Wednesday, February 19, 2003

Draft column doesn't compute

[Columnist Mark] Shields and others seem to believe it is unfair that when America has to go to war, the majority of those who have to fight are from poor families.

I will agree that sometimes life is unfair. I would, however, submit that military personnel volunteer with the understanding that the military will give them an opportunity for a job and experience they can use to advance their skills in return for their willingness to risk their life in defense of the country.

It is clear. Everyone serving today understands this. You sign a contract before you get in.

I love the military for the protection it provides and I have the utmost respect for military personnel and what they volunteer to do.

My parents could not afford to pay for college. I spent 10 years in the military. I benefited from incredible training and experience. Although it was very limited, I was sent on 10 combat missions where we wore helmets, flak vests, and guns as we flew into places where people were shooting at each other. I got out of the military, and now, I have a great job. If they recall me, I will go back to serve.

It sounds like Mr. Shields believes that it makes more sense to give poor kids a salary, great training and experience that they otherwise would not be able to get, then, when war breaks out, replace them with rich kids from fraternities and country clubs who have not volunteered or been trained or reaped any benefits of military service or signed any contracts. Besides fueling class warfare, does this make any sense?