UNM President and former United States Army Secretary Louis Caldera recently weighed in on the controversial issue of the military draft, speaking out against it in Time magazine.
"I was asked by Time to write about the draft because of my prior job and about many of the things I have said and written about military service and about the draft specifically," Caldera said. "I don't think that we'll ever have a draft again because it is unnecessary."
The article, which featured commentary from several well-known individuals, including college professors and a U.S. Senator, was published in late December and discusses both sides of the issue.
Caldera said he doesn't think a return to a large, general draft is necessary or desirable for maintaining U.S. military effectiveness.
Worries about whether the military can attract enough recruits are unfounded, he said.
"Unless the U.S. is going to prohibit anyone from volunteering or being recruited and only swear in draftees, the number of slots that would need to be filled by a draft would be very small indeed," Caldera said in the article. "How fair would any draft be that asked only a few thousand high school graduates of the millions of eligible men and women to serve each year?"
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Caldera also discussed the negative effects of a draft and claimed in the article that "attempts to reinstate the draft could tear the nation apart for zero gain."
He also argued that draft supporters fail to acknowledge that today's all-volunteer military recruits only motivated, trainable people who, by definition, have other options, but choose to stay in the military because they find satisfaction in serving their country. He also said draft supporters should be asking, "how can we challenge every young American to ask, 'Whose responsibility is it to serve if it is not mine?'"
Many members of the military, while agreeing with Caldera's stance against the draft, feel it is important to maintain a healthy military by whatever means necessary.
"I felt the need to serve," said UNM junior Chris Jacobson, a member of the Air Force ROTC program.
Jacobson, a history major, said he agrees with Caldera's ideas about the detrimental effects of a draft on a country.
"Realistically though, I don't think there will be a need for another draft," Jacobson said. "The driving force of an all-volunteer organization is stronger. They will rise up and above the call of duty."
Honoring military service and sacrifice, Caldera said, is the best way to ensure our military will always be fully staffed with a broad cross section of talented, committed Americans whose strength and capabilities are our best deterrent to war.
Moreover, the capabilities of these people allow the United States to be a proactive force for good in the world, capable of bringing hope and stability to places ravaged by natural and man-made disasters, he said.
"It is not well recognized, but our military is our nation's front-line humanitarian force," Caldera said. "These many capabilities, when used in a manner consistent with our most cherished values, enhance the U.S.'s ability to play a leadership role in world affairs."
