expect a higher personnel turnover rate and lessening of the retention of forces that have received specialized training. Higher turnover results in degradation in unit stability and performance.

Current recruitment and retention measures are working. The Army (in Fiscal Year 2004) obtained 101% of its goal. The Reserve is at 102% of goal. Retention for all active components is over 100%.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), I will continue to be a strong advocate for our servicemen and women, and will work to ensure that our All-Volunteer Force remains the best-trained and best-equipped military in the world. Further, the high performance of our All Volunteer Force makes instituting a draft unnecessary.

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/11.24.06.shtml