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One of the frightening prospects of a second Bush administration was the reinstating of the draft – mandatory conscription to the armed forces. But it was a smart rumor started by a few left-wing organizations and gleefully fanned by Democrats. The long running war in Iraq and Bremer’s comments that “maybe the US has inadequate number of ground forces in Iraq” did not help in dispelling the rumor. But if you look at the numbers, the draft might not be a far-fetched rumor after all. Almost 500,000 US troops are in active duty all over the world (tch! The costs of being the world police) and reservists and National Guardsmen are routinely being brought to the front. The need for more troops, of course makes the draft a real possibility in the future although a Republican sponsored resolution failed in the House 402-2 (I bet those two voting for it have their sons or daughter in Iraq).
But why is the draft such an unpopular and bad idea? After all it did exist in the US few decades back. The problem lies in choice of conflicts that a supposedly super power cum world police has to involve itself in. Not all wars are going to be popular and after Vietnam and now Iraq, I don’t think serving in the Army is considered the most patriotic thing to do. But for other countries not burdened with such demands, like Israel and Singapore, the draft works pretty well. All adults are required to undergo army training for a specified time period, after which you can choose whether to continue or voluntary retire. Notwithstanding all the downsides of a draft, I think the idea of draft works well for a while.
A plaque in Georgia Tech proclaims – For those who fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected never know (I love using this quote repeatedly). I find that highly contextual to Indian army woes in not finding enough people to fill its ranks. Umpteen movies highlight the glorious contribution of soldiers on the front; the audience sheds a few tears, talks about their feats of valor for a few hours, and then promptly forgets it once cricket begins. Do Indians take their freedom for granted? Will a national draft work in India? Apart from infringing personal choice, I don’t think it is entirely a bad idea. On one level, it will definitely instill a new sense of respect for the armed forces and their role in defending our borders. India is cursed with not-so-good neighbors and only Israel can claim to have worse problems but we have silently carried the mantle of a noisy neighbor on our west and few pesky ones on our east. The Sena goons will have a chance to prove their self-proclaimed love for their motherland and will effectively direct their actions in the right direction but that is assuming they have any fight left in them at those altitudes. Advising the government on our war plans is acceptable if we are willing to be the change that we wish to see in the world.
On another level, military training inculcates a sense of discipline in an individual and makes you a more confident person. Things you endure during training makes you a better person and I firmly believe in the adage that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. One of my friends who is in the Navy ran 14 miles everyday as part of his training. The moment of truth was when he came home for vacations and dragged the sleepy me for the morning jog. I blacked out on the first day and I refused to run insanely every morning. But secretly I admired his perseverance and endurance; after all he was a skinny kid before he left. He was a much refined man with higher level of tolerance and quiet assertiveness. The cadet training, which he almost quit halfway had definitely changed him. I wish I had the sense to enlist at that time. I consider him as a prime example while advocating a draft for Indians. Few years of armed forces training will not largely affect your life ambitions but do a whole lot of good not only for your country but also to your individual self. The Short Service Commission (SSC) is a viable option too. But of course, like all bureaucratic measures, creating a draft would lead to massive red-tape and spike in public expenditure, which in these times is extremely difficult.
India however is a multi-opinionated democracy and not everyone will take well to being forced to serve your country. After all, serving in the army is still considered a high-risk job in spite of the perks and elevated social standing (I was surprised to learn this too) so I don’t think it would be a popular decision if subjected to a referendum. Too many failed experiments in other countries make the case against it. Too bad we can’t learn the obvious lesson from Israel.
PJ. If Reshma joins the army, log kya kahenge (what will people say)? Reshma jawan ho gayee :)
by Patrix | on Wednesday, December 8th, 2004 at 11:05 pm | 
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December 9th, 2004 at 1:18 am reply
The draft is unpopular because it is not readily clear to ordinary soldiers exactly what they are fighting for — esoteric terms like for ‘freedom’, ‘democracy’ etc don’t really enthuse people to risk their lives. In general, it may apply to the military profession as a whole.
It is quite another matter if the soldier is fighting to defend his home and his family. In this case, he is clearly aware of the stakes, and what might befall him and his loved ones in case of defeat.
India has a Territorial Army which is a voluntary reserve unit. Yes, people actually volunteer. And although the compulsory military service is not exactly popular in Israel and Singapore, the draftees know the reasons too well.
December 9th, 2004 at 1:24 am reply
The last point u’ve mentioned stands in the way of India ever going for draft. The big democratic flag we brandish wont let it happen ever.
secondly ther r practical problems (with or without learning from Isreal’s mistakes). this is of course speaking hypothetically…won’t live the day to see it.
the blatant corruption at very level being one. considering india’s population (around 30 % of which happens to be youth 10-25 years) do we even have resources to have training program for so many individuals).
third and foremost, we are struggling to provide quality education to our children…the confidence, social standing, refinement u’ve talked about…education (let me say proper education) will do all these.
December 9th, 2004 at 4:57 am reply
If I ever stop laughing over that stupid PJ, I’ll come back and say something about the army :D:D:D:D:D:D:D
December 9th, 2004 at 6:18 am reply
i just heard on npr two days ago that the bush administration was least interested in the draft- but far more interested in getting robots out on the battle front- they are pretty serious about that- talk about real life video games- the army just might actually want to get out there - so they can play with life size toys.
December 9th, 2004 at 7:42 am reply
Patrix, your Pj was funny!!!!
December 9th, 2004 at 11:32 am reply
Nitin - Of course, when all emotions are stripped off, every man is going to weigh the pros and cons of volunteering for the armed forces. In this day of constant warfare and no peaceful times, its difficult not to resist going in for a cause that you don’t believe in. But I was talking about more positive spillovers that result from serving in the army, be it for a short time like sense of discipline, respect for others and a healthy appreciation of your country’s role in the world.
Matrix - All said and done, the draft will remain an unpopular idea because anything that is forcibly imposed will not go down well in any democratic society. Corruption always will co-exist. It was no different in the US, kids of influential ppl got away by feigning some lame excuse…e.g. apna Dubya while the ones that spoke their mind got prosecuted e.g.M’mad Ali
Toinks - *waiting for you to stop laughing and comment something* :)
M - Initiating the draft will be his last option. Of course the technology to put in human robots is there but not yet perfected. Some defense labs are working on the Universal Soldier concept…even invisible soldiers. The movies aren’t always wrong..they get their ideas from reality.
Alpha - I knew you would love it..hehehe.
December 9th, 2004 at 11:45 am reply
A draft for India would be disastrous. Our country is in no shape right now to make military training compulsory. The immensity of the task itself is daunting. It will only lead to more escape routes through bureaucratic corruption as well as misuse of the same power. Also, making something compulsory often spoils the enthusiasm and truthfulness which would be otherwise involved.
December 9th, 2004 at 1:11 pm reply
“Apart from infringing personal choice, I don’t think it is entirely a bad idea.”
r u sure?? will u be prepared to leave wht u have n go n fight for your country if the draft was mandatory in india ??
December 9th, 2004 at 3:00 pm reply
Anya - Lets not get caught up in why it wouldn’t work..of course, there are thousand reasons why it shouldn’t and wouldn’t work but I have talking about the spillover effects that it has on an individual’s life and we are no “world police” that we send troops to all corners of the world.
Someone - Why should you doubt that I wouldn’t?
December 9th, 2004 at 8:09 pm reply
Well actually, a draft for India is unnecessary; there are one too many soldiers in the army. In a way, the huge manpower bill (remember, retired soldiers get pensions)comes at the cost of equipment modernisation (for a given budget). I would think that India’s defense planners would be trying to get people out rather than the other way around.
Patrix, I’m totally with you when you talk about the character-building part of serving in the armed forces. While there are those who argue that wearing a uniform and drilling on the parade ground is not the only way around, my personal experience is that it is an excellent way. Especially for kids who have grown up in towns and cities…
December 9th, 2004 at 9:19 pm reply
Nitin - I agree with the impracticalities and bureaucratic conditions it might lead to. The Indian Army might not need enlisted men but certainly need officers, which our over zealous engg.colleges can provide.
As you point out, there is plenty of frustration among urban youth. Call it non-channelization of manpower, we can use that latent enerygy at least to train our reserves. No pension needed then, right? It would solve many of our social problems or at least set them along the right path.
December 11th, 2004 at 9:50 pm reply
well, perhaps you’d like to get ur ass over here, enlist in the army, and serve ‘your country’ for a change. Spare us the talk, please.
December 12th, 2004 at 12:21 am reply
JD - Just my ass will suffice?? I guess being nuclear-powered and all, you might be right. Send me the form…I will ask my ass to go to the front, pronto. No pun intended.
December 12th, 2004 at 5:15 am reply
you’d be better off leaving the funny stuff for Alpha dude - You suck at it! And are you telling us the yanks have actually left a part of your ass intact??
December 12th, 2004 at 8:56 am reply
My apologies Patrix. My remarks were uncalled for. You have a good week.
December 12th, 2004 at 10:36 am reply
JD - I am in Dixie country..tampering with your ass unfortunately is “frowned upon” here. I thought I had my own heckler until decency took over…shyaay! why the change?
December 12th, 2004 at 9:54 pm reply
How good is a compulsory draft in India- I’m not so sure, but I too genuinely regret not having undergone a 2-3 yr rigorous military program. I know it does a world of good to anyone. Best of all, it inculcates a strong sense of discipline, both physical and mental. Joining a gym and looking upon the instructor as God (as I’m doing right now) is but a faint consolation. Tch Tch.