Two Author Response Letter - Research Paper Example

Bacevich adds that the draft creates a division between the rich and the poor, and since the last draft allowed higher class citizens to receive letters that exempt them from military service as noted by an anonymous New York Times editorial, this is a legitimate concern for lower class families who have seen what the loss of family members is like in past wars that are not easily forgotten even after decades. Bacevich has argued that the draft is necessary because the relationship between American families and the military is so estranged that the option for voluntary military service will generate shortages in the military from now on.

However, there are other ways that the government could enlist the help of American citizens without requiring military service. Other service industries, such as AmeriCorps could be considered for enlisting the help of American Citizens. This would prompt more adults to join, since much of the work would be completed domestically. This would also enable more women to help, and encourage families to volunteer together. This would also satisfy military leaders, because it would leave the military to highly skilled soldiers and training and free up those soldiers for more appropriate military responsibilities.

Another argument Bacevich provides in support of the reinstatement of the draft, stating that a reinstatement of the draft would give the power back to the people about where and why the U.S. goes to war. However, the anonymous New York Times editorial argues that it’s too late for the people to hope to gain back power over the military movements of the U.S., even with the reinstatement of the draft. The amount of legislation it would take to revert power back to the people makes it improbable that such a drastic change would be made, especially with the opposition that would exist in Congress and the White House.

In conclusion, the reinstatement of the draft would alienate American households from the military and the government by creating a feeling of mistrust and injustice from the lower class families who are sending their children and fathers into direct danger. Secondly, the shortages in the military can be amended by creating more positive relationships between the military and American families. This can be achieved by giving Americans a sense that their views on where and why war should be engaged are respected by the government.

Also, the production of other types of American organizations designed to alleviate the domestic workload of the military could be offered to give citizens the opportunity to serve their country domestically. These steps would generate a higher popularity for the military with the citizens and allow the government to restore faith to the people. The reaction would probably generate a higher amount of volunteers for military service and effectively eliminate the problem that prompted you to send the bill proposal in the first place.

I appreciate your time and would like to hear your plans for addressing this matter in the near future. Sincerely, Anonymous. (2006). Rejecting the draft. The New York Times. Retrieved on October 14, 2011 from http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/21/opinion/21tue1.html Bacevich, A. (2007). The failure of an