The bill passed despite the objections of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who stresses that today's military requires a more streamlined and technologically savvy workforce.
"We're looking for certain skills and an educational background that you may not find in the average draftee," Gates said, "Things like reading, and counting, and the lack of multiple felony convictions. We need quality recruits, not just people to fill bunks."
But Senator John McCain (R-Ariz), the bill's sponsor, asserts that the infusion of fresh lifeblood is exactly what the military needs.
"This gives a new generation of Americans the opportunity to honorably serve their country in the same manner as their forefathers. Also, at this point, we pretty much just need people to fill bunks," McCain said.
The reaction on the nation's streets was predictably mixed. Steven Manning, 27, an accountant from Miami, Florida, wholeheartedly approved of the plan.
"I think it's a great idea. It's time for everybody to step up and make a contribution to this war."
David Myers, 21, a junior at the University of Massachusetts, was less enthusiastic.
"I'm not going," he said, "I'll just tell them I'm gay."
Potential recruits like Myers may have an unpleasant surprise waiting for them at their local processing station. Under the provisions of the revised Selective Service Act, only four exemptions exist:
A. Disabled persons – those missing five or more of the following body parts
are ineligible: Right Arm, Left Arm, Right Leg, Left Leg, Head, Torso.
B. Being part of the following vital institutions or in the immediate family of
a member – The US Senate, the House of Representatives and/or the White House.
C. Being one of the 28 Al Qaeda members currently on the "Terror Watch List"
D. Homosexuality*
*While homosexuality is one of the excluding factors, citizens wishing to avoid
service in this manner will be required to perform one of two designated
homosexual acts in front of their local draft boards.
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