Question

Should the U.S. Bring Back the Draft?

The United States has relied on an all-volunteer army since 1973, when the military draft was abolished. But at age 18, all American men are still required to register with the Selective Service, the federal agency responsible for implementing a draft. That’s in case the government decides that a draft is once again necessary to maintain America’s fighting force.

Is the U.S. better served by an all volunteer military or should everyone serve the country?

Remember Economist, the response should include the economic aspect of the question, such as:

• How benefits?
• What are some of the opportunity cost to the individuals?
• What are some of the opportunity cost to society?
• How would a draft affect the market in terms of supply and demand?
• Could a draft benefit GDP?

Please include topics related to your textbook whenever possible.

Answer 1

Introduction

Most countries across the globe, have allowed people to select for themselves their career of choice. Previously mandatory military services were regarded as important, primarily because countries were fragile and fights could happen at any given point of time.

However, due to the rise of global union and the world economies becoming dependent on one another, no major wars have happened recently. This is primarily because of the efforts of organizations such as the IMF, United Nations etc.

Countries have developed nuclear weapons which are capable of handling any war like situations and the reliance on armed forces has decreased because of the same.

Across the United States, presently the army is voluntary meaning that people who want to opt for it may opt and it is not legally binding for others to choose their career.

Accordingly, we have answered the case study which is in parts as follows: -

Case Specifics: -

Answer to Part 1: -

The key benefits which will come if the draft is brought back is that the army powers will be maximized. This means that the army will have more man power to function and any threats which come along the borders or beyond can be handled properly.

Answer to Part 2 & 3: -

Opportunity cost refers to the cost of the next best alternative. In any society or for individuals, the opportunity cost in this case arises from what individuals can take up as alternative work. Industries such as IT enabled services, Hospitals etc all have people working in them. If you mandate people to work for the army, then as an individual you lose those opportunities whereas as a society many sectors will see a major impact.

Answer to Part 3 & 4: -

Further, we may see a gap in demand and supply as well. Consider that people want to be doctors and are capable of becoming the same. Yet they are included in the army because of such a draft. In that case, the demand for hospitals may not be fulfilled by the government respectively.

Conclusion: -

My careful analysis into the same tells me, that bringing back forced armed services is therefore not good for the economy and the opportunity costs for the society and the individual themselves is said to be extremely high. This is because people are not given choices in their career and they might not be able to run their business in a proper manner.

We do not live in a country which is in constant war and requires essential services from people in the army.

Please feel free to ask your doubts in the comments section if any.