The U.S. military is an all-volunteer force. However, when American men turn 18, they are required to register with the Selective Service, which means they are eligible to be drafted to serve in the military if the U.S. goes to war and needs more soldiers than the all-volunteer military force can provide. Recently, a federal judge ruled that requirement should not be limited to men in response to a lawsuit arguing that restriction was unconstitutional. Listen to hear different views about whether the U.S. should require both men and women to register with Selective Service and debate: Should women be drafted?
Story Length: 3:49
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January 15, 2019
5:23
The Costs of War project at Brown University releases an annual report on the financial cost of the ongoing U.S. war on terror globally. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. has been involved in operations related to terrorism all over the world. According to the Costs of War report, these operations, both military and civilian, cost trillions of dollars. This includes both the immediate costs of waging war and also related indirect costs, such as those associated with supporting returning veterans and pursuing secretive counterterrorism efforts. Listen to hear more about how researchers calculate the financial costs of the war on terror and what they hope to achieve by reporting them.
Read MoreJune 9, 2016
4:41
Boxer Muhammad Ali is being remembered as a great athlete and humanitarian. He was a 3-time Heavyweight World Champion and inspired generations of people. When he became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, he was barred from boxing for over three years. When he converted to Islam, he became an ambassador for his religion. He never apologized for his beliefs, even at great personal cost. Listen to hear more about Ali, who was an example of integrity and self-confidence around the world.
Read MoreDecember 11, 2015
3:52
All ground combat jobs in the U.S. military will be open to women starting next year. The U.S. Defense Secretary said that it made no sense to exclude half the American population from serving in combat. He believes the individual contributions of women will enhance combat effectiveness. There is opposition to this decision from Marines who wanted infantry jobs closed to women. Listen to this story about the pros and cons of this decision. Then debate with your students: Should women hold combat roles?
Read MoreDecember 5, 2014
6:59
In the Marines, ground combat units have always been made up of just men. A new yearlong experiment is putting female Marines to the test to see if they can make it through combat training and join male Marines in ground combat. If women can’t make it through the training some ask if the combat standards be changed. Listen to learn more about this experiment and the debate surrounding it.
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