War in Iran is escalating, what would happen if you woke up tomorrow, and World War III was in full effect? Many Americans are asking the question, “Will there be a draft?”
The draft is mostly used when not enough people volunteer to fight in wars. In 1863, the draft was created because not enough people were fighting on the union’s side of the Civil War. The draft came back for World War I, II, the Korean War and again for Vietnam. So the question is, will the conflict between the United States and Iran trigger a draft?
However, unlike how the draft used to be something you had to physically sign up for, it is now an automated system. Starting last year, President Trump passed a new bill stating that any male who turns 18 will automatically be put into the draft. This is scary as you do not have any choice at all, and they do not look at disabilities until you are there.
Many Americans disapprove of President Trump’s decision to strike Iran. “The new Pew Research Center survey of 3,524 U.S. adults, conducted March 16-22, also finds a similar balance of opinion on whether the initial decision to use military force was right (38%) or wrong (59%). And by nearly two-to-one, more say the military action is not going well (45%) than say it is going extremely or very well (25%).” Says Steven Shepard and Andrew Daniller in the article Americans Broadly Disapprove of U.S. Military Action in Iran, published by the Pew Research Center.
Music Teacher Craig Kemp fought in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Kemp was taught to not bring politics into his missions. “When I was overseas, it was never about politics,” said Kemp, “It was about doing our job, and getting ourselves home safely.” Kemp explained his opinion on the draft being automated as well. “I don’t see a difference,” said Kemp, “It used to be you write your name on a piece of paper, it’s always been a requirement.”
Mr. Richard Keys, a substitute at Triton, is an American Navy veteran. He recalls the issues that started with the draft in the 1960’s. “When you started getting to Vietnam, these people—the rich and the political figures at the time—were getting exemptions, and all the poor people were being drafted and sent over there,” said Keys, “so it became unfair and so the issue began in the 60’s.” Keys had signed up for the draft in 1973, however it ended a few months later, as Vietnam was coming to an end.
Dr. Richard Poor, Triton’s Assistant Superintendent of Business also served. He served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. “Never say never,” said Poor, when asked if he thought there was a chance of a draft, “I think the Vietnam war in particular showed that the lack of volunteer military was a significant challenge, especially when it’s an unpopular conflict.” When asked about the “cost” of a situation such as the one we are facing now, Poor stated “I think when you actually talk to that small group of people who may have actually seen actual combat, they will usually tell you that the cost doesn’t matter at the end of the day. It’s the person next to you that matters”
Bill Maheu is a Vietnam veteran. He served in the army from 1968 to 1977. He lives with the effects to this day. “I do have PTSD,” said Maheu, “and Agent Orange plus. Just gotta live with it.” He was not drafted into the war, however he was ordered to serve. “I was not drafted,” said Maheu, “it was stated by a judge that I needed to go into the military.” He went to Vietnam willingly, however. “I was 18 and I volunteered to go,” said Maheu, “My older brother was over there, and I did it because he has a family–he still stayed anyway–out of five family members, only two of us came home.” He believes in the draft, however he does not believe in the reason it is being brought up. “I believe all men and women should serve our nation,” said Maheu, “but not for what this idiot that is in office has got us into.”
Overall, the draft has caused many different reactions. Many Americans are scared, and many veterans are not fans of the current situation in Iran. The circumstances are very scary, as we have not had a situation like this since Vietnam. I know personally, as someone who has family who fought in Vietnam, and heard the horror stories. The draft is so scary. I want to thank all the veterans I interviewed, I admire their bravery in sharing their stories.
