The Draft vs. All Volunteer Force (#2193)

After the Vietnam War, a major debate occurred in the United States concerning whether conscription should continue or if an all volunteer force (AVF) should replace the draft. The AVF was established during the Nixon administration and continues to the present. While few would disagree that the AVF is a much more professional military force, some experts do question whether a widening gap is developing between civilian and military societies. We will address some of these issues as well as some of the changes that have occurred in the AVF. In addition, we will examine the inherent tensions between a large standing military force and individual liberties in a democracy. In the American example, this issue can be observed in the debate over the required size and scope of the military budget. Finally, several current issues are in play in the civil-military context to include the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the military, the expanding combat roles for women, and the increasing stress of constant deployments of the AVF. These issues will be discussed in depth.