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School of War

Ep 150: Katherine Kuzminski on the Draft

Oct 8, 2024
Katherine Kuzminski, Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS and author of "Back to the Drafting Board," dives into the complexities of military recruitment amid looming global tensions. She discusses the significance of mobilization in a post-volunteer force era and challenges like declining youth interest in service. Kuzminski also explores lessons from Israel's conscription model and the evolving role of women in the military, highlighting societal perceptions of the draft and its implications for national security.
46:02

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the potential need for a draft in future conflicts is essential as public awareness about mobilization has significantly diminished since the Vietnam War.
  • Comparative analysis of conscription models in countries like Israel and Ukraine highlights the importance of national identity and societal needs in structuring a draft system.

Deep dives

The Importance of Understanding Mobilization

The shift from a draft-based military to an all-volunteer force has led to a significant gap in public awareness regarding mobilization processes. The last major test of the draft in the U.S. was during the Vietnam War, and since then, the issue has largely faded from public discourse. Understanding the potential need for a draft in future conflicts is essential, especially as the geopolitical landscape evolves. Mobilization capability is vital to ensure that the nation can quickly and effectively respond to existential threats.

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