To diversify military, do we need a draft?

Readers talk war and military recruitment: Your Say
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When the military draft ended, it officially marked the separation described in the column “Military is trending regional and ‘all in the family.’ We need more diversity.”

It said to all young Americans that they didn’t need to serve their country because someone else would.

—Paul Zacher

If we really are “at war” with terrorism, then we need to go back to the draft.

A volunteer army may be OK for peace time, but war means we have to involve the whole country, whether we like it or not. Having only volunteers risk their lives is unfair to them and their families.

—Roberta Rendozky

My 24 years in the military wasn’t a burden of service. It was my distinct honor and pleasure.

—Asher Lev

I served in the United States Marine Corps for seven years. I am extremely proud of that fact. I loved it, and I miss it terribly. Had it not been for injuries I received, I’d still be serving our country. I have always felt that every person in this country should serve in the military for at least two years.

This commitment would be to honor and serve our country and continue the protections of the rights, freedoms and privileges we all have. It makes sense. Why would people not want to serve their country? This boggles my brain. Semper Fi, Marines.

—Norma Gonzalez

Attend boot camp graduation for any branch, there is a wide range of diversity. The premise behind that column has no relation to facts.

—Teri Smallwood