Useing conscripts.....

[The Hunter of Jahanna]

I am curious to hear peoples opinion on the use of conscripted prisoners in todays modern climate of war. Should the government send in soldiers for all of these NATO peace keeping things or just do like they did in the old days and clear out the jails by sending convicts to the front lines. Im not talking about shoplifters or jaywalkers , I am refering to convics with life sentances or on death row. WHo would you rather have getting shot at by the enemys of democracy, Billy from up the street or Crazy Ted who is on death row for killing 10 childern? What about an escape clause as well , something like if you live through the war from start to finish you will be free to go?

[the new JR Jansen]

Free to shoot 10 more kids you mean ?

[Earthdog]

Good point JR. I think instead of letting them go free they might have a death sentence commuted to life without parole. I can understand that its unfair to draft a loving father of say 3 kids, whos never commited a crime in his life, and have him die on foreign soil when there is a perfectly healthy inmate who is going to rot in prison for 20 years sucking up taxpayers dollars.

I think the real problem lies in- do you want this guy watching your back???? The other problem is that they might not want to serve given a choice.

I think many prisoners who've commited lesser crimes than mass murder (i.e. single murder, armed robbery ect.,) and are facing 20 years would jump at the chance to serve and be released early.

Its odd to me that there are so may people that are doing 15 to 20 years for drug trafficing and so many serve only 3 to 5 for murder. What kind of standard is that?

Tell me if im wrong but didnt England use conscripts in the American Revolution?

If they have the "killer instinct" let them put it to use.

[Azred]

Well, it's a really good idea that many cultures throughout history have indeed used, but it is a good idea on paper only. The most serious question to be answered is one of control--how would you control an entire squad of not-civically-minded people who have automatic weapons and the desire to use them? Almost all criminals have enough "street smarts" to realize that if they are released under such a program and they live through the war, they will most likely end up in prison again at some point; hence, they would be likely to simply dare anyone to capture them. Also, would regular military personnel like the idea of serving alongside criminals?

[johnny]

this only works in movies, and clint eastwood has to be in control.

[Earthdog]

I dont think they could form entire platoons of convicts. Theyd have to mix probably one or two per regular Army platoon or company. The convict would know if he tried anything that there would be at least 30 guys that would shoot him. In a 1 per company mix there'd be 150 guys that'd shoot him. There wouldnt be any 30 convicts to one sergeant. No way no how. It would be in the Convicts own best interest to do as hes told and serve with distinction.

Does this include women convicts too?? We sort of covered part of that debate in the Draft thread. They would be an interesting addition to the conversation.

[ 05-29-2002, 02:04 AM: Message edited by: Earthdog ]

[MILAMBER]

I don't think that rapists and murders should be allowed to go, but if someone got convicted of computer fraud or something, let him serve a tour to earn his freedom.

[Ar-Cunin]

It won't work

Would anyone trust the man next to him, if he knew that the person is a criminal that had been forced to serve. You would have to spend half your time watching him.

[andrewas]

If your in combat and your life depends on the man next to you, you want to have a trustworthy person next to you. Stands to reason. If i was military id bitterly oppose any plan that mixed them in with regulars, and woudnt be too happy about a unit of them. Maybe dropping them into an enemy fortification with no chance of survival...

Nah thats probably going too far, and the liberals would have a field day.

[Earthdog]

Originally posted by andrewas: If your in combat and your life depends on the man next to you, you want to have a trustworthy person next to you. Stands to reason. If i was military id bitterly oppose any plan that mixed them in with regulars, and woudnt be too happy about a unit of them. Maybe dropping them into an enemy fortification with no chance of survival... Nah thats probably going too far, and the liberals would have a field day.

Easily fixed... drop the liberals in with em [img]smile.gif[/img]

Just kidding [img]smile.gif[/img]

I think that given a choice some convicts might choose to serve. Certain criteria would need to be set up for it though.

I know in the American revolution the Brits used conscipts and the served well. They lost but they still tried as hard as everyone else.