Hang on a second, cowboy...methinks you're missing a fact or two

Congressman Charles Rangel of NY has recently come forward to say he is planning on reintroducing legislation calling for a draft. In a written article in the NY Times, Congressman Rangel made some good points about troop strength and lessening the burden on current active and reserve forces. Unfortunately, he went too far and proclaimed the military to be representative of the poor, downtrodden, and uneducated minority classes.

I myself have NO DESIRE to see a draft, as the institution of conscription is far too large a burden on volunteer Non-Commissioned and Commissioned Officers who would have to deal with a half million young people who for the most part wouldn’t want to be there. But in any case, they can debate whatever they like, I just wanted to set the record – the public record – straight. A public record that Congressman Rangel also could easily access with a click of his mouse.

The Heritage Foundation report on Demographics in the United States Military

Only 13% of all recruits in the United States Military come from an economic background designated “poor” according to national economic statistics, 6% below the national percentage of people classified “poor”.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the median income in the United States was $41,000.00 and change. 70% of recruits in the military come from homes right on this income, slightly below it, or slightly above it. The remaining 17% of all military recruits come from families well above the median national income level. Not rich by any standard, but certainly not poor.

Interestingly, after 9/11, the lower income enlistments plummeted to an all-time low, and the medium to higher than median income families made up the majority of the shortfall of enlistees.

98% of all enlistees have a high school diploma or higher (the other 2% attaining some sort of “Adult Certification” prior to enlistment, that is technically not a high school diploma). The national average for high school graduation is still an appalling 75%.

White Americans comprise 45.4% of the military population. Conversely, blacks make up 43%. The remainder is a blend of Hispanic, Asian, etc. What is important to note is this: Race is defined by the individual in this country, and not by the government or a statistic on a pie chart. A case can be made that any person may indeed declare whatever race they want, especially those of mixed heritage and lineage. In any case, the proclamation that the military is made up primarily of minorities – along with the claim that minorities are targeted for enlistment more aggressively than non-minorities – holds no weight when you look at the numbers.

Bottom Line?

The military looks just like what you’d see if you walked into a Sears, Target, or Denny’s restaurant most places in this country, most of the time. It is no more poor than it is rich. Its educational requirements exceed national averages, and it’s diversity is the most equal and balanced in its history.

Do I think they are currently overtaxed? Yes I do. But a draft will only serve to bring in its own set of issues, and it won't help to diversify a product that is already wonderfully diversified. Sure, a draft would bring in a few more people who grew up economically privileged, but because mom and dad have more zeroes in their bank account, doesn't mean the kid will make a better Marine, just as a kid being poor doesn't mean he can or even would - fight harder.

And what of young people who have committed crimes? A huge part of the late 1970's/early 1980's all-volunteer force was a crack down on criminals entering the service. No more judges saying "4 years in the Army, or 4 years in jail." A draft would bring back those undesirables as well.

Either way they debate it, Congressman Rangel's facts be a bit whatchoo call - wack - yooo hear what I be sayin', Dawg?