The Deep Unfairness of America’s All-Volunteer Force

The draft is a topic discussed repeatedly, with no resolution.
It directly contradicts the concept of individual freedom of choice.
but
Should all Americans not have a scared duty to serve and defend this nation?

Are we to have a standing military force of mercenaries or patriots? Or require all to pay the price for our liberty?
No easy answer.

Interesting opinion that I mostly disagree with.

The authors really lost me by claiming that the military gets “world class” health care and a retirement that compares to the civilian world. The health care is similar, but certainly not world class.

The military pay is pennies compared to what I made on the outside. And my retirement will reflect that.

Certain officers, O-6’s and above do have great pay. But your average E-7 is making far less than a comparable position on the outside. When I was a E-7, I supervised 40 troops. In my civilian job I supervised 9 folks and made twice as much money. Plus I received overtime for all my hours worked.

I worked a 40 hour work week in my civilian life, anything over 40 was overtime. On the military side, when I was in active duty, I would put in 13-14 hour days, averaging about 56 hours a week. No overtime. Break that down to hourly pay and it’s a pittance if my civilian pay.

Well, if an all volunteer force can't provide the numbers politicians want for war(s), then they should not go to war. Taadaa!