Agency to Test Military Draft Machinery

[The Straight Story]

Agency to Test Military Draft Machinery

By KASIE HUNT
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Selective Service System is planning a comprehensive test of the military draft machinery, which hasn't been run since 1998.

The agency is not gearing up for a draft, an agency official said Thursday. The test itself would not likely occur until 2009.

Meanwhile, the secretary for Veterans Affairs said that "society would benefit" if the U.S. were to bring back the draft and that it shouldn't have any loopholes for anyone who is called to serve. VA Secretary Jim Nicholson later issued a statement saying he does not support reinstituting a draft.

The Selective Service "readiness exercise" would test the system that randomly chooses draftees by birth date and the network of appeals boards that decide how to deal with conscientious objectors and others who want to delay reporting for duty, said Scott Campbell, Selective Service director for operations and chief information officer.

"We're kind of like a fire extinguisher. We sit on a shelf" until needed, Campbell said. "Everyone fears our machine for some reason. Our machine, unless the president and Congress get together and say, 'Turn the machine on' ... we're still on the shelf."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MILITARY_DRAFT?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME

[Monkeyman]

1. Yep and Sec Jim Nicholson Called for a Draft

Then did and about face said he did not . Story here http://www.vawatchdog.org

[Monkeyman]

2. The Major on Veterans For America

Before any of this broke posted a Article on this very matter