Pros And Cons Of Women In The Draft | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Pros And Cons Of Women In The Draft

What you really need to know.

3.4k
Pros And Cons Of Women In The Draft
Beforeitsnews

Women, it may be time to put away your stilettos, wedges, and pumps, and lace up your combat boots! The United States Senate has voted that young women are now eligible and required to register for the draft. Now, before your stomach drops at the possibility of being forced to fight for your country, realize that the House has yet to pass the bill.

In December, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter opened all combat jobs to women and since then, some military officials have taken the stance that women should be included in the draft. Then comes in into play California Republican Duncan Hunter who introduces this amendment during the House Armed Services Committee’s review of the 2017 National Defense Authorization. Not knowing much about this man, my first thought was something along the lines of, “This guy is pretty cool for recognizing women have the same of capability as men.” Well, ladies and gentlemen, I could not have been more wrong. Hunter has voiced his opinion that women should not be allowed in combat and even voted against his own proposal. So, why did he do it in the first place? It was a dare. (Yeah, you read that right.) He assumed that faced with the reality of what it truly means to be equal, his adversaries would quiver in fear and draw back their weapons, but then, they did the exact opposite and charged. So now, here we are discussing the possibility of women registering in the draft.

The Senate approved the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act on June 14, 2016. This policy includes an amendment that states on January 01, 2018, all 18-year-old women will be forced to register for the United State’s Selective Service and the military draft. If they fail to register, their student financial aid can be taken away. (That’s right…where would all us college students be without our precious financial aid?) In order for the House to agree on passing the bill, in May, they nixed the amendment that requires women in the draft. Since then, I have not even found one reliable source that states whether or not the bill has passed in the House-- with or without the amendment. However, there is a lot more to this bill than I can even begin to cover in one Odyssey post and as it looks right now, President Obama may even put his foot down and veto it for a few reasons, but the draft being one of them has not been discussed.

The draft has not been used since the Vietnam War, but it still does not change the severity of the vote. The truth is that no one wants their son or daughter to be forced to fight. We cannot change the fact men are required to register in the draft, but the idea that women could be seen as capable as men in combat is exhilarating. I am not exactly thrilled that I or young girls across the country could possibly be called to war, but I am ready for this change. If this bill does not pass, I am okay with that because it could keep the young ladies of our country a little safer. If this bill is passed, then I am okay with that as well because it could show that our country believes that women can defend our soil just as well as a man can.

I do not know what the right answer is, but I pray that our government officials vote and consider this amendment with clarity, without the pretenses of politics, and with a multitude of prayers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1444
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27274
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11524
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments