Army Quote by Andy Rooney
“I think a draft produces a better Army than the one we would have with all volunteers, because I think you get average Americans if you have a draft. And if it's an all-volunteer Army, you get people who join up because of some problem in their own lives. They don't have anything else to do, they don't have a job, or they can't find what they want to do, so they join the Army. And it doesn't produce the best Army.”
About This Quote
Source Television: “60 Minutes” Interview, 1975
A draft yields a more capable army than an all‑volunteer force, which attracts people with limited options.
In simple terms: Draft produces stronger soldiers than volunteers.
Key Takeaway
Consider conscription to improve military quality.
Themes
military policy
social equity
recruitment
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- defense planning
- policy debate
- career counseling
Key Concepts
conscription
human capital
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is compulsory service justified for national security?
- What alternatives could improve volunteer quality?
A Different Perspective
May conflict with personal freedoms and ethics.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
