Why there will be no draft before the 2006 elections

[Walt Starr]

First off, the Repukes need to consolidate their power. They are going for a filibuster-proof Senate and a draft gets in the way, so it is politically unfeasible to have a draft before the 2006 elections.

Right now, recruitment for the Army, the Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard is in dismal shape, but recruitment for the Air Force and the Navy and respective Guard and Reserve units are doing just fine, thank you very much.

Here's how they avoid the draft before the midterms. First, they enact the Defense Forces Re-Alignment Initiative. What's this, you ask? Simple, first they call for volunteers to transfer from the Air Force and Navy to the Army and Marines. No loss of grade, just new training. Phase II they begin forcing the move. You signed up for the DoD, so it doesn't alter your contract at all, the DoD owns your ass. Then they sneak in something to get as many volunteers as possible, if you volunteer, you keep your current rank and pay grade, if they have to move you unwillingly, you lose one stripe and the pay that goes along with it.

Watch for this. It is a "back door draft" that moves through the front door, and they will do it! What's worse is the draftees will lose pay they got for their initial volunteer hitch!

[Deja Q]

1. We all thought Kerry would win in a landslide too.

No more precognitive rubbish for me. One way or the other.

Not that that won't stop me or any of us, but whatever is said by anybody (including me) will be taken with grain, if not a bucket of salt.

You might be right and it does make sense. But one terror attack and some smooth talking will get the busheeple to think that we need a draft to protect corporate america.

[Walt Starr]

2. I never thought Kerry would win in a landslide

and said so many times here.

There will be no draft before 2006. Bank on it. There are too many troops aiting in the Air Force and Marines.

[Alex146]

3. They already have Air Force people

driving trucks in combat zones. Or so I've heard.

[cliss]

4. Well W. you could be right.

Now: let's go over some numbers. How many people do we have in the a) Army b) Air Force c) Navy d) Reserves. How many do they need to move over when they are needed?

I believe I read somewhere (probably here, where else?) that we currencly have 1.1 million active people in the military. Is this enough? Do they need to start the draft?

I'd say it all depends on their plans. If they plan to invade Syria or Iran, I'd say it would be tough. Because keep in mind that all this comes with a cost. Wars ain't free. We're currently spending $5.8 billion per month in Iraq ALONE. We're teetering on the brink of bankruptcy as it is.

Everything has its cost (smiles). Right RumsFailed?

[Walt Starr]

5. 1.1 million will be plenty so long as they do not invade another country

prior to the 2006 elections.

If Iran makes a move into Iraq, all bets are off and Bush will have a built in excuse to reinstitute a draft while blaming it on the Iranians, however, if the Iranians have the bomb, an invasion of Iraq might make military sense.

Soooo, if they just continue the occupation until after the midterms, everything should be fine for them.