Despite the "surge" that took place earlier this year, what many Americans are unaware of is the fact that the military is now calling up the inactive reserves. The army requires a minimum of an eight year commitment, with many, particularly those who join to pay for school, opting for 2-3 years of active duty. Once released from active duty, these ex-soldiers go about their lives as normal, but can be called in times of war and national disaster. My boyfriend has been out of active duty for 4 years, but recently received a package from the military ordering him back into active service for deployment to Iraq. For the military, calling the inactive reserves (people who have now spent years as laymen, with no military affliations) is really a last resort. With enlistment down, the military is using all of the available sources they have. If things don't look up, is the draft next?