More U.S. Troops Needed -- But Not Via Draft, Congressman Says
by Chad Groening
May 7, 2004
(AgapePress) - A member of the House Armed Services Committee says he doesn't think the U.S. needs to reinstate the draft right now -- but he does believe Congress should authorize an increase in the "end-strength" size of the Army.Congressman Jim Ryan, who represents the 2nd District of Kansas, is concerned about maintaining sufficient troop strength to fight the war on terror. But the Republican lawmaker does not think a return to a military draft is the answer.
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Rep. Jim Ryan |
"I don't believe that at this point we need to reinstate the draft. We are in a position where an all-volunteer service has been doing an excellent job," Ryan says. "But at the same time, we do need to look at an increase in the number of troops that are available for the military, and particularly for the Army."The U.S. representative says his idea is not necessarily supported by the Defense Department. "Until you increase the number of troops that we can actually have in terms of end-strength, it's kind of a double-edged sword," Ryan explains. "The Defense Department and Secretary [Donald] Rumsfeld don't want to necessarily see an increase [in the number of troops] because they'd see that as a larger expense."
In contrast, Ryan sees such an approach as a way to relieve pressure on the current forces available. He says he supports a measure that would increase the number of U.S. Army troops that are available -- the "end strength" -- by about 40,000 troops.
"That sort of end-strength increase would help take pressure off the Reserve and the Guard, which we are depending a great deal upon now," he adds.
He also is pushing for more pay and benefits for the troops and their families.
