I recieved a responce to my letter to one of my congressman
Dear Mr. Rhinehart:
Thank you for contacting me regarding discussion on reinstating the draft. I appreciate the opportunity to learn your views on this matter.
The recent calls for additional troops in Iraq has fueled misconceptions that the United
States will need to reinstate the draft to perform its military missions. America has had an experienced, all-volunteer force (AVF) since July 1973, when legislation was enacted to abolish the military draft. Today, U.S. troops are re-enlisting at rates that exceed the retention goals set by the Pentagon.
I do not believe the draft should be reinstated - and there is no serious debate in Congress on the issue. Military strength increases can be achieved through the existing recruitment and retention system.
Under a draft, recruitment and training costs would soar, since turnover would be much higher than under an AVF. During the last draft, about 90 percent of all draftees quit following their initial two years of service. It is not prudent to spend time and dollars to train individuals who have no desire to remain in the military - especially considering the detrimental impact that conscription would have on troop morale.
This does not mean we can ignore the current force needs of our military, however.
Although America's military remains strong under the stress of large-scale deployments in the global war on terrorism, current manpower is inadequate to meet and fulfill the missions of our Armed Forces. For example, the Army should be increased by at least two full divisions; the Navy is lacking the ships it needs to meet security commitments. If we are serious about winning the war on terror, we must support our mission with enough manpower to get the job done right.
On May 20, 2004, the House of Representatives passed the FY '05 Defense authorization bill (H.R. 4200) by a vote of 391-34. I voted for this legislation, which would increase the number of military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next three years by adding:
- 30,000 more active Army personnel;
- 9,000 more active Marine Corps personnel; and
- 1,500 more active reservists.
At the same time, H.R. 4200 would enhance military benefits for are troops with 3.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the armed forces; an increase in hardship duty pay from $300 to $750 per month; up to $3,000 per month in income replacement payments for reservists who experience a reduction in their income while away from their civilian jobs; and $9.9 billion for troop and family housing, medical facilities, and schools for Department of Defense dependents. This is the least we can do for those who are willing to wear the nation's uniform.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Feel free to contact me again, on any issue of importance to you.
Sincerely,
/s/
LEE TERRY
Member of Congress
11640 Arbor Street, Suite 100
Omaha, NE 68144
Phone: 402-397-9944
http://leeterry.house.gov