Military

Overview

Although national defense is a valid function of a federal government, many military functions and duties can be better provided through the free market.  If the government is to raise a standing army it should be manned with volunteers – the draft and other forms of conscripted service are forms of slavery. 

The military should only ever be used to defend the nation against foreign aggression and only with a formal Declaration of War by the Congress.

Opinions

We should have a volunteer police and volunteer military. 

Tibor Machan, Chapman University

The draft is a form of slavery that is incompatible with a free society.  If there is a real threat  to the security of a nation, a free people will not hesitate to fight for their country.

Congressman Ron Paul, (R-TX)

All military duty should be voluntary.  There should be no military draft.  The military rulers can then make their own decisions on whether to allow “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  There is no such thing as “national service.”  The only service any person owes the nation is to obey the laws of the land.

Richard Timberlake, University of Georgia

In the nearly 17 years since it was enacted, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" has impeded military effectiveness by prohibiting motivated aand well-qualified individuals from serving their country. 

Christopher Preble, The Cato Institute

Privatize.

Walter Block, Loyola University New Orleans

The defense of the nation against foreign military aggression is a proper constitutional power and burden of the federal government.  To provide for the common defense, it is authorized to raise and support armies, declare war, and enter into treaties. 

We favor foreign military action only upon a Declaration of War by Congress in the face of imminent and clear threat to the United States.  We favor a clear strategy for entrance into and conclusion of any foreign engagement and a definable goal that constitutes victory. 

The right of military personnel to engage in sexual relationships of any kind with other members of the armed forces should be restricted appropriately by consistent policies.  Their sexual preferences should be private and not a condition of enlistment.

Dave Nalle, Republican Liberty Caucus

Military outlay should be tied to threats, not economic growth.  Can anyone credibly claim the military threat facing America is two, three, or six times as great today as during those years.  America spends more inflation-adjusted dollars on military today than at any time since the end of World War II.  

Doug Bandow, The Cato Institute

Military institutions are legitimate to the extent that they are voluntary organizations that are funded through consensual contracts.  Such organizations are subject to the same rule of law as any other organization.

David Theroux, The Independent Institute