I was a medic for 7yrs back in the 90's. I swear I've seen the best and the worst that the job could offer, feel free to pm with questions and I'll do my best to answer. A lot of my buddies are still in.
For me, being able to choose my path in life is the ultimate freedom. Something I would fight for if I had to. But there is a difference between that and passively accepting conscription to fight for something you didn't believe in... that is actually the anti-thesis of freedom and shouldn't be something forced.
People who are too gung ho to accept being drafted no matter what the cause and without consideration are scary. Their lack of a sense of self-preservation makes me think that not only would they be wreckless on the battlefield and get themselves killed, but that they would make mistakes and get other people killed. Conscipted armies are not the most effective.
BTW, I respect people that do choose to join the armed forces for the right reasons and know a few... and all of them are probably the last last people that would want to draft civillians.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
Last edited by FlamesAddiction; 06-09-2010 at 01:00 PM.
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It is interesting that this thread turning into a thread about the draft.
I don't think we'll ever see another draft. Like so many have posted about, recruitment for certain positions has been shut down.
If there were a draft, I'd probably get ahead of the game and enlist into a support role. Spending 4 years in logistical support, or something like that could really benefit your career.
For me, being able to choose my path in life is the ultimate freedom. Something I would fight for if I had to. But there is a difference between that and passively accepting conscription to fight for something you didn't believe in... that is actually the anti-thesis of freedom and shouldn't be something forced.
People who are too gung ho to accept being drafted no matter what the cause and without consideration are scary. Their lack of a sense of self-preservation makes me think that not only would they be wreckless on the battlefield and get themselves killed, but that they would make mistakes and get other people killed. Conscipted armies are not the most effective.
BTW, I respect people that do choose to join the armed forces for the right reasons and know a few... and all of them are probably the last last people that would want to draft civillians.
Great post, this is certainly more sane and refreshing to read than GreenLantern's over the top, slightly insane ramblings on draft dodging.
It is interesting that this thread turning into a thread about the draft.
I don't think we'll ever see another draft. Like so many have posted about, recruitment for certain positions has been shut down.
If there were a draft, I'd probably get ahead of the game and enlist into a support role. Spending 4 years in logistical support, or something like that could really benefit your career.
Funny story logistical workers are usually the first to die.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
For me, being able to choose my path in life is the ultimate freedom. Something I would fight for if I had to. But there is a difference between that and passively accepting conscription to fight for something you didn't believe in... that is actually the anti-thesis of freedom and shouldn't be something forced.
People who are too gung ho to accept being drafted no matter what the cause and without consideration are scary. Their lack of a sense of self-preservation makes me think that not only would they be wreckless on the battlefield and get themselves killed, but that they would make mistakes and get other people killed. Conscipted armies are not the most effective.
BTW, I respect people that do choose to join the armed forces for the right reasons and know a few... and all of them are probably the last last people that would want to draft civillians.
Yes and no to the notion that all conscripted armies have effectiveness problems.
The Roman armies were all based around conscription, as was the Royal Navy.
The Japanese army was nothing to snort at. The Canadian Army in WWII the British and American Army in WWII were extremely good.
The failure with the concept of consription comes down to the role of leadership standard.
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
It is interesting that this thread turning into a thread about the draft.
I don't think we'll ever see another draft. Like so many have posted about, recruitment for certain positions has been shut down.
If there were a draft, I'd probably get ahead of the game and enlist into a support role. Spending 4 years in logistical support, or something like that could really benefit your career.
I bet the draft has been around since caveman days. We live in relative peace right now, but without any doubt whatsoever, I'm sure the draft will be back at some point when it's necessary.
Yes and no to the notion that all conscripted armies have effectiveness problems.
The Roman armies were all based around conscription, as was the Royal Navy.
The Japanese army was nothing to snort at. The Canadian Army in WWII the British and American Army in WWII were extremely good.
The failure with the concept of consription comes down to the role of leadership standard.
Of course, back then I think they were also going up against other conscripted armies so it's kind of relative. I wouldn't want to put 50,000 conscripts up against 50,000 professional soldiers in general though.
But I guess it depends on how the conscription process works. I personally know people who were basically conscripted by simply having soldiers knock on their door and ask for all the men 35 and younger. Mind you, they weren't "forced" to comply, but many did out of a sense of duty or guilt. I think that is also when you start to get into trouble with roving bands of irregulars who can't handle everything that is going on... then it all hits the fan.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
