Replying to a message of Rich Gauszka to All:

 RG> From: "Rich Gauszka" 

 RG> I always thought the U.S. eliminating the draft was not good for the
 RG> nation.

I agreed.

 With a volunteer army it's too easy to get a pro-war  public
 RG> opinion . Now if the populace had to worry about their sons or
 RG> daughters it could lead to rational dialogue and make some think
 RG> twice. No deferments - everyone serves - is my stance.

My thoughts were that an all-volunteer force would result in a warrior
class - a large percentage if not a majority of the volunteers would be
sons and daughters of those already serving.  Further, those who were not
part of that class - the overwhelming majority of the population - would
have nothing in common with it.  The problem then becomes a citizenry that
by and large has no earthly idea of what the military is or does.  If
*everybody* has to serve at least some time in the military, that broadens
the knowledge and experience base - both in the military and among the
civilians.

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