More than meets the eye with draft denials: Behind-the-scenes discussions discovered

In a story picked up by papers all around the country, the New York Times today revealed that the Selective Service has been working to update its “contingency plans” for a potential draft of medical professionals. The article discusses a confidential report by the contractor for the Selective Service that includes how the draft might work, particularly if the military's medical corps is overwhelmed, and how to influence public opinion on the subject.

The report emphasized a need for discretion on the part of military planners, fearing that the plans could be perceived as “precursors to a draft.” However, Army National Guard physician Col. Roger A. Lalich cited the Defense Department as saying that a “special skills draft,” including health care workers, is “most likely.” A special skills draft would plan on bringing about 36,000 health care specialists to the military.

If nothing else, this reinforces the fact that politicians have some more leveling to do with not just young people, but all the people who would be affected by the need for a draft.

The good news is that the draft has grabbed the attention of our entire country in the last stretch of the campaign—both Bush and Kerry are now using the subject to court young voters. That means both candidates are at least starting to wake up and realize that young voters might very well swing this election in their favor and are, in turn, taking steps towards discussing the realities and implications of the War on Terror with the generation that will be fighting in it. It’s about time.
- Anna Deknatel