Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson last week in New York City extolled the virtue of a military draft, saying the American society would benefit. Associated Press news service quickly circulated his remarks on the draft, whereupon the VA issued a disclaimer, saying his comments “may have been misconstrued” and that he does not support a return to the draft. The Bush Administration repeatedly has affirmed its no draft status.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…