University of Virginia Library

Draft Problem
Options Noted

By Mike Russell

The inevitability of graduation is in
many ways similar to the inevitability of the
sun rising in the East tomorrow morning.
And as each day passes the moans and
laments of the fourth-year men can be heard
as those inevitable slips of paper are received
from their local draft boards.

Some of these men have made abortive
attempts to postpone their induction into
the service by applying to the Peace Corps,
and hoping that the war will end, or by
searching through their medical histories for
some physical dysfunction severe enough to
allow them medical disqualification. Others
consider creating their own disorder or
disfiguring their bodies.

It is certain, however, that the large
majority do not want to go. They have
nothing to gain in the Army and everything
to lose. But the problem of the Selective
Service is far more serious than could ever
be expected by the individual registrant. His
problem, which itself seems insurmountable,
is multiplied by thousands, and graduating
and graduate students across the country
face the possibility of having their education
and their lives interrupted by unwanted and
maybe unnecessary military service.

Is it merely that these people are
cowardly, or do not desire to serve their
country? I think the answer is no. Many feel
that they can better serve their native
country in other functions, especially if
their education is allowed to continue until
completion. Others feel that the present
conflict is suspect, and that they as
individual citizens have the right to
investigate a conflict before being forced to
serve. And admittedly their are men who for
selfish reasons wish not to enter the
military.