The Bush Regime has forever destroyed the United States military

[Walt Starr]

The "all volunteer" United States military is done. It will never be the same after this enterprise into empire. I honestly do not believe it will ever be able to recover again.

See, there was an unwritten pact made back in the 70's when an "all volunteer" military really began. The active duty forces knew they could be required to go anywhere at any time on short notice. That was a given as that is the role of active duty forces.

The reserves, which is the truly vital component of an "all volunteer" military force for this nation, were to only be utilized in times of absolute necessity in the direct defense of this nation. I cannot stress enough, THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE!!!. The term "Reserves" no longer has any meaning in the push for empire.

Reservists must count on spending half of their enlistment on active duty in some foreign quagmire, while not receiving the benefits of a full-time active duty member of the military. Reservists end up becoming the fodder for empire with not even half the cost to the empire-builders.

Now tell me, why would anybody who observes this FACT about the reserves even consider enlisting or re-enlisting?

The "all volunteer" military is dead because it will not be able to muster a large enough force of reservists to insure it's existance. In five years, the only choice will be a draft.

I can guarantee you, rich men's sons will not be drafted. I don't care what anybody says, the sons of rich men have never been forced to serve in the past and they certainly won't be forced to serve in the future. That's the number one fact of life in this world.

I am firmly convinced that the United States is not a free nation. The United States is an aristocracy that produces an illusion of democratice principles and freedom. The media tells me we have free elections and that I'm am free, so it must be so.

I cannot use the words I would like to express what I really feel about that last statement due to posting regulations on this site.

[IrateCitizen]

1. I think I've addressed some of this with this thread....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=639395

Let me know your thoughts, Walt.

[Kolesar]

2. The Reserves are pork--one unit in every congressional district

Congress has long kept reserve levels higher than the Pentagon wanted, because it is a good way of bringing home the bacon. The Pentagon brass would have preferred that the resources be spent on enhancing the active duty units.

(not to take anything away from your other points)

[Screaming Lord Byron]

3. Let's just drop the word reserves.

They'll start calling them para-regulars next.

[oldleftguy]

4. Well done!

[tom_paine]

5. Completely agree...not that the Busheviks care

They are above such concerns.

And you are right...after the Stalinist Farce of 2004, in which Emperor Bunnypants* is re-appointed (let us hope this will not happen), only poor people's sons and daughters will be drafted.

Which is ok by the Busheviks, who think the bottom 99% of Amerika are animals anyway.

[Kinkistyle]

6. Aye, what is the National Guard doing in Iraq!?

Probably guarding our number one national interest at the moment: sweet dark oil.