Editorial Assignment
By Taylor Freret

Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) said he plans to introduce a bill to revive the military draft in 2007. Rangel’s proposal, however, would serve only to weaken the United States economy and military.

Under Rangel’s proposal, both men and women would have to sign up for a new military draft upon turning 18. Commitments would be two years.

Rangel said the only way to increase troop levels enough to cover military conflicts is through a draft. However, according to military recruiting statistics for the past 2 years, the military has met its goals for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. The military feels it has enough troops, so there is no reason to force more to enlist in a profession where many will die.

A significant issue with Rangel’s draft is the cost. The proposal calls for 14.1 million men to be drafted. The lowest base pay for an enlisted man is $1,203.90. With mathematics, this comes out to more than $200 billion a year. This doesn’t include salaries for women or housing, food or training costs. In fact, the Air Force and Navy are already trying to cut troops due to lack of funds, Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Springer said.

Currently, the U.S. military is strong because it is an all-volunteer force. People who enlist spend years becoming professionals. According to Rod Powers, a military author and retired Air Force First Sergeant, it would take around 18 months to train drafted men. By that time, their two-year commitment would be nearly over, rendering them almost useless.

Furthermore, draftees do not have the same dedication as volunteers. Powers suggested the facetious example of enlisting police officers, who are also essential to the nation’s safety. As he points out, who would want a non-volunteer protecting the streets? Comparably, who would want an enlisted man protecting national security?

Any military draft will only exacerbate the nation’s debt and weaken the military. If Rangel wants a larger military, he should concern himself with increasing the ranks of military recruiters.