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By TIMES STAFF
Published April 30, 2007

In the classroom or around the dinner table at home, here's a hot topic to serve up:

Reinstating the draft

A forum on the war in Iraq drew a small crowd on April 23 at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

In a room filled with veterans and peace activists, one thing that everyone was concerned about was the lack of public interest in the war.

"This room should be full of people who have ideas, because of what's happened to this country, " said Sandra Byers-Downing. "Unless we have a draft, no one is going to care."

What do you think about reinstating the draft? Many young men about to graduate from high school will soon register with the Selective Service. Almost all male citizens, and male immigrant aliens residing in the United States, are required to register if they are at least 18 years old but are not yet 26, according to federal law.

While a draft remains an unlikely option for the nation, registering with the Selective Service can still make many young men uneasy, amid reports that the armed services may need more soldiers to maintain commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

After falling far short of recruiting goals in 2005, though, the military met its targets in 2006; the Army alone signed up more than 80, 000 new soldiers. The armed services credit increased cash bonuses for recruits as key to their success.

Retired Army Col. Curt Ebitz of Citrus County, who serves on the Florida Commission on Veterans' Affairs, said education and public debate on civics and government is critical.

"By doing that, we have a viable representative democracy, " he said. "If we aren't heard, then we don't count anymore."

Classroom/living room debates

Should the United States have a draft? Is the volunteer military able to handle the country's current needs? If more Americans faced the risk of serving in the military, would the government make different decisions about military actions? Have you registered with the Selective Service? How did it make you feel? Are you willing to serve in the military? What obstacles does the military face in attracting recruits?

Talk Back

Classroom/living room debates

Go to our blog at blogs.tampabay.com/nie to make your voice heard. Tell us your views on the Selective Service and what you would do if you were in charge of recruitment for the armed forces. You may see your opinion in the next Talk Back.

Information from Times files was used in this report.

[Last modified April 29, 2007, 22:29:35]