Recent tension between the US and Iran have renewed debate about the need for a military draft in the event of an escalation of hostilities between the two nations.  For the past 40 years, the US has managed its involvement in combat activities around the world by means of its all-volunteer military.  Volunteers, however, make up a minuscule percentage of draft-eligible males and females; thus lessening the impact of war on American families.  Although a lightning rod for protest of the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the draft indirectly served to bring pressure to end the war.

In the 1960s, everyone had a stake in the war or knew someone who served in Vietnam.  The American public needs to have a voice in order to weigh-in on whether the country goes to war and kills in the name of democracy and freedom.  They need to know that all possible means of diplomacy are thoroughly pursued before military force is initiated or even threatened.  The drumbeat of the industrial military complex needs an opposing argument when it comes to sending American men and women to war.  The resumption of the military draft is an unpopular and divisive issue among the American public and is not recommended; however, the American people cannot sit on the sidelines and allow its government to threaten other nations with military intervention or deploy its military into armed conflict without consulting with its people.