[68skylark]

We needed a draft two years ago, trying to wait until after the election is also a poor gamble.

I just cannot fathom the thinking of people who want a draft. Our professional, all-volunteer armed forces are by far the best in the world. A draft would be a catastrophe. Thank heaven our top military leadership is smart enough to not mess with success.

I don't have real strong feelings about a 10 vs. 12 division Army, as long as the expansion isn't a attempt to take and mission away from the Guard.

[plumcrazy]

"I just cannot fathom the thinking of people who want a draft". . .

Agreed. Military can recruit much larger volunteer force than presently authorized. Size of military during Gulf War I was much larger than present authorized strength. All volunteer.

[Yasotay]

I remember then 1LT Mark Kimmitt being my jumpmaster for dozens of jumps in the 2nd Ranger Bn. I also remember at West Point talking with then Maj Abizaid about his actions in Granada as a Company Commander. I still know dozens of classmates who are O-5s in the army. They really are great people. They are also smart enough to know that the US military is stretched way too thin and that if another war breaks out, we do not have the forces to win. My brother .... another West Pointer .... is still in the Guard .... and it is clear they are stretched way too thin. The Army knows how to handle a draft, 12 divisions isn't even close .... 16 divisions maybe.