The draft versus an all‐volunteer force: Issues of efficiency and equity in the Belgian draft

Abstract

This paper considers the choice of labour inputs in the production of Belgian defence. The social costs and the distributive aspects of the selective conscription of males and an all‐volunteer force are analyzed. First, theoretical arguments on the efficiency and equity of both manpower systems are spelled out. Next, estimates for the social costs of the conscription and an all‐volunteer force are presented. Finally, casual evidence concerning the equity of the draft is presented.