WASHINGTON – Ignore all those Internet rumors: Despite the U.S. military’s desperate need for more troops, there’s no chance that the Bush administration or Congress will resurrect the draft, short of a new Pearl Harbor.
It’s too unpopular politically. Moreover, military experts say that conscription would hurt the quality and morale of the armed forces.
Instead, the Pentagon is examining options such as calling up more members of the National Guard and reserves, extending tours of active duty, shifting manpower within divisions, and moving troops from Europe and Asia to meet the urgent needs in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, the Army announced Wednesday that it would call up 5,600 former active-duty personnel for another round of service.
“A draft? It’s just not going to happen,” said Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
