[sandbar]

A little less than a year ago, I received my government letter containing a mandatory draft agreement, as do all newly 18 year old males in the USA. I hadn't thought about the draft much before I got this letter because it has been so long since it was implemented, but upon receiving my notice I became quite upset.

I am against the idea of "mandatory military commitment" via drafts, but what made me even more upset was when I learned that women did not have to partake in drafts.

For all of the emphasis on equal rights and job opportunities that women have made throughout this last century I found it very ironic that this specific "equal right" was left out.



What are some female stances on this subject? Obviously no draft would be favorable for many people but assuming that is not an option, should women be included in the draft?

[Mr. Bongjangles]

The US military did not allow women in combat roles historically, aside from pilots. Technically this is still the case, but I understand women are filling front line posts in Iraq, so hopefully the regulations will catch up.

Anyways, that is why women were not included in the draft.

Check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rostker_v._Goldberg

Its really a catch-22 though, because no politician wants to support "more" draft legislation (even to fix an inequity,) and no politician wants to risk looking un-patriotic by repealing the existing legislation entirely.

Come to think of it, same stupid political BS that keeps marijuana reform off the table.

Fun times.

[Bud Meister]

Hi Ladies,
Sorry about jumping in on the women's forum. I never even come to this part of the forum until now when I saw and read this thread. While I am not a female I served 9 years active duty army and now still serving in the Army National Guard with 28 years total service. I Have deployed to combat 6 times during my career and may have to return to Afghanistan soon.

I am against the draft as are all the soldiers I talk to both male and female. I believe this would hurt the military. I am also a little old fasioned and against females serving in combat. There are many places in the military where women serve and do as well or better than their male counterparts.

I do think if the do decide to start a draft I think women should be subject to it like the men are. Women want, deserve, and get equal oportunity in the military as they should be and because of this then they should be subject to the draft just like men are.

Thanks Ladies

[Mrs.Babba]

Yeah Im with Bud on this one...against the draft, but if you want to go into the armed forces then it shouldnt matter if your a man or woman.

[Deft]

Equality is a two way street.

[Verite]

I hate to break it to you but the US army is still 100% voluntary. There is no draft. Selective service is no where close to being 'the draft'. You are not forced into manditory service like when there was a draft either.

You still have a choice regarding selective service too. You can be like millons of other 18 year old males that ignored their initial letters and all the letters that follow. Should you need any kind of federal/state assistance of any type they check for your SS registration online now and pretty much reject your application when they find out you didnt register.

[shifty]

I think everyone should do some sort of service, male-female, gay/straight, liberal-conservative, rich-poor...whatever. Not everything about the military is bad and it would snap everyone, including politicians, to reality. When there is an equal distribution in risk, it will make politicians think twice before deploying our military, and focus on what's important...truly defending the country instead of using it to support some misguided political agenda.

[Deft]

What if I got a sex change? I wonder if they would still draft me for WW3.

[zonkerpup]

The ERA admendment never passed. As women, our rights vary from state to state and until the ERA passes, these rights can be taken away just as quickly as they are passed out. Just check out the abortion issue. Sorry guys, but until my rights are in stone, just as the civil rights act, my daughter will not be signing up for anything. And you younger female tokers need to realize that the rights and opportunities you have today are there through the abuse and strength of the women before you. Don't let your guard down, things change all the time. Look at the medical marijuana laws that have passed so far. There's always another group spreading lies to change things backwards.
Peace, Kathy