The Elimination of the Draft Registration: Military and Political Implications
Abstract
In 1979 and again in 1982 the draft registration was used as an instrument of political power to provide a tangible symbol of America's resolve, in response to communist aggression in Afghanistan and later in Poland. The effort did not work. The Russians have since left Afghanistan and the United States is currently engaged in Negotiating a position in response to the continuing Gorbachev peace initiatives. In view of these critical, ongoing negotiations, this study seeks to examine the political and military implications of the author's proposal to eliminate the draft registration. It analyzes the need for a draft registration, alternatives, and actual contributions to mobilization -- past, present, and future. Additionally, the study explores how the draft registration was used, unsuccessfully, by two administrations (Democrat and Republican). It concludes with a discussion of how the current administration can resurrect this failed instrument of political power and use it in a 'win-win' situation as a bargaining chip in support of the current arms control talks. Keywords: Military publications, Periodicals, Reports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219775
Entities
People
- Terry A. Yon
Organizations
- United States Army War College