All quiet on the home front: American troops are wondering why a nation at war isn't asking more of its civilians.

• Author: Shanker, Thom

BACKGROUND

During World War II, most civilians on the U.S. home front boosted the war effort through personal sacrifices like making do with rations of meat and gasoline. More recent wars, like those in Vietnam and Iraq, have engendered less widespread support, in part because of the public's ambivalence about each war.

BEFORE READING

* Ask for a show of hands: How many students are constantly aware that the United States is "a nation at war"? What kinds of evidence (i.e., war news on television, a friend or family member in military service, increased security in airports) do they see around them that reminds them of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the war against terrorism?

WRITING PROMPTS/ROLE-PLAYING

* Imagine that you are an adviser to public officials. Work together in groups to design a program that will actively engage citizens in supporting the troops. Design a poster that will make civilians aware of the difficulties faced by soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and encourage Americans to support the troops--even if they disagree with U.S. policy.

* Write a letter to a soldier from your state who is serving in Iraq, discussing the news you have received about the war, and how you feel about it.

DEBATE

* The article suggests that one reason for the lack of public interest in the war is the absence of a military draft. Ask students to take sides on the question of whether or not to bring back the draft. Bonus Points: What, if anything, about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan strengthens or weakens arguments in favor of or against a military draft?

CRITICAL THINKING

* Ask students: Would you consider joining a "civilian reserve"?

* What would be the pros and cons of serving abroad for several months?

FAST FACT

* Although there is no Longer a military draft, males between the ages of 18 and 25 who do not register for the draft could be prosecuted and, if convicted, fined up to $250,000 and/or serve up to five years in prison.

WEB WATCH

www.americasupports you.mil lists events and messages in support of U.S. troops, www.u-s-history, com/pages/h1674.html summarizes WW II rationing.

From bases in Iraq and across the U.S. to the Pentagon and the military's war colleges, officers and enlisted personnel are quietly raising a question for political leaders: If America is truly at war, why is so little sacrifice being asked of the nation at large?

Although the Bush administration's rallying call has been that the U.S. is indeed "a...