If Drafted, Would You Serve?

[polymath]

Assuming the cause was just (and that is also assuming too much) I would go.
World War Two? Yup, I'd go.

But not in any of the current lunatic capers the UK and US are up to.

 

[Narz]

I was thinking some people might think it more honorable to stay in the country and fight for what you think is right, rather than running.

You can have your honor. And I'll have my life. That's what freedom is all about.

Also, please tell me, what is "honorable" about killing other men because they are "the enemy".

 

[MrPresident]

I would probably ask the call if I was drafted because I believe the draft would only be reintroduced if there was a national emergency, in which case, I would feel compelled to do my duty.

On a side note, if you were anti-war then wouldn't it give your argument more weight if you fought in the war. And if you really didn't want to go couldn't you just apply to be a conscious objector?

 

[basta72]

I live in a country with mandatory military service and I will not serve. (Please elaborate.)

I would serve if it were a defensive war where my country was attacked by another country and our territory and people where threatened. I would not serve in any offensive unjust wars. I would rather be in prison or flee to another country.

 

[Stapel]

I was officially drafted in 1991 and was registered as regular conscript with special permission, so I could go to university. Before I could actually serve, the Dutch government had decided that the Russian were no longer a threat, so the draft was abolished.

 

[Adler17]

I live in Germany and we have still the conscription. So I was drafted and served in 1999- 2000.

Adler

 

[JohnRM]

If the draft were reinstituted, I would volunteer, first. It would have to be a serious event that would bring back the draft. Even so, I would serve if drafted.

 

[CurtSibling]

Just what America needs.

Her bright young men and girls blown to bits in pointless wars like Iraq.

Go Mr President!
Use a chainsaw to open a soup tin, then wonder why the kitchen is messy!

 

[Cilpot]

I served in 1998-1999 (drafted). I only have fond memories from that time.. I would fight if there was a threat to our sovereignity, and I wouldn't mind going to any NATO/UN conflict areas if they made me.. The money is very good for Norwegian professionals and the chances of getting hurt is less than being in a car-accident.

 

[stormbind]

The draft does not exist in the UK, it is barbaric, and it is too European

Except for such events as WW1. I think my reaction depends greatly on what is being done with military power and if I think my efforts would be a benefit to good.

Trench warfare is something I would avoid. I'd be a pacifist

Military Police, Dad's Army, Weekend Warriors, Fire Fighters, Organised Resistance, etc. are things I would be more inclined to volunteer for.

I can use sword, fire sniper rifle, and have theoretical knowledge of battlefield strategies and combat - but no real world experience involving human targets.

 

[CurtSibling]

I would join up if the UK was under a real (1939-style) threat.
And that means a threat against my family, etc.

But I would never join up to fight in the McWar for foreign oil-independence.

 

[Lifeblood]

I was drafted and served. Didn't have much choice really.

 

[Flak]

I am not sure what protections you guys would expect to recieve by living in a foreign country. You can still be drafted and, if charged with a crime, extradited from every country that has been mentioned in this thread.

Right now I'm living in Austria. My major concern is actually knowing that I had been drafted. I just had a colleague return from the U.S. with some of my mail and found out I had been called to jury duty back in December/January! Fortunately, having moved to another country is a valid reason for not having shown up and it was all cleared up immediately. But I could have been held in contempt of court. If I was drafted, and didn't hear about, that would be a lot more serious. I could really get screwed over.

On-topic, if I was drafted, ofcourse I'd go. Heck if the threat to America were serious enough, I might even try and join up. I think I'm too old and established in my career field now though for anything other than a very specialist position.

 

[stormbind]

But I could have been held in contempt of court.

I thought you had to be there to be in contempt of court. I have always associated the charge with disrespecting court etiquette during hearings.

 

[nonconformist]

I live in a country without the draft, and if drafted, not only would I refuse to serve, but I might also attempt to hinder my own army (though not through sabootage or anything, just being defeated). If there was a cause, that may threated the country etc (like 1939) then I might consider fighting.

 

[Archer 007]

Depends on the situation.

 

[test_specimen]

I live in a country with mandatory military service and I already served. If they draft me again in the case of war I would rather leave the country than serve again.

 

[thestonesfan]

I'd rather go to war than go to jail, so yes.

 

[test_specimen]

I'd rather go to war than go to jail, so yes.

You could still leave the country and live somewhere else instead of kill other people.

 

[SuperBeaverInc.]

Canada doesn't have mandatory military service, and I never want to join. Last thing I want is to tell people I'm part of the Canadian military