There are thousands of people who would willingly risk their lives to protect and serve their country. There are those who love their country but would rather not go to war for it. Then there are those who believe that joining the armed forces of a nation should be a decision freely made and should not be a requirement for every citizen. This is why the military draft is an idea that has been debated about for many years. Some believe that requiring individuals aged 18-25 to enlist and serve in the armed forces is exercising duty to country while others argue that it takes away one’s freedom of choice. Can the military draft really be beneficial?
List of Pros of the Military Draft
1. It ensures enough soldiers.
In times when a country’s security is threatened, it is advantageous to have enough soldiers for combat or defense. Through required enlistment, a country can rely on their soldiers who are in active service plus those who are listed as reserves.
2. It encourages diversity and equality.
Since conscription requires all young people to enlist, no matter what social status or racial background they come from, there will be no exemptions or discrimination. Children of ordinary citizens and politicians or bigwigs will be treated equally and fairly.
3. It provides the youth with opportunities.
Young people are faced with problems such as expensive college tuition fees and unemployment and sometimes feel like there is no hope for their future. By enlisting in the military, they have the chance to learn skills, get training, and maybe even discover a career opportunity instead of spending their days being unproductive and taking up vices due to boredom or lack of direction.
List of Cons of the Military Draft
1. It takes away free will.
Since it is mandatory, freedom of choice is violated. Other youth who have other plans or ambitions will be forced to put their dreams and goals on hold because they are required to give a number of months or years in service to the military.
2. It affects the quality of the nation’s armed forces.
At present, the armed forces usually only enlists individuals who can pass certain required tests and trials. These recruits are then given extensive and intensive training so they will become professional and highly skilled soldiers. On the other hand, drafted soldiers will most likely receive only short training and have less time to be properly prepped for battle.
3. It creates more expenses and takes away more services from the government.
It will be expensive to train a large number of people. And the government could be spending millions of dollars on recruitment and training even when there is no imminent danger to the country’s security. That money could have been spent on other problems and needs of the community. Also, since most young people will be serving in the army, the workforce for other sectors in the community will significantly decrease.
While a sense of duty to one’s country is encouraged and even required in every citizen, making someone join the army against their free will remains debatable. Should a nation require everyone to sacrifice their lives? Is there really a need to have military reserves? Indeed, there are still so many questions and sides to consider when talking about the military draft.