Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) noted that the National Guard is “stretched pretty thin in a range of areas” and ventured to ask whether Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld would recommend reinstituting the military draft. Rumsfeld replied, “The answer is flat no.” He continued, “ All we need to do is what anyone else with a volunteer entity has to do, and that’s adjust the incentives so that you can attract and retain the people you need.”
Budget Calls for More Airmen, More Guardians in 2027
April 21, 2026
The Air Force and Space Force would both expand their ranks next year under the Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion 2027 budget.