Butterfly Cauldron

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Well, technically it's not a draft...

But I'm willing to bet that's what's next.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Marine Corps said Tuesday it has been authorized to recall thousands of Marines to active duty, primarily because of a shortage of volunteers for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Up to 2,500 Marines will be brought back at any one time, but there is no cap on the total number of Marines who may be forced back into service in the coming years as the military battles the war on terror. The call-ups will begin in the next several months.

The Army has ordered back about 14,000 soldiers since the start of the war in Iraq, but this is the first time the Marines have resorted to an involuntary recall.


So, after you've served your time and fullfilled your obligations, you can still be recalled. I know this is a facet of military life, but damn. Technically, this isnt' a draft, but really...isn't it? It's just drafting from a smaller, more select pool. Your draftees have better training than average, but they're not coming voluntarily. Which, I think, is part of the point of a draft.

The Bushies have bungled things so badly, no one wants to enlist anymore. You'd think, if we had thinking people in government, this might give them pause. Why would no one want to enlist? But, no. No, there's no reconsideration of strategy or troop deployment, no reconsideration of if we should be in Iraq in the first place. No no. We're not leaving Iraq while Bush is still in office!

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posted by Zan at 12:05 PM

3 Comments:

In order to recognize that he's made a mistake Bush would have to recognize that he's not God's Chosen to lead the world to the Promised Land, and he's just not capable of that.

1:07 PM  

bush needs to call upon his ducky minions to go over there and kick some ass.

seriously though, i can't believe the shit they pull every single day with these soldiers. i know a lot of them say it's an honor to serve, but you'd think that once you put in your time you'd be allowed to enjoy your retirement...

7:11 PM  

Add to that the difficulties of getting care at Veterans hospitals, the high instance of suicide and domestic violence among returned soldiers...I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this. Seriously, it's a thankless job, you have to kill people and no one helps you deal with the aftermath. Plus, veterans have some of the highest unemployment rates upon their return. It just sucks all around and now they can't even get out after fulfilling their obligations.

7:26 AM  

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