http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/july-dec04/draft_10-21.htmlMILITARY CHALLENGE
October 21, 2004
Military Challenge
Both presidential candidates insist they can muster the forces needed to fight America's wars without a draft. Experts examine the issue.
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BGEN McGinnis, a Kerry adviser, was clearly demonstrating that the armed forces are at the breaking point. The math was undeniable.
The guy from B/C04 was making no goddamned sense at all. His first argument that a draft would be very bad from a military standpoint. He then claims to not be a "numbers cruncher." And that the tooth-to-tail ratio can be increased substantially (that is, moving support troops to the front lines.)
McGinnis says we are going to full mobilization, giving Bush full access to the National Guard and IRR. But that still will not be enough to last us the 5 or more years we need.
And I would point out that when we do need those troops, we are going to need them in a hurry. It takes months to train a substantial force.
It looks like we are going to have to either (1) start conscription and hope it turns out better than we have any right to expect, or (2) withdraw precipitously from Iraq.
The only silver lining I would see in a Bush victory is that the decision will be on his head and his head alone.
Get this.
MARGARET WARNER: Is part of though what President Bush's plan is... does it include this kind of full mobilization that Gen. McGinnis is talking about where the reserves will be even more demands placed on the reserves and guard?
GEN. P.X. KELLEY (Ret.): Well, maybe the General has access to General Bush's plan. I do not have access to that. I do have access to people. And I have to tell you that the leadership team that we have in this country today, led by a gallant president who will put his political career on the line for the defense of America, plus all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that leadership team I have faith in.
McGinnis says Kerry will listen to military advice and have a realistic goal, neither of which is happening now.
The B/C guy says Iraqis and coalition countries.
are going to step in and take some of the strain off of our armed forces.
Says Bush's addition of 30,000 to the armed forces is enough and realistic, but 40,000, which is what Kerry wants, is pie in the sky.
Read the whole thing!!!!