Will the US Reinstate Conscription if Trump is Re-elected? ... WP Reports "Close Aides Claim High Possibility"

Miller "Instilling Spirit of Sacrifice in Young People"
US Department of Defense Faces Shortfall in Recruitment... 40,000 Personnel Deficit

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Some close associates of former U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked controversy by arguing for the reinstatement of the U.S. military draft. With the November presidential election approaching, Trump and his campaign are distancing themselves from these claims, as the issue could lead to a significant loss of support among young voters. However, considering the U.S. military's ongoing difficulties in recruiting personnel amid China's and Russia's military expansions and geopolitical risks, there are forecasts that the next administration may seriously discuss reinstating the draft.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 11th (local time), Christopher Miller, former acting Secretary of Defense and a close associate of Trump, argued in the 'Project 2025' report outlining the next conservative administration's agenda that all students in federally funded schools should be required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). He further asserted that "mandatory military service is a rite of passage that can instill a spirit of sacrifice in young people," and that "it would be an opportunity for young people to learn from and rely on each other," strongly advocating for the draft's reinstatement.

WP also reported that other close associates of Trump have recently made remarks hinting at the draft's return. J. D. Vance, a Republican senator mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate in Trump's campaign, stated in a recent interview, "There is a need to expand military service personnel," adding, "I like the idea of mandatory service, and I am not just talking about wartime."

Robert Hood, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs under the Trump administration, expressed support for mandatory military service, saying, "There can be those who receive from the country and those who give, but if we all only receive and no one gives, this country will fail."

In response to the controversy over the draft's reinstatement, Trump and his campaign immediately dismissed the possibility. Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, "The fake news WP came up with the ridiculous idea that President Trump would demand military service," adding, "That story is completely false, and I have never even considered such an idea." This is interpreted as an effort to avoid alienating young voters ahead of the November election.

However, WP pointed out that regardless of whether the next administration is led by the Democratic or Republican Party, discussions about reinstating the draft are inevitable. In fact, the U.S. Department of Defense fell short of its recruitment goals by 41,000 personnel last year, with all branches except the Marine Corps and Space Force experiencing shortfalls. The U.S. Army, in particular, cited increased recruitment difficulties, stating that 71% of young Americans are ineligible to enlist due to obesity, drug use, health issues, or behavioral problems. As a result, only about 1% of the entire U.S. population is currently serving in the military, WP reported.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained an all-volunteer force since abolishing the draft just before the end of the Vietnam War in 1973. Historically, presidents and ruling parties have avoided even mentioning the reinstatement of the draft or mandatory service, as it could significantly reduce support among young voters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.