College Students and the Military Draft During World War II and the Vietnam War
During the tumultuous years of World War II and the protracted conflict of the Vietnam War, the question of whether college students were eligible for the military draft sparked considerable debate and confusion. This article aims to clarify the rules and specific scenarios surrounding college deferments during these periods.
World War II
During World War II, the eligibility of college-bound individuals for military service was generally consistent, with no significant deferment options for college students. As noted in the statement, 'If a student maintained a C average with 15 1/2 units during the VN War he would have a 2S deferrment! If his average dropped below a C or his units dropped below 15 1/2 he would be immediately drafted!'
Specific Instances
From the experiences shared by Uncle SF, 'During WW2 everybody was eligible but shortly after the draft began various groups began seeking deferment. Some college students were deferred.' Despite this, SF's experience during the Vietnam War highlights a different situation: 'If They had attended a university or college for more than 4 years They were marked for being drafted.' In SF's case, this led to enlistment rather than deferment.
The Vietnam War
By the time of the Vietnam War, the rules began to evolve, offering some college students the opportunity for deferments. According to historical records, the draft was typically for men aged 19 and older, which meant that high school graduates could delay military service while attending college. However, the deferment was not indefinite and was subject to specific conditions.
Deferment Conditions and Expirations
As explained in the statement, 'The deferment lasted 4 years not however long one was in college but dropping out / flunking out of college ended the deferment.' The key requirement for maintaining a deferment was 'making good progress toward a degree.' SF's experience during this period underscores this: 'I changed majors. I had enough of college. I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I was sent to Vietnam.'
Other Factors Influencing Draft Eligibility
It is also important to recognize that other circumstances affected draft eligibility during the Vietnam War. For instance, 'Some people applied for deferments but they weren’t granted. Some people got their deferments and became eligible for the draft again but draft callups were much smaller by 1972–3 and therefore escaped the draft. Others became eligible but quickly got jobs in the defense industry or other critical industries.'
Conclusion
Throughout the period of World War II and the Vietnam War, the rules for college students and military service evolved significantly. While the initial era saw few deferments for college students, the later period offered a temporary reprieve for those pursuing higher education, subject to maintaining a strong academic record and making progress toward a degree. Understanding these complexities is crucial for comprehending the life experiences of individuals during these historical periods.