The Friends Committee on National Legislation’s action alert Tell Congress Not to Bring Back the Draft reports that another move is afoot to reinstate the military draft.
In May 2005 Representative Charles Rangel (NY), an opponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, introduced new legislation to reinstate the draft. The Universal National Service Act of 2005 (H.R. 2723) would require 15 months of military or civilian service for every person in the United States between the ages of 18 and 26 (The legislation has a provision requiring Conscientious Objectors to perform alternative service). In introducing this legislation, Rep. Rangel argued that it would be much more difficult for President Bush to launch new wars in Iran, Syria, or North Korea if the children of the rich and privileged were subject to the draft.
If the Bush administration continues on its current course, a draft is inevitable. The question is:
Will we be ready for it when it comes?
::flip::
The Selective Service can re-up the draft on 10 days’ notice. Historically, it takes the folks who oppose the draft a lot longer than that to get mobilized. The current draft law affects only young men and contains no provision for conscientious objectors. Any new draft law that does not affect young women will face an immediate 14th amendment court challenge. Rangel’s proposed draft is probably very like the one that will eventually be adopted.
When the draft comes, a lot of people will look to the peace churches for help. We aren’t ready. Quakers, Mennonites, Brethren and pacifist Methodists are already spread thin on the many other important social justice issues in the world. Our draft counselors have been inactive for over 30 years. Procedures that worked in Vietnam probably won’t work this time around. We’re going to be scrambling to get our acts together.
It’s vital that teenagers start considering their draft options now, before the draft is in place. Here are some places for young people to get accurate information on what is known about the draft:
FCNL’s Young Adult Draft Information
Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors
Preparing for the Draft
For an overview of Quaker opposition to war and the military draft, see the Minute on Conscientious Objection to War. Friends also object on principle to involuntary servitude, particularly the kinds of involuntary servitude that require a person to act in opposition to her conscience.