Uncle Sam may draft employees

Talk of reinstituting a national draft largely has been muted by election year politics, but it is an issue that is likely to be in the forefront for the nation's employers, who could see their current and future ranks decimated by mandatory two-year tours of duty for 18- to 26-year-olds, especially if women are included.

The reinstatement of the draft instantly would make about 35,200,000 Americans 18 to 26 years old eligible for military service. Even if just 1,000,000 of those individuals actually are called to duty, the effects on local economies, colleges, and consumer activity would be felt immediately.

The biggest concern with the potential timing of a renewed draft is that it could occur just as employers are starting to feel the effects of baby boomer retirements, according to John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of the international outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., Chicago. "Forward-thinking companies are already making plans for labor shortages resulting from mass retirements. Now, they may have to add the draft element into their planning," says Challenger.

The impact of the draft on employers particularly could be damaging if it is expanded to include women, as one of two draft-related bills currently in Congress proposes to do. "Employers may be able to squeak by on a men-only draft, since women outnumber men in earning college degrees and are becoming the candidates of choice when it comes to filling managerial positions," notes Challenger. "By opening the draft to women, employers could be hard pressed to find the future leaders of their companies."

There are 19,200,000 18- to 24-year-olds in the civilian labor force, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. That represents about 13% of the entire population that is working or looking for work. The impact on employers may be just one of the unintended and overlooked consequences of compulsory military service, points out Challenger. Unlike in the past, college would not save draft-age citizens from serving. Under current law, college students can be deferred only until the end of the semester. Seniors have until the conclusion of the academic year.

"Not only would the college be adversely affected if a large portion of those students were called to serve, but the surrounding community would feel a severe economic pinch. For the moment, the chances of a draft are relatively slim, but that could change quickly after the November elections. Employers should be looking at their current payrolls and future hiring needs, keeping in mind the potential for a national draft. Those that do not could find themselves in a crisis situation if they are left shorthanded," Challenger observes.

Military conscription ended in 1973 and mandatory registration for selective services was suspended in 1975. Mandatory draft registration for men resumed in 1980. Failure to register within 60 days of turning 18 is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group