McCain's War Plan Requires a Draft

"His plan = the Draft", Jon Soltz, Iraq vet, Capt.-US Army

As has been noted before by Jim Webb in 2007 and now Jon Soltz of VoteVets.org, sustaining the current "operational tempo" in both Iraq and Afganistan will require a better solution for safely and fairly, maintaining troop levels. Regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve units are in rough shape, showing predictable wear and tear on men and equipment, after many deployments since 2001. Soltz says John McCain's published war plans will require the re-institution of a draft to gather the requisite man-power. (Not to mention additional taxpayer investment to adequately re-equip our front-line units.)

Enlisted troops, today, are generally against the draft. Many older vets, are equally concerned, having been there, and done that. Senior military leaders say too much has been invested in an all-volunteer military, and the benefits too important to lose, with the distraction of unwilling and reluctant conscripts serving beside career troops. Parents will face the prospect of sending, significantly more, of our young folks into harms' way. This election issue will quickly loom large, for all men (and maybe women?) under 30 year old. Tough stuff.

Lots to debate in the days ahead. One more some serious issue, that will clearly impact the choice voters must make on November 4th.