WILL WE WAKE UP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE?

Since 9/11 I have been beating the drum for the expansion of our military, especially the Army. On the radio I've said almost from that very day, "We're gonna need more guys". It was apparent to me then, and it is apparent to me now, that the war against Al Qaeda and it's allies will require the use of conventional military force. This is not to say that unconventional force is not also part of the equation. Diplomatic, financial and law enforcement pressure will also have to be maintained to bring Al Qaeda to heel. The CIA and other intelligence agencies will continue to play a major role in the effort.

All that taken into consideration, though, does not change the fact that Al Qaeda is engaged in a war against us, they have allies that wish our demise and are, thus, also engaged in that war, and wars are fought by soldiers. Therefore, we will need as robust and large a military as is necessary to fight these people and be prepared for other contingencies. This Washington Post story this morning is just the latest indicator that we do not have a military as large as we need to win this war and be prepared for other potential conflicts.

The time has long since passed for our leaders to get real about the fix we are in. Useless debate about the draft is not an answer. What we need is a strong commitment by Congress to permanently enlarge the Army by several divisions (the actual number should be determined with the advice of Army leaders), shift resources and responsibilities away from the over-stretched National Guard and Army Reserves to the active component (in order to put the ARNG and AR back as a domestic reserve force, not an overseas expeditionary force).

Once the Congress is committed to a significant increase in the Army, then the process of recruiting can proceed apace. I cannot believe that, given sufficient incentives and public appeals by the President and other leaders, we would be unable to fill the Army's ranks with enough young people to get the job done. If we cannot, then perhaps the country doesn't deserve to be defended.