What was one of the most common ways to receive draft deferment?

Go to college. Student deferments were very common ways of beating the draft, though many students were really in school to be in school and not simply to avoid Vietnam. Notable examples of those receiving student deferments include Bill Clinton (1 deferment), Joe Biden (5 deferments), and Dick Cheney (5 deferments).

What was a college draft deferment during the Vietnam War?

In 1965, a college education was no longer a get-out-of-jail free card for the Vietnam War. College undergraduate and graduate students were automatically awarded draft status 2-S–deferment for postsecondary education–and could not be forced to serve. For those opposed to the war, it was a get-out-of-jail-free card.

When did student deferments for the draft end?

College deferments were limited in 1971, but by that time the military was calling up fewer conscripts each year. Nixon ended all draft calls in 1972, and in 1973 the draft was abolished in favour of an all-volunteer military.

Did college students have to fight in Vietnam?

Educational deferments were the lion’s share of the more than 15 million men who legally evaded conscription. College graduates were roughly 6.5 times less likely to serve in Vietnam than other civilians of the same generation. It was their kin and kind shouldering the bulk of the fighting in Vietnam.

How did draft deferment work?

Before Congress reformed the draft in 1971, a man could qualify for a student deferment if he could show he was a full-time student making satisfactory progress in virtually any field of study. He could continue to go to school and be deferred from service until he was too old to be drafted.

When was the first draft lottery since 1942?

On December 1, 1969, the first draft lottery since 1942 began, but college deferments were kept intact. Anti-war activists recognized the draft lottery system did not produce truly random results.

What happens if you don’t register for the military draft?

Answer: Youths who fail to register, or keep their draft boards informed as to their whereabouts, or otherwise become delinquent. Next in line are those who volunteer for induction, which is in effect a two-year enlistment in the Army.

What were the feelings towards the draft during the Vietnam War?

Feelings Towards the Draft. On December 1, 1969, the first draft lottery since 1942 began, but college deferments were kept intact. Anti-war activists recognized the draft lottery system did not produce truly random results. The draft received even more resistance as dissenters became more frustrated with the system.

When will 19-year-olds be called first for the draft?

Answer: This is being postponed for at least the next 12 months. The Secretary of Defense gets authority to call 19-year-olds first, but probably will wait until January 1969. At that time the age priority may be juggled so as to focus draft calls among the 19-year-old group.