The Draft as a Deterrent Influence on U.S. Military Interventions

With the growing unpopularity of the war in Iraq, Americans are once again discussing the draft. Congressman Charles Rangel has argued that the nation needs the draft to fill the ranks of force disengagement from Iraq and to prevent entry into unnecessary future wars. Rangels idea of the draft as a tool to raise middle class Americas awareness of the Presidents use of the military is not new or unique. The premise of the argument is two-fold. First, under the draft, men from all segments of society are placed at risk for military service. Second, the risk of military service, when placed on the middle class, raises their scrutiny of any war. This scrutiny forces the President to be selective when considering military action. This thesis will examine how historically America practiced conscription, who was inducted under the draft, and the opinions that Americans have held about the draft over time. The author will then analyze the draft in light of the United States entry into the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and discuss the relevance of the draft to the Global War on Terrorism.