Do you feel a draft?

By Bryan Trogdon

U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel's op-ed article published in the Omaha World-Herald explaining his thoughts regarding future military and national service requirements and possibilities.

I recently e-mailed my U.S. Senator, Chuck Hagel, asking for more information concerning his views about reinstating the draft based on future troop needs.

Before you read any further, let me first offer some background information about myself. I am a veteran. I volunteered and served six years in the U.S. Navy. My father is also a veteran. He was drafted and served two years in the U.S. Army.

I am very proud of both my and my father's service to our country.

I saw Senator Hagel speak a few years back at the Nebraska Governor's Ball and he struck me as a man of integrity. Because he is also a Vietnam combat veteran, his views on this matter carry a high-level of credibility. I often find that those that rattle the saber most, are those that have never carried one into battle.

The fact that Senator Hagel chooses to acknowledge the elephant standing in the middle of the room while others would rather simply ignore the issue speaks to his character.

He understands that to ask a parent to send their son or daughter into harms way is a solemn task and should be handled with honesty and respect. To do otherwise is reprehensible.

Whether or not you agree with the current administrations premise for going to war in Iraq has no impact on the fact that we will need to face this issue sooner or later.

I have five children, including a 13 and 14 year old. I believe strongly in my country and will do what is necessary to keep her safe.

The current administration, however, has displayed poor leadership with respect to war in Iraq. Their decisions have been based on false assumptions, bad intelligence and a willingness to discount the advice of key strategists like Gen. Eric K. Shinseki.

I pray this hasn't sent us on a fool's errand reminiscent of Vietnam. Because if it has, how much more difficult will it be to answer the call when it comes?