The private security contractor Blackwater USA, is at the center of controversy surrounding the "outsourcing of war," following their alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians on September 16.

Blackwater USA is also making headlines in San Diego over their proposal to build a training facility of San Diego's backcountry community of Potrero.

The Sept. 16 incident has created a partisan debate: Democrats say the use of security contractors has created a shadow military force that does not have enough accountability to the U.S. government. Republicans say they are a necessary part of the war and provide a vital layer of security.

What do you think?

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As military operations continue in Iraq and Afghanistan, and forces are stretched thin, there are wide-spread talks about reinstating a military draft. In June, for the second month in a row, the Army fell short of its recruiting goal, despite its recent lower recruiting standard.

Those who support a draft argue current troop levels are not sufficient to sustain the U.S. in possible future confrontations. Those opposed say the U.S. has a powerful military because its members freely choose to serve, and that drafting young people and committing them to combat could create an army of amateurs.

Should the U.S. reinstate the military draft?

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Two San Diego-based aircraft carriers, along with seven other U.S. military ships, entered the Persian Gulf last week in a show of force to Iran. The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog -- the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) -- is reporting Iran has once again defied a deadline to stop the enrichment of uranium, as demanded by the Security Council. The report will likely set the stage for a third round of increased Security Council sanctions.

Iran insists its nuclear program is only being developed for energy purposes, but the United States and its allies claim that Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons, and poses a major threat to the world.

What do you think? Should the United States and its allies take military action against Iran to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons, or tolerate a defiant Iran by continuing to use diplomatic measures?

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The Marine Corps has changed its policy on drinking to allow Marines as young as 18 to drink alcohol on base at Camp Pendleton, as well as other Marine bases around the country, during special occasions, including welcome-home parties after combat deployments. The current legal drinking age is 21.

In another change, Marines 18 years and older can drink overseas, with their commander's approval, depending on the host nation's drinking laws. Marine officials quietly revised the alcohol policy effective April 19.

The North County Times reports the decision is drawing cheers from some Marines who say that "if you're old enough to die for your country, you should be able to drink." Others are upset over the new rule, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who say the Marine Corps has made a big mistake.

What do you think? Should underage Marines be allowed to drink alcohol?

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