That's exactly what makes the "all volunteer"military we have now such a travesty, imo...I'm on the opposite side of this particular issue from most Dems, and you may or may not agree with me here, which is OK either way. But I just think it is unfair for a person in the military to be expected to serve tour after tour after tour of duty in a combat zone. It's hard on families, it wrecks the soldiers either physically, mentally, or both, and it's totally beyond what anyone should be expected to do. A soldier was only sent to Vietnam once per two or three year enlistment when the draft was in place.Twelve months and that was it. A lot of guys got drafted, stayed for a couple of years, and got out. Some chose to stay, and every time they re-enlisted, they risked being sent back to Vietnam, but many of them drew other assignments, either stateside or in places like Germany or England. They weren't expected to be human combat machines, that you wind up again and again-and again.
At some point, with our military stretched so thin ,and endless perpetual war constantly on the horizon, recruiters won't be able to offer enough $$ to recruit and retain enough personell, for ANY amount of money or benefits. That time is approaching, and I believe that the draft will be something pols will have to seriously consider reinstating, like it or not.It should be fair, and legitimate exemptions, such as disability, parenthood, and certain other factors should exclude some from being drafted. Being the son of an influential citizen or politician should not.
