Let’s Draft Our Kids Essay Example

who opt for military service should not receive any form of benefits, although they can apply for the limited resources provided by the government.

Thomas suggests that this approach would allow the government to save money by utilizing civilian national service for tasks that are considered less significant, allowing professional soldiers to focus on more meaningful duties. Some may argue that accommodating all the applicants for such a program would be challenging but Thomas asserts that it would actually provide the government with inexpensive labor that could be utilized for tasks like delivering meals to elderly shut-ins. In case there is an overflow of candidates for the 18-month military scheme, a lottery system could be implemented to select individuals who would instead perform civilian national service.The main objective of this proposed plan is to decrease operating expenses, as volunteer soldiers currently receive generous compensation to support their families. The labor-intensive tasks that are currently outsourced to the private sector would primarily be assigned to recent high school graduates who are 18 years old, leading to significant reductions in costs for drafting and allowances. The civilian service program serves as a cost-cutting measure that decreases government spending on outsourcing basic services. By employing low-cost labor, the federal government can reduce the expenses associated with current recruits and their allowance commitments. This can be accomplished if legislation allows federal managers to effectively utilize the civilian service program. For instance, instead of paying higher wages to tired custodians who are 50 years old, energetic 19-year-olds could be hired at a lower salary rate. The potential financial strain faced by the federal government has prompted unions representing federal, state, and

municipal workers to recognize these savings. This could establish a new workforce that is inexpensive and youthful while safeguarding existing jobs for more experienced union workers. In conclusion, Thomas E. Ricks argues that implementing a draft would make Americans reconsider before engaging in war or invading territories like Iraq, resulting in savings in terms of tears, bloodshed, and monetary resources.
Ricks criticizes excessive military spending and questions the need for a large and resource-intensive military force. Thomas, on the other hand, recognizes the usefulness of the army and does not support its dismantlement or reduction like in Europe. However, he suggests a more efficient system for drafting new recruits to save government resources. I agree with evaluating and restructuring the current drafting process, although some of Thomas's suggestions may not be practical. For example, he proposes providing post-service benefits like free college tuition to high school graduates who choose 18 months of military service. Yet, he overlooks the cost associated with these benefits. Offering free tuition in exchange for low-paying military service might sound good, but in reality, scholarships would still require government funding. Moreover, if many recruits join solely for access to free tuition, it could create problems. The same issue applies to civilian service beneficiaries who may join volunteer schemes primarily for tuition aid. Furthermore, Thomas's proposal to have young people engage in tasks such as infrastructure rebuilding and teaching could pose challenges if they lack necessary skills.
It is worth noting that outsourcing this work to the private sector benefits more individuals than what the author suggests. While the tasks may be considered mundane, it is important to consider that these workers have families

who rely on them, which sets them apart from the recruits proposed by the author. Some of these recruits may already receive benefits, so denying people in the private sector the opportunity to perform these jobs will inevitably lead to an increase in unemployment rates. Although the author argues that these programs and schemes would save money for the government, in reality, there would be no cost change or potentially even an increase. Moreover, fulfilling promised benefits for recruits who complete their military service could end up being more expensive. Additionally, according to the author's perspective, "19-year-old energetic" recruits may not be as efficient compared to "50-year-old tired" veterans with valuable experience and a stronger commitment towards their work and long-term future rather than merely waiting for a chance to attend college. The introduction of Thomas' proposed drafting process would result in a large number of high school graduates eagerly applying to join the military. I agree with the author's viewpoint that restructuring the draft process is necessary and there is a need to reduce military and government costs through civilian services; however, implementing Thomas' suggested measures would not resolve this issue effectively.The text suggests that there are ways to enhance the appeal of volunteer programs without involving monetary benefits. One approach is to prioritize job opportunities for individuals who have served in the military or civilian services schemes. The suggestion is also made to implement similar measures for public companies. It is agreed that less skilled recruits should be assigned menial tasks, allowing professional soldiers to focus on more suitable responsibilities. The text recognizes that 18-year-olds could perform labor currently outsourced at a lower

cost, but proposes modifying financial benefits in favor of non-monetary alternatives. It also agrees that a lottery system would be appropriate for selecting qualified applicants if there is an excess of candidates. Overall, combining Thomas E. Ricks’ military restructuring proposal with certain aspects of the current system and including non-monetary perks would reduce army expenses related to maintenance and operation. This approach would create a new group of inexpensive and young workers while preserving employment opportunities for experienced union workers who may have limitations on mobility.In addition, reducing emphasis on military activities could help ease concerns about American motives, leading to a decline in warfare, expenses, casualties, and grief.