Marines to initiate "Backdoor Draft"

[Texas Bob]

Atleast that is what some of my buddies are calling the announcement (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060824/ts_afp/usiraqmilitary_060824000103) to call back 2500 at a time Marines in the Independent Ready Reserves. For those who may not be up to speed, a contract with the Marines is 8 yrs. The first 4 are active duty on a base and then they let you go with a DD214 and for the remaining 4 yrs you are an IRR Marine able to be called back when needed.

So there's a need and if you have an MP, Intell, or part of a Combat Unit and are in your 2nd or 3rd yr of your IRR status it's a good chance you will be called back for a period of 12 to 18 months and will be flown to such lovely vacation spots as Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Horn of Africa.

I myself am a Sgt with an Infantry MOS whose been deployed to Iraq and just started my 2nd yr of IRR. Anyone want to throw in as I'm thinking this is a pretty safe bet. Honestly, if I got the call I'd volunteer to go back. I miss it sometimes (most times I don't), but it's what I do and it's familiar to me. My wife doesn't understand, but then again if you haven't done it you wouldn't either.

So here's to the US of A and her mighty military forces. :usa:

[TBART70]

good luck, thank you and be safe!!!!!!!!!!!

[Damn True]

Geez I wish the news outlets would be honest about what this really is. The people being called up, STILL HAVE A RESERVE OBLIGATION. The news outlets are treating this as if these guys are being wrongly pulled out of civilian life and drug back into the Marines.

[rant off]

Thanks dude for your service. Keep your head down and go git some!

[dropit69]

yeah happened to my brother got out of army had a job in factory for well over a year and bam called him in for desert storm he said was hard to jump back in..after being out for over a year..but they held his job like they have to and he came back safe..hope you dont get called back but be safe if you do!!

[go-fish]

I am active duty already and would bitch about going back, but I would still go back. It's true military fashion to give some gruff but still do what you have to. But how about this, a "front door draft". I know what problems the draft caused in the sixties but today is different. Charlie wasn't flying Boeings into skyscrapers. If you are a young immigrant or have just been loafing around through your 20's from part-timer to part-timer, it's time to earn your keep, amigo. Israel has had great success with thier obli-serve. There is alot of bodies out there that would fit real nicely in a uniform. It should be a case by case basis and not like the lottery system.

[Tom Welch]

As a disabled veteran, I would go, no question. But I can't. Our freedom is worth only what we are willing to pay for it.

[derekf]

Watched a couple of guys get pulled off of terminal leave at the start of Desert Shield -- and I felt for them having to come back after a couple of months out, I can't begin to imagine what it'd be like after a couple of years.

A couple of coworkers asked me about the news story -- since I've been out for 13 years now (off IRR for 9) I think the odds of me getting called up are pretty slim, but if they call I won't say no (even if saying no was an option).

Best of luck to you if you get called back up, and Semper Fi.

[Damn True]

I am active duty already and would bitch about going back, but I would still go back. It's true military fashion to give some gruff but still do what you have to. But how about this, a "front door draft". I know what problems the draft caused in the sixties but today is different. Charlie wasn't flying Boeings into skyscrapers. If you are a young immigrant or have just been loafing around through your 20's from part-timer to part-timer, it's time to earn your keep, amigo. Israel has had great success with thier obli-serve. There is alot of bodies out there that would fit real nicely in a uniform. It should be a case by case basis and not like the lottery system.

I'd vote for it. Hell even if we weren't in the midst of this I would still be in favor of mandatory service. The youth of this country needs to learn discipline and accountability. Goodness knows they aren't getting if from their parents let alone from schools.

I served eleven years so my reserve obligation is long since met. But I'd go back if asked.

I think things would have to get awfully ugly for that to happen. Troop demands would have to exceed 1969 levels in order for it to happen. But being that I was in aviation, I have a feeling the call would come early if things were to get that bad.

[shmoov69]

I'd vote for it. Hell even if we weren't in the midst of this I would still be in favor of mandatory service. The youth of this country needs to learn discipline and accountability. Goodness knows they aren't getting if from their parents let alone from schools.

I served eleven years so my reserve obligation is long since met. But I'd go back if asked.

I think things would have to get awfully ugly for that to happen. Troop demands would have to exceed 1969 levels in order for it to happen. But being that I was in aviation, I have a feeling the call would come early if things were to get that bad.
I agree totally. I was never in, but seriously thought about it after high school. My parents talked me out of it. But I DO think it should be manditory for those exact reasons, and others too!
Thank you ALL that serve!:usa:

[Steve1968LS2]

It's not really a "draft" when people are called up that volunteered to server.

The correct term would be "activation"

[Damn True]

You are correct sir. However use of the phrase "activation of reserve forces" does not quite have the same ring to it as "backdoor draft". The decision to use one or the other is based entirely on the agenda of the "news organization" (and I use that term very loosley) in question.

[Texas Bob]

Steve you're right, it isn't a "draft" and it is exactly as you termed it an activation of reserve forces. It's military argot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argot) (click for definition). Like in the movie Jarhead (which sucked by the way), how they referred to the war as the suck as in, "welcome to the suck."

I'm getting kind of excited about it though. Change of pace. I'll have to hold off on starting my car, but it will happen eventually. I even updated my contact info with Marine Online! Crazy I know.

[indyjps]

i wish you guys luck and safety. but im holding on to my honorable discharge paperwork, its been too long to go back.

[70 LS1]

I'm getting kind of excited about it though. Change of pace. I'll have to hold off on starting my car, but it will happen eventually. I even updated my contact info with Marine Online! Crazy I know.

Maybe you should volunteer to go back. It may save someone else who doesn't share you enthusiasm.

I did my eight years in the Navy and am proud I did, but at the same time I am glad to be out. I have no interest in going back, but I applaud your enthusiasm. The armed forces need more people like you that actually want to be there.

And this isn't new. After 9-11 I had a buddy who had been out of the marines for 2 years get called back.

[BA.]

Some or most of you probably know that they did this in 1991 also. (desert shield/desert storm)
I was in the Marines IRR at the time, having already put in my 4 yrs of active duty.(tactical data comm)

BIG PROPS for anyone in the military, especially my Marine bro's!!

Thanks to those that serve and support!

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