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Miles Archer

(23,467 posts)
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:11 AM 9 hrs ago

Trump wants to reinstate Vietnam-era "emergency enlistment measures." Good. Let's start with his 20 y.o. son, Lurch.

The Trump administration’s Selective Service System (SSS), an agency that keeps tabs on draft-age Americans, has proposed doing away with self-registration for enlistment and instead automatically updating its lists with names drawn from other federal databases.

Federal law already requires men between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the agency in case the president decides to issue a military draft order. SSS expects eligible candidates to self-register within 30 days of their 18th birthday, but otherwise allows men to file late submissions until age 26.

Trump mandated the new rules, which remain under review pending regulatory approval, in December of last year. Trump’s rules suggest that the president is interested in using emergency enlistment measures the U.S. has not otherwise activated since 1973, during the Vietnam War.

Trump, who attended the New York Military Academy, a prestigious military-style boarding school, did not serve in that conflict, or in any other capacity in the U.S. armed forces. In fact, the president avoided the draft on no fewer than five separate occasions—four times using a student deferment, and a fifth time for medical reasons.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/draft-dodging-peace-president-donald-trump-to-register-boys-for-military-draft-at-18/

73 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Trump wants to reinstate Vietnam-era "emergency enlistment measures." Good. Let's start with his 20 y.o. son, Lurch. (Original Post) Miles Archer 9 hrs ago OP
"Emergency enlistment measures"? Please it's a draft he's talking about. Walleye 9 hrs ago #1
They want mandatory mil service eventually like our great ally. 617Blue 9 hrs ago #2
With low pay I assume. JBTaurus83 8 hrs ago #14
Low pay with no food stamps or anything else. enigmania 7 hrs ago #25
Wait! Traildogbob 6 hrs ago #55
As a veteran liberalgunwilltravel 8 hrs ago #15
I agree. evolves 8 hrs ago #20
Or some other public service jmowreader 7 hrs ago #34
I grew up during the VietNam draft MurrayDelph 6 hrs ago #51
Interesting my number was 225 49jim 5 hrs ago #65
Good response 617Blue 7 hrs ago #22
Agree modrepub 7 hrs ago #26
Agree in concept too RT Atlanta 7 hrs ago #32
All those things should be accomplished by public school. TBF 7 hrs ago #37
It doesn't have to be "fighting wars" GenThePerservering 6 hrs ago #54
I wouldn't be opposed to a mandatory service of various types TBF 5 hrs ago #64
But, there are other roles in the military than those just fighting wars SpankMe 4 hrs ago #66
We have one already. dixiegrrrrl 7 hrs ago #38
JFK started the Peace Corps in 1961 Wednesdays 6 hrs ago #58
Seniors in high school JBTaurus83 7 hrs ago #40
You made the one point I always make NHvet 6 hrs ago #50
Whats the emergency??--maybe Trumpy invading Greenland??? riversedge 7 hrs ago #28
Trump thinks we've been in an emergency since Obama was elected. Walleye 7 hrs ago #29
Republicans always have to make up new terms for things. Arthur_Frain 6 hrs ago #42
"Military excursion", which doesn't even make sense, is his name for war Walleye 6 hrs ago #49
"Pre-dawn, vertical insertion" Arthur_Frain 6 hrs ago #53
I think Trump means incursion, but he doesn't know the English language very well and he's stupid Walleye 6 hrs ago #56
The criminal thug bdamomma 42 min ago #71
Tsk tsk, hereditary bone spurs are no laughing matter Johnny2X2X 9 hrs ago #3
Yes. I still hold out hope that some philanthropist will do a "Billionaire Boys With Bone Spurs" Telethon Miles Archer 8 hrs ago #5
"LURCH!" Love it!!!! MyOwnPeace 8 hrs ago #4
It's perfect. I'm ticked I didn't think of that. Greybnk48 8 hrs ago #11
6'9" and growing? 3825-87867 8 hrs ago #18
It CAN happen ITAL 8 hrs ago #21
Melania is extremely tall for a woman karynnj 7 hrs ago #31
Barron is very tall, but has extremely small hands, so... Omnipresent 7 hrs ago #36
What ITAL said! Ilsa 7 hrs ago #33
At age 80, Krasnov was probably 6'1" or 6'2" Ilsa 7 hrs ago #35
He's 79. He Was 6'2" In Military School, And There No Evidence He's Shrunk.... ColoringFool 5 hrs ago #62
I rounded up his age since he'll be 80 in 2 months. Ilsa 1 hr ago #68
That puts him 1" over the upper limit allowed for servicemen, IIRC. TheRickles 6 hrs ago #41
He could request a waiver in order to serve (spoiler: he never would) Rob H. 5 hrs ago #60
And with his dad supporting the waiver, it'd sail right through. TheRickles 5 hrs ago #63
You mean the draft, Piggy? Ocelot II 8 hrs ago #6
Yeah EuterpeThelo 8 hrs ago #13
These kids won't be happy MustLoveBeagles 8 hrs ago #17
True, this generation is not been groomed for military service like ours was Walleye 7 hrs ago #30
Oh yes bdamomma 46 min ago #70
Trump, never one to dabble with the history books, doesn't see it coming. Baitball Blogger 8 hrs ago #7
Planning more mitary excursions, is he? sinkingfeeling 8 hrs ago #8
Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Greenland once he pulls out of NATO. OGBuzz 8 hrs ago #12
He's getting more and more like Putin every day. dem4decades 8 hrs ago #9
He's following bdamomma 37 min ago #72
And it's one two three four multigraincracker 8 hrs ago #10
Trump::: Your sons, not mine. Norrrm 8 hrs ago #16
Oh, Nobody Will Object to That... MineralMan 8 hrs ago #19
You know where I am. Come and get me. twodogsbarking 7 hrs ago #23
NYMA is not prestigious Aviation Pro 7 hrs ago #24
gums, lurch and kai* should be the very first, and all the of-age offspring niyad 7 hrs ago #27
Air drip that turkey baster anchor baby into Tehran Submariner 7 hrs ago #39
This could very easily be one of "they say" things. WinstonSmith4740 6 hrs ago #43
He threatened to disown his kids if they enlisted nt Bookreadingliberal53 5 hrs ago #61
Wants/needs younger, strong males to be under his authority so they can't fight his fascists ruining the nation? Attilatheblond 6 hrs ago #44
Send ICE bdamomma 32 min ago #73
Asshat McBonespur says what? Dave Bowman 6 hrs ago #45
Well, the Democratic Party will be getting a lot of new members....... ashredux 6 hrs ago #46
Let's Start With Barron Deep State Witch 6 hrs ago #47
Just one not-so-small problem nitpicked 6 hrs ago #48
Well, since the MAGAs think women shouldn't be in the military, The Madcap 6 hrs ago #52
Tell me? Traildogbob 6 hrs ago #57
I nominate Barron for the title of First Private! KY_EnviroGuy 6 hrs ago #59
This brings back memories....."emergency enlistment measures' surfered 2 hrs ago #67
DJT bdamomma 1 hr ago #69

Walleye

(44,971 posts)
1. "Emergency enlistment measures"? Please it's a draft he's talking about.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:25 AM
9 hrs ago

If we had passed the rights amendment, they wouldn’t be pulling this shit

Traildogbob

(13,048 posts)
55. Wait!
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:22 AM
6 hrs ago

Are you saying they will not get paid like ICE, with bonuses and reward pay for capturing brown folk, and a guarantee of never being shot at and you can shoot anyone you don’t like and NEVER face charges?
So I guess all draftees will join ICE to not be pawns in our military, and avoid being suckers and losers.
Wondering, will current ICE thugs get drafted?????

liberalgunwilltravel

(1,225 posts)
15. As a veteran
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:21 AM
8 hrs ago

I would be all for some form of mandatory service, be it military or some other government program for everyone, men and women. It would go a long way to making this a more egalitarian society. And it would force the interactions between people who otherwise would never even meet. The purpose and reality of such service would not be to promote more conflicts, in fact it would likely have the opposite effect, since more people would have skin in the game. That said, I wouldn’t support such an action under the current administration.

evolves

(5,844 posts)
20. I agree.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:27 AM
8 hrs ago

Some sort of compulsory service either in the military, Peace Corps, or AmeriCorps would go a long way towards building camaraderie in this country.

jmowreader

(53,233 posts)
34. Or some other public service
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:20 AM
7 hrs ago

Police, firefighting, teaching, healthcare…the list is endless.

MurrayDelph

(5,756 posts)
51. I grew up during the VietNam draft
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:14 AM
6 hrs ago

My draft number was 225, in a year where they'd announced they would not go above 125, and ended the draft before that.

I would have made a lousy soldier, but was studying at the time to become a teacher. If they had offered that I provide my services as a teacher as a way to serve, that would have been acceptable to me.

49jim

(594 posts)
65. Interesting my number was 225
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 12:24 PM
5 hrs ago

also in the first draft drawing December 1, 1969. I was able to keep that number being enrolled full time in college.
I graduated May 1971, my draft board went to 200 and called numbers up to 215 for draft physicals. So I wasn’t called.
I was able to secure a teaching position and was married June 1971.
Often wondered what direction our life would have taken if I was drafted.

modrepub

(4,124 posts)
26. Agree
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:06 AM
7 hrs ago

It would also provide a lot more push back against military conflict in general by giving folks first hand experience with politicians’ war mongering.

I think civilian involvement in Vietnam via the draft eventually turned the county against the war once folks who served on the front lines returned and started sharing their experiences. We’ve had wars turned into video games removing all the trauma and senselessness war actually creates. Reality is much different, hence it’s why a lot of people never bat an eye during military conflicts that don’t directly affect them.

RT Atlanta

(2,752 posts)
32. Agree in concept too
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:17 AM
7 hrs ago

But is the current circumstances that make me say no effin way..... my children are not going to be cannon fodder for israel

TBF

(36,797 posts)
37. All those things should be accomplished by public school.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:25 AM
7 hrs ago

You don't need to enlist in fighting wars to put people in an environment where they have to deal with other people.

GenThePerservering

(3,440 posts)
54. It doesn't have to be "fighting wars"
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:21 AM
6 hrs ago

And all I ever met in high school were people like myself. I think the idea has metit. Having said that, I wouldn't want to institute that under the current administration!

TBF

(36,797 posts)
64. I wouldn't be opposed to a mandatory service of various types
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 12:21 PM
5 hrs ago

like we see in Israel. But Israel also provides their people with universal healthcare, so I'd like to see that up there for consideration also. And, yes, nothing sane is going to come from this regime. Under other administrations we could actually have conversations about these kinds of ideas.

SpankMe

(3,727 posts)
66. But, there are other roles in the military than those just fighting wars
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 01:14 PM
4 hrs ago

There are cooks, drivers, communications techs, mechanics, lawyers, civil engineers, electricians, plumbers, information technologists, researchers, analysis, intelligence, doctors, nurses, medical lab techs, accountants, secretaries...the list goes on and on. A very small number actually get involved in combat ops, per se. And all of these are operational even during peacetime.

The military is practically a whole society within a society. It has all of the same functions and disciplines, just on a much more structured level - perfect for post-high school training, discipline and socialization. Public school doesn't cover all the same bases that national service would. National service - be it the military, peace coprs, Americorps, forrest service, whatever - would be a great follow-on for non college-bound Americans.

I wouldn't balk on mandatory national public service - as long as kids aren't forced into combat roles and can chose a skills discipline to their liking.

But, as other have said, I don't approve of executing it at this time with this administration. Mainly because this administration can eat my ass.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,164 posts)
38. We have one already.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:29 AM
7 hrs ago

It's called the Peace Corps. IIRC, it popped up in early 70's as option to the draft.
Still going strong, tho only 3,000 or so members.

Wednesdays

(22,707 posts)
58. JFK started the Peace Corps in 1961
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:31 AM
6 hrs ago

It was a plank in his presidential campaign. I've been to the spot at the University of Michigan where he announced his plan.

https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/peace-corps

JBTaurus83

(1,476 posts)
40. Seniors in high school
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:32 AM
7 hrs ago

Should have to do something for their communities for a few hours each month as a requirement of graduation.

NHvet

(302 posts)
50. You made the one point I always make
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:09 AM
6 hrs ago

when asked what I felt I got out of the service. It was the interactions I would have never had otherwise, the people I would have never met, eat with and had drinks with and lived amongst. I found people are the same everywhere, they want life, worth, family and security.

Walleye

(44,971 posts)
29. Trump thinks we've been in an emergency since Obama was elected.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:12 AM
7 hrs ago

He doesn’t know the meaning of “clear and present danger”. In fact, he doesn’t know the meaning of any words, he uses them anyway.

Arthur_Frain

(2,379 posts)
42. Republicans always have to make up new terms for things.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:39 AM
6 hrs ago

It helps them twist the words better.

“Food Insecure” vs hungry people

“Housing Challenged” vs homeless

Sanitize the conversation so it’s easier to do nothing about any problems.

Walleye

(44,971 posts)
56. I think Trump means incursion, but he doesn't know the English language very well and he's stupid
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:22 AM
6 hrs ago

Johnny2X2X

(24,271 posts)
3. Tsk tsk, hereditary bone spurs are no laughing matter
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:29 AM
9 hrs ago

They affect thousands of children of billionaires every war.

Miles Archer

(23,467 posts)
5. Yes. I still hold out hope that some philanthropist will do a "Billionaire Boys With Bone Spurs" Telethon
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:43 AM
8 hrs ago

I think that if we can only raise awareness, we can help.



3825-87867

(1,956 posts)
18. 6'9" and growing?
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:23 AM
8 hrs ago

from stock that's 6 feet?
I smell HGH at an early age to make sure he's "royal".
Just a thought, and as an anchor baby, who's your daddy comes to mind.

ITAL

(1,343 posts)
21. It CAN happen
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:29 AM
8 hrs ago

It's not common, but I've definitely unusual height differences between parents and their kids. I grew up with a guy who had parents on the average to short side (maybe 5'3 for the mom and 5'7 for the dad) and their son was at least 6'4.

karynnj

(60,988 posts)
31. Melania is extremely tall for a woman
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:15 AM
7 hrs ago

so it is not surprising that she has an extremely tall son.

Omnipresent

(7,462 posts)
36. Barron is very tall, but has extremely small hands, so...
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:24 AM
7 hrs ago

Grabbing at airplanes from on top of the Empire State Building won’t work for the orange orangutan’s son.

Ilsa

(64,404 posts)
33. What ITAL said!
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:20 AM
7 hrs ago

I have a married cousin who is about 5'9" or 5'10". Her husband is about 6'2" or 6'3". Their daughter is cracking on around 6'. She was half a foot taller than the tallest classmate since elementary school.

You never know what genetics can render along with a good diet and exercise.

Ilsa

(64,404 posts)
35. At age 80, Krasnov was probably 6'1" or 6'2"
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:23 AM
7 hrs ago

twenty years ago. Our frames weaken with age. I've lost ½" in height.

ColoringFool

(748 posts)
62. He's 79. He Was 6'2" In Military School, And There No Evidence He's Shrunk....
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:45 AM
5 hrs ago

Indeed, Trump’s official medical report is that he is 6'3"!

Ilsa

(64,404 posts)
68. I rounded up his age since he'll be 80 in 2 months.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 03:53 PM
1 hr ago

I think trump has publicly pushed his numbers up and down, added lifts, lied about his weight, etc, according to what suits him in the moment. Still, it isn't unusual to have lost 1-3 inches due to spinal disc degeneration, lack of exercise, and other issues by age 80, with most of the loss after age 70.

Rob H.

(5,861 posts)
60. He could request a waiver in order to serve (spoiler: he never would)
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:38 AM
5 hrs ago

My dad served early on in his US Navy career with a sailor who had done just that.

Ocelot II

(130,693 posts)
6. You mean the draft, Piggy?
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:44 AM
8 hrs ago

Let's see how well that works out for you. You think the young 'uns are pissed off now? Just wait...

EuterpeThelo

(378 posts)
13. Yeah
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:12 AM
8 hrs ago

forced conscription ought to win hearts and minds. Just like it did in 'nam. (Do I need the sarcasm thingy?)

Walleye

(44,971 posts)
30. True, this generation is not been groomed for military service like ours was
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:15 AM
7 hrs ago

I think the boys would just refuse to go, Like their orange daddy did

bdamomma

(69,563 posts)
70. Oh yes
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:48 PM
46 min ago

Ocelot II all hell will break loose. Young people aren't going to die for Israel.

Baitball Blogger

(52,427 posts)
7. Trump, never one to dabble with the history books, doesn't see it coming.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 08:53 AM
8 hrs ago

Vietnam's conscriptions were a lesson in why you don't conscript. Too many soldiers were not happy to be there and didn't like the idea of being ordered around by college educated lieutenants who had no field experience. If they found one who was especially incompetent, they fragged them as a form of survival.

This time around, no one likes the cause and no one likes the leader who will send them there. If the MAGAs are in the minority in the barracks they will never have a good night's sleep.

bdamomma

(69,563 posts)
72. He's following
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 04:57 PM
37 min ago

Putin's orders to scrap NATO too. That was one of his many orders from Putin.

Like Orrex says each day, "Is He Dead Yet?"

Norrrm

(5,137 posts)
16. Trump::: Your sons, not mine.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 09:22 AM
8 hrs ago

Someone commented that the Army upped their enlistment age to 42 so Eric can now enlist.
He has a college degree, so make him an officer.



niyad

(132,691 posts)
27. gums, lurch and kai* should be the very first, and all the of-age offspring
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:10 AM
7 hrs ago

Last edited Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:51 AM - Edit history (1)

of every "r" member of congress, and the cabinet of kkklowns.

*yes, I know we don't draft women, but she loves her grampy so much, surely she will volunteer???

Submariner

(13,379 posts)
39. Air drip that turkey baster anchor baby into Tehran
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:29 AM
7 hrs ago

then when his body bag arrives at Dover for the honorable transfer to his mother and pedo dad, maybe she will answer the calling of the Great Orrex and end this living hell for all of us.

WinstonSmith4740

(3,441 posts)
43. This could very easily be one of "they say" things.
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:40 AM
6 hrs ago

But I remember reading a while back that at one point Don Jr. was considering enlisting in the Army, and Mango Mussolini threatened to disown him if he did.

Attilatheblond

(8,971 posts)
44. Wants/needs younger, strong males to be under his authority so they can't fight his fascists ruining the nation?
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 10:48 AM
6 hrs ago

ashredux

(2,935 posts)
46. Well, the Democratic Party will be getting a lot of new members.......
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:01 AM
6 hrs ago

This didn’t go over very well during the 70s, and it certainly ain’t gonna do well for the GOP now

nitpicked

(1,875 posts)
48. Just one not-so-small problem
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:07 AM
6 hrs ago

Barron is reported to be 6 foot 9.

Army's normal maximum height for enlistment is 80 inches (6 foot 8)
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/army-weight-rules.html#:~:text=Below%20is%20the%20Army's%20weight,then%20further%20into%20age%20groups.

and I think the other services are the same. IMO, one factor in this is that the US military may be not routinely "geared" to equip and use taller individuals.

The Madcap

(1,924 posts)
52. Well, since the MAGAs think women shouldn't be in the military,
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:15 AM
6 hrs ago

having only daughters is a great blessing.

Traildogbob

(13,048 posts)
57. Tell me?
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:29 AM
6 hrs ago

Will ICE be eligible to be called up, take a HUGE Bigley pay cut, and lose total immunity for murder and a guarantee of never being shot back at?
If not, what’s to stop all drafters from joining ICE to avoid danger and get rich doing it.

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,788 posts)
59. I nominate Barron for the title of First Private!
Thu Apr 9, 2026, 11:32 AM
6 hrs ago

With golden stripes for his uniform..........

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