University of Virginia Library

Peace Corps Deferments Sought

Director Encourages Volunteers

"College graduates are the
primary recruits for the Peace
Corps." Director Jack Vaughn
says, because they are "tough,
bright, flexible, and rapid learners."

"They're also not yet heavily
in debt," he told a Washington
area group recently, but added
that "we'd like very much to
have more mid-career people—
doctors, teachers, farmers, and
blue collar workers."

Unique Experience

Describing the Peace Corps as
a unique experience with people,
representatives are encouraging
students to join. Today the Modern
Language Aptitude Test
will be given at 10 A.M., 4 P.M.,
and 6:30 P.M. in the Conference
Room in Newcomb Hall. A
Peace Corps movie, "Confrontation,"
will be shown in Room
4-C at 7:30 P.M. in Newcomb
Hall.

The Modern Language Aptitude
Test can also be taken on
Friday at 10:00 A.M., 4:00 P.M.,
and 6:30 P.M. and on Saturday
at 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 noon.

Volunteers

Mr. Vaughn went on to say
that in seven of the eight new
countries the top staff representative
is a former volunteer. His
age ranges from 26 to 29 years.
"Never in the history of the
United States has the government
sent men of this age to be heads
of missions overseas," he went
on to say.

According to the Peace Corps
Director, the top staff representative
is a father-confessor to his
volunteers and an administrator
as well as a diplomat. "I feel
that he has more responsibility
than an ambassador."

On Draft Deferments

On the drafting of volunteers,
Mr. Vaughn said he would take
a more active part in gaining deferments
for those whose local
draft boards have called them
back for induction.

"I'm doing this," he said, "because
of my growing conviction
that the Peace Corps is the best
thing we're doing abroad. Calling
back such a volunteer amounts
to a desperate waste of our resources."

The Peace Corps is conducting
intensive recruiting drives
throughout this week over the
country, "But," according to Mr.
Vaughn, "we're not twisting
arms. At the same time though,
you might be able to find yourself
abroad and be able to bring
back a great deal of insight, maturity,
and skill to serve at home
if you go through the Peace
Corps first."