Your number's up.
That phrase was one which previous American generations feared during World War II and the Vietnam War. It meant that their draft number had been selected, and they were required by the government to enlist in the United States Military. Whether for or against American foreign policy, a conscription meant stop what you're doing and prepare to enlist in the armed forces.
In light of the recent terrorist attacks, many have raised the question of whether a draft might be implemented in the near future. While several experts claim the institution of a draft is unlikely, the concerns still remain.
Most students one talks to generally have a negative feeling towards the idea of a draft. Hopkins students are no exception. A few shared their feelings on the draft and what they thought might be the repercussions of the way America responds to the events of Sept. 11.
Junior Anne Barber has seen the Middle East from a perspective that many Americans have not. Barber's home is in Saudi Arabia. She lived in the area during Desert Storm, Scud missiles zooming by her home. Living routines were often altered due to the proximity of Barber's home to the events taking place in Iraq and Kuwait.
"We had designated safe areas," said Barber. "Sometimes my entire family would have to sleep in the bathroom."
Having been so close to war, Barber has reluctant feelings about the United States engaging in a full scale conflict.
"I think it would have to evolve to a world conflict to justify a war," said Barber.
And Barber, like so many, doesn't support the notion of a draft at this point.
"If it turned out to be a massive world war, I could see it being legitimate," said Barber. "But I would disagree with a draft right now. [Coming from Saudi Arabia], it all hits really close to home for me. I don't think it's right at this time to instigate anything."
Other students share Barber's opinion. Many believe in a conservative approach to the country's retaliation. While most believe America must do something, they don't believe it should constitute the drafting of citizens.
"I don't feel that going to war is the best thing to do right now, so I wouldn't support a draft," said senior Chung Lee.
Junior Angela Au agrees with Lee. She believes a war that might carry a draft is not the answer.
"For the time being, I don't think [a draft] is legitimate," said Au. "I don't think we should be involved in a war at this point. The way I was brought up was yes, you want to defend your country, but you want to avoid war and violence. The acts [of terrorism] were horrible, but starting more violence in retaliation won't solve the problem."
Like Barber, Lee says a conflict of mammoth proportions would be necessary for a draft to be acceptable.
"It needs to be a world war and we need to be a major player for a draft to be legitimate," said Lee.
Rather than involve itself in a war that might escalate enough to call for conscription, Lee believes that America needs to examine its relations with the Middle East in order to avoid future terrorism.
"Lots of people around the world think of shows like Baywatch, when they think of us. They see us as fat, the gluttons of the world," said Lee. "We have a very elitist opinion of ourselves. We need to examine why these countries hate us - it comes down to more than [fundamental] religious beliefs."
In addition to the political elements involved in a war and potentially a draft, there is a humanistic attribute as America strikes back. The idea of loved ones and friends being forced into action is not immediately popular in the minds of many. Some simply turn at the idea of their peers being called to fight.
"You don't want people you know to have to go," said junior Meredith Ward. "Everyone you see [on campus] would be eligible. That was actually the first thought that crossed my mind when I heard about the attacks on Sept. 11. You think about brothers and boyfriends having to go off and fight. I hope there isn't a draft - it would make me very unhappy."
For various reasons, many are wary about starting a war on terrorism. Even more strongly believe that truly extraordinary circumstances would be required to make a draft legitimate. But students can take comfort in the predictions by many that a draft is indeed unlikely. Ward does, saying times have changed, making a draft not as plausible.
"It seems highly unlikely because of the way war is fought today, especially with all the long distance, target oriented violence," said Ward.
As the initial NATO strikes take place in Afghanistan, Ward's assessment holds true. The next few months will define what constitutes the first war of the 21st century -the new war on terrorism.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.