There is talk of a coming time when all of our country’s residents will be expected to register for the draft. Though we don’t currently draft anyone into military service, relying instead on a volunteer force, there still exists a requirement for registration by eligible males ages 18 to 25.
Ash Carter, the Secretary of Defense, announced on December 3 last year the Department of Defense would eliminate all gender-based restrictions on military service starting in January. The Armed Services Committee Chairmen, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), issued a joint statement on December 3, 2015, stating, “Congress has a 30-day period to review the implications of today’s decision. … and receiving the department’s views on any changes to the Selective Service Act that may be required as a result of this decision.”
That eventuality will be fraught with naysayers and advocates, but the reality check is that our nation is more and more vulnerable to the possibility of combat in numerous locations around the globe. We have begun to rely on the volunteer services of women throughout the rank and file in each of the military branches.
As of 2011 about 14.2% of the armed forces were women. That translates to approximately 203,000 active duty personnel. Not only can we not walk that dependency back, but we shouldn’t be attempting to dismiss the potential contributions of 50% of our most valuable asset: our human capital.
The instability of multiple areas of the globe are a continued call for our need for the registration system. If the unthinkable happened and we had to engage our military in our defense we would need quick access to every able body at our disposal.
We can’t ignore the dangers that North Korea is clearly posing to our country as its neophyte leader flexes his muscle. We likewise can’t ignore Russia and China’s most recent grabs for power in expanding their respective territories. That doesn’t even touch on the atrocities in the Middle East whose influence is invading our borders.
I see no dilemma in this need for our citizens to support our republic. We aren’t reinventing the wheel with this one. We are simply behind the times. According to a CNN report from August, 2015, there are 16 countries, most of whom are our allies, that long since invested in their future by allowing women to serve in combat. Canada, Israel, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands are some of those approving women in combat roles.
Over the years I have given speeches or talks to various groups about my experience in the Navy. There has never been a time when I didn’t extol the personal development that came through that avenue of service. My opinion has not changed and in fact, I will go a step further and say I believe each and every citizen should be required to commit a 2 year service period to our country.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be military service, but some AmeriCorps-type of service for an equivalent period of time would be the other option. There is something about service to country that imprints on you what an extraordinary country we have and how important it is to safeguard its existence and its opportunities.
What could possibly keep us from thinking that our happy accident of being born in one of the most desirable locations on earth is not worth two years of service. The esprit de corps that stems from the participation in something larger than yourself with others who are similarly situated makes a long lasting and positive mark.
There is nothing in the female psyche or conformation that disqualifies us from serving in some capacity. We have, just as men do, differences that dictate where we are best suited to have a positive impact. There are men who have no business in combat just as there are women. Does that preclude the opportunity, duty and the right to serve? Not at all.
I remember when some believed that women couldn’t muster the stamina to play full court basketball. How embarrassing and incorrect do we view that concept now? Similarly there were those who said that women couldn’t fly military airplanes; equally wrong-headed.
It is time for women to register for the potential draft, and it is time for us to call on all to serve where needed in a capacity suitable to their abilities.
Lynn Spruill, a former commercial airline pilot, elected official and city administrator owns and manages Spruill Property Management in Starkville. Her email address is [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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