Opening all military jobs to women in recent years has started the debate on whether women should be included in any future drafts/conscriptions. What do you think?

Opening all military jobs to women in recent years has started the debate on whether women should be included in any future drafts/conscriptions. What do you think?

It is hard to justify not including women in potential future conscription. Although not all women are capable of being a foot soldier, the same is true of men. Modern military needs are significantly different than the needs of the military engine even 30 years ago. I have jokingly said that if women had been made to sleep with rats and snakes common in Vietnam that war would have been significantly shorter. Although said in jest, I think the point is the same, the appetite for war will be affected by including females at all levels of decision making.

I believe conscription to military service should apply equally to men and women. With the diversity of jobs available and the increasingly technical nature of military service, matching jobs to individual capacities becomes increasing possible.

These are all interesting points!

It's true that there is a much bigger variety of career paths within the military these days. My only concern would be how the conscription of women would impact families? Would this mean that kids would need to be cared for by other family members if both parents were serving?

Or would only single women be drafted?

My first reaction is yes, both males and females should be included in any draft. Our strongest military most likely will come from a widely cast net that includes individuals with varying talents, strengths, and experiences. I think I would draw a line at drafting both parents when children are involved. If both parents serve, that should be on a voluntary basis.

All of you bring up good points to which I agree. I wish that the military would also take the time to do an in-depth psychological examination of all draftees, etc. It would be another tool to place military members where they could best serve.

Yes. If we claim to be equal, we need to actually be equal. That said, the military needs to clean up its act re assaults of both me and women - maybe a 50% female military would help with that.

Yes, I agree with everyone that women should be included in a draft. Women want the same rights and pay as men, so that should be included. I agree that provisions would have to be made for families.

Great point DebH about parents and the draft; the voluntary decision to serve should be allowed if both parents make that choice. It's interesting to think about the many ways families with children would be impacted if the mother decided to serve or was drafted.

It is difficult to put any young person into conflict. I do believe that women are just as qualified as men to serve. I think if anything the book points out the need for family counseling for returning soldiers.

First of all, I hope we never get into a place where we need a draft/conscription. If it did come to that, I feel both sexes should be included. In these times, there are many ways to serve, many jobs and tasks that could draw upon each person's particular skill set. As far as families and children are concerned, there are many cases where both parents are in the service and they have found a way. I would say that the various services have the means and resources to make sure that family needs are met (for example not deploying both parents at one time) In the hypothetical situation where we need conscription, it would be important to remember that all citizens bear a responsibilty to come together and support our service people from the inside and the outside.

I 100% agree with you cathyoc that family counseling is incredibly important and should be offered to returning soldiers. And that's an interesting point that you connected to the book, I never would have thought of that!

I also very much hope we would never need a draft in the first place, but it's certainly worth thinking about how it would play out and impact the lives of American citizens and families.

This is a timely question to mull over and everyone has really good responses. All I can add is equal grade equal pay.

Yes, women should be subject to the draft if one is restarted. I don't think there should be any distinction between women with or without children. All military members who are activated should be eligible for health care.

There are countries that do treat male and female the same within military guidelines. Women are drafted and serve right alongside men. I believe it should be voluntary - for both men and women. If a woman wants to serve she should be trained and evaluated the same as a man in the same position. I do believe that the United States military is not yet ready for women in a combat zone. Men are not socialized to accept a woman as an equal when it comes to combat and that creates a problem. Combat is hard enough and if a man does not believe that a woman has the same skill set or aptitude to be in a combat situation it is then a trust issue - which only adds to the security of a platoon.