In conclusion, many of the problems highlighted by De Gregorio, such as the civil-military disconnect, the lopsided privileging of rights over responsibilities, and the question of the public’s preparedness to meet national security challenges looming on the horizon are genuine and need to be addressed sooner rather than later. However, he is wrong about the causes and solutions. Like all policies, the AVF involved a series of inevitable trade-offs, but it has not only proven resilient, it also forms the basis of the world’s greatest military, as De Gregorio acknowledges. More importantly, the AVF is most compatible with the values America cherishes most, and draft-supporters undermine their own argument when endorsing conscription as a means of curing societal ills as opposed to out of sheer military necessity.

Should the day arrive when many Americans must wear uniforms once again, the necessity of a draft will be obvious to all. Now is not that time.

Edward Chang is a freelance defense, military, and foreign policy writer. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and War Is Boring.

Image: Reuters