It is a clear sign that something is afoot when major presidential contender Lee Myung-bak calls for consideration of an all volunteer force (there is compulsory military service here).
But what it means is open to interpretation, to be sure.
In the US, the move to a voluntary military seems to have freed the President to use it more recklessly and without public complaint. One big reason there have been tiny or no protests against the war in Iraq is there is no danger of any of the college kids being sent. Easy, then, to ignore. In Vietnam, the protests grew as the war continued, but when the draft ended the protests vanished like a mirage.
On the other hand, when leaders in a nation like South Korea faced with a real existential threat start to call for this kind of change, it is noteworthy.
Or maybe it is just shameless ploy to get the youth vote.
But what it means is open to interpretation, to be sure.
In the US, the move to a voluntary military seems to have freed the President to use it more recklessly and without public complaint. One big reason there have been tiny or no protests against the war in Iraq is there is no danger of any of the college kids being sent. Easy, then, to ignore. In Vietnam, the protests grew as the war continued, but when the draft ended the protests vanished like a mirage.
On the other hand, when leaders in a nation like South Korea faced with a real existential threat start to call for this kind of change, it is noteworthy.
Or maybe it is just shameless ploy to get the youth vote.
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