University of Virginia Library

ROTC, Counseling Service
Offer Alternatives To Draft

By Charley Sands
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

With the Selective Service System
snapping up draftees upon
graduation to fill the ranks of the
military, male students across the
country are likewise increasing their
efforts to avoid being called for
service at the System's convenience.

The University offers two alternatives
to students faced with the
draft's uncertainly. The first is the
ROTC program, offered by all three
branches of the armed services. The
student first entering the University
may inquire at one of the three
ROTC offices; the Army at Cabell
Hall, the Navy in Maury Hall, and
the Air Force in Varsity Hall.

Each ROTC branch will also be
represented in dormitory meetings
with first-year students designed to
acquaint them with the benefits of
the ROTC program.

No Obligation

There is no obligation to join
any one of these programs, but it is
important for a student to view
their merits for himself. The Air
Force program consists of courses
on Air Power, aerospace weaponry
and advanced courses in leadership.
It offers two and four-year programs
leading to qualifying test and
subsequently a commission.

Army Program

Army ROTC also sponsors a two
and a four-year program toward a
commission. After graduation the
student is obligated to spend two
years on active duty and four years
in the reserves. All ROTC uniforms
and military science textbooks are
provided for the student free of
charge.

Varying slightly from the others
the Naval ROTC provides two
separate programs. The first is for
those students who plan to make a
career of naval service. A contract
program for students not interested
in a career is provided to allow the
students to enter the Naval Reserve.

Draft Counseling

The Draft Counseling Service
provides the other course of action
to the student unsure of his draft
status.

The Counseling Service, organized
in 1967, was formed to
provide pertinent draft information
on the theme that many students
fail to obtain the classification for
which they are qualified because of
a lack of knowledge of the Selective
Service System's procedures.

Located in Newcomb Hall, this
service has counselors available at
regular hours throughout the week.