[A. Pole]

Just getting such people used to the idea of duty and discipline could be a major drain on the military

Imagine if 50% plus of draftees believed that they are being sent to war which they oppose or have no stake in. You would need to use fear of execution to make them fight. Such army would not be much more motivated that army of Saddam Hussein.

[Gordongekko909]

Such army would not be much more motivated that army of Saddam Hussein.

Totally. There's a big advantage to fighting against an army of draftees: pamphlets are just as effective as bullets for taking the opposition's forces out of the fight. We don't need to be giving our enemies any advantages, let alone that one.