It has been reported that close associates of former U.S. President Donald Trump are favorably considering mandatory military service in the United States, assuming Trump’s re-election.
According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 11th, former Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller argued in the Project 2025 report, which contains the plans of the ultra-conservative government, that students receiving federal support should be required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test evaluates potential enlistees and assigns them to suitable military roles.
In an interview, former Acting Secretary Miller referred to mandatory service as a “common rite of passage that evokes a sense of shared sacrifice among American youth,” and stated that “the requirement for national service needs to be strongly considered.”
Trump has praised the achievements during Miller’s tenure and suggested that he might entrust him with the position of Secretary of Defense again if he succeeds in re-election.
J.D. Vance, a senator mentioned as Trump’s running mate in the upcoming November U.S. election, stated, “I believe measures to encourage military service participation are needed,” adding, “I like the concept of national service.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a close ally of Trump but recently experienced conflict, also takes a positive stance. Regarding the solution to the shortage of military personnel, he said, “No options will be taken off the table.”
Former Deputy Secretary Rob Hood, who served in the Trump administration’s Department of Defense, agreed by stating, “It would be beneficial for young people aged 18 to 20 to gain a better understanding of how great this country is.” He added, “If we all become recipients and there are no givers, this country will collapse.”
Trump dismissed the WP‘s report as “fake news” on social media.
The U.S. abolished the draft in 1973 and has maintained a volunteer military stance. The current U.S. military personnel account for about 1% of the total population. The U.S. Department of Defense has been struggling to secure military personnel, falling short by about 41,000 enlistments last year.
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