Learn what it means to fight a war without conscription in this clip from The Draft. The Iraq War has required enormous sacrifices of its troops. It raises the question: in times of war, should all citizens be required to defend their country? Or should our wars only be fought by those who have volunteered for the duty?

NOTE: While the video clip focuses on combat in Iraq, which began in 2003, the narration states that "Since 2001, Americans have been in combat for over 13 years — the longest war in American history." This refers collectively to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and ongoing U.S. involvement in those regions. Learn more about the distinctions between these wars here:  Iraq War and Afghanistan War.