College Deferments Under Selective Service in 1966

Name: College Deferments Under Selective Service in 1966
Start: 1966-03-24
Location: Unspecified

The Shift in Draft Policies: 1966 College Deferments

In a significant shift in recruitment policy, 1966 marked a pivotal moment when the Selective Service System announced that college students would be granted deferments based not solely on their enrollment status, but also on their academic performance. This decision aimed to ensure that the nation's best and brightest would not only attend college but excel in their studies while navigating the tumultuous atmosphere of the Vietnam War.

The Rationale Behind Performance-Based Deferments

This change was implemented in response to growing concerns about the fairness of the draft system, as well as the increasing unrest and protests regarding the Vietnam conflict. By linking college deferments to academic performance, the Selective Service hoped to encourage students to take their education seriously while concurrently managing the military's needs for capable soldiers. Students whose grades fell below a certain threshold, therefore, risked losing their deferment status, forcing them to reconsider their academic commitments.

The Impact on Students

For many college students, this policy served as both a boon and a burden. On one hand, it provided an opportunity for students to focus on their education without the immediate pressure of conscription; on the other hand, it added a new layer of academic stress. Students were now aware that their performance could determine their futures, leading to increased competition among peers and a strong drive to excel academically.

The Broader Context: Vietnam and American Society

This policy change occurred at a time when the United States was heavily engaged in the Vietnam War, creating a tense sociopolitical climate. Public opinion on the war was rapidly shifting, with many expressing dissatisfaction and opposition. The new deferment policy was both a method to strengthen military personnel in a critical time and an effort to quell dissent by validating the concerns of students advocating for more equitable draft practices.

The Role of Student Activism

During this period, student activism played a crucial role in shaping public discourse around the Vietnam War and the draft system. The decision to tie deferments to academic performance essentially catalyzed a more robust movement among students, many of whom were already organizing protests against the war. The interactions between the Selective Service's policies and the activism of the 1960s would lead to more significant changes in how the American military engaged with the younger generation.

Consequences of the Deferment Policy

The introduction of performance-based college deferments arguably had lasting effects on the educational landscape in America. It ushered in a new era where academic institutions took on a more significant responsibility in shaping young citizens, as well as their potential roles in the military. The policy's consequences echoed beyond the immediate context of the war, impacting future generations' perceptions of education and civic duty.

Fun Fact

Student Protests and the Draft

During 1966, a notable incident occurred when thousands of students nationwide joined hands to protest against the draft in what was dubbed a "teach-in". This gathering emphasized the growing unrest and highlighted students' resolve to challenge military policies.