Talk of a renewed draft is nonsense
EDITORIAL
Tuesday, June 08, 2026

Talk of bringing back the draft keeps popping up in political conversation.

It’s a bad idea.

Neither the Pentagon nor the public wants it.

The fact is simple and undeniable: A volunteer army is going to be more effective than a draft army. That isn’t meant as a slight to all the draftees who served this country admirably over the years. It’s just an observation of the way our military has evolved since the Vietnam War.

Analysts say there are two big reasons why the idea keeps returning to national conversation. One is that the United States appears to be stretched pretty thin with current military operations.

The other is guilt over the cost of the war on terror is being paid by very few Americans.

Both are valid concerns. Both need to be addressed. But the draft is the wrong way to do it.

Another agenda may also be lurking behind some of the draft calls and it’s appalling. If opponents of the war on terror think pushing the draft is a way to further their cause, they’re mistaken.

This is a time for the country to stand together, and the political fallout from a return to the draft is the last thing we need.
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