One should understand their responsibilities and obligations as a college student, and explore exemptions that may apply to them. Let’s learn about the Selective Service System and whether college students get drafted.
Students Get Drafted Too
College students are not immune to the draft and can be called to serve in the military during times of war or national emergency. The Selective Service System, which is responsible for registering eligible men for the draft, requires all male U.S. citizens and immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 to register.
This includes college students, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time students. However, there are certain exemptions and deferments that may apply to college students, such as being in school full-time or having a medical condition.
It’s crucial for college students to understand their responsibilities and potential obligations under the Selective Service System. Below, we will explore more information on this topic and explain the exemptions that prevent students from being drafted.
Exemptions And Deferments
Yes, there are certain exemptions and deferments that may apply to college students who are registered for the draft. Let’s explore the factors that keep college students from getting drafted.
First off, students who are enrolled in school full-time may be eligible for a deferment, which temporarily postpones their draft eligibility. Furthermore, any individual with a medical condition that disqualifies them from military service may qualify for a medical deferment.
Students with religious or moral objections to war participation may be eligible for a deferment as a conscientious objectors. Lastly, individuals responsible for supporting a child, spouse, or other dependent may be eligible for a dependency deferment.
Note that these exemptions and deferments are not guaranteed and are subject to review and approval by the Selective Service System.
College students should contact their local Selective Service System office or visit the official Selective Service System website for more information on exemptions and deferments.
Full-Time Vs. Part-Time Students
There are some differences in draft policies for full-time and part-time students. Full-time students are generally eligible for deferments, temporarily postponing their draft eligibility, while part-time students may not.
A full-time student deferment allows students to continue their education without interruption and applies to those who are enrolled in school full-time.
This means that the student is not eligible to be drafted until they are no longer enrolled in school full-time or until their deferment is otherwise terminated.
Part-time students are not eligible for deferments and are not guaranteed exemptions from military service. This means that if a draft were to be reactivated, part-time students would be subject to being drafted along with all other eligible men, regardless of their enrollment status.
What Happens If College Students Get Drafted?
If a college student is drafted while in school, they must leave school and report for military service. The student will likely be given a short period of time, called a “grace period.” This period is used to finish any ongoing exams or projects before they are expected to report for duty.
The Selective Service System will not pay for a student’s tuition or other educational expenses while they are in military service. The student may be able to use their GI Bill benefits to continue their education after they complete their military service.
Drafts have not been active in the United States since 1973, and it is currently an all-volunteer military. However, if a draft were to be reactivated, it would be the student’s civic duty to report for duty.
Finishing College Post-Draft
If a college student is drafted, they will be required to leave school and report for military service. However, some options may allow the student to continue their education after they complete their military service.
One option is to use their GI Bill benefits to continue their education after they complete their military service. The GI Bill provides financial assistance to veterans to help pay for their education. Which can include tuition, books, and other expenses.
Another option is to take online or correspondence courses while in military service. Some colleges and universities offer online or correspondence courses that can be taken from anywhere. This can allow the student to continue their education while in military service. Plus, finish their degree after they complete their service.
The options available depend on the specific circumstances of the service and the program the student chooses to take advantage of.
Benefits Of Being Drafted
College students get drafted only when necessary. Nevertheless, they will be compensated through various benefits they may take advantage of.
If a college student is drafted, they will be required to leave school and report for military service. However, here are a couple of benefits that may be available to them.
As previously mentioned, the GI Bill provides financial assistance to veterans to help pay for their education, which can include tuition, books, and other expenses. This can be an exceptional way to get your education paid for.
College students who are drafted will receive training and skills development in the military. These skills can be valuable to their future careers or if they choose to continue military service. Skills can range from discipline and time management skills to fighting and preparing attacks.
Drafted individuals will be eligible for veterans benefits such as health care, life insurance, and home loan guarantees. Plus, serving in the military can open up career opportunities in the military. Or related fields such as government service, law enforcement, or the intelligence community.
How Does The SSS Select Who Gets Drafted?
The Selective Service System (SSS) is responsible for registering eligible men for the draft and determining who will be drafted in a national emergency. The SSS uses a lottery system to determine the order in which men will be called for military service.
The lottery is based on the birthday of the registrants, with those born on specific dates selected first. The lottery is conducted annually, and those selected are known as “the pool.”
The pool is then divided into two groups: those who are available for immediate induction and those who are deferred for certain reasons, such as being in school full-time or having a medical condition.
The SSS also considers the needs of the military services and the availability of personnel in specific skill areas. These needs are evaluated by the Department of Defense and the SSS in determining who will be drafted.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, college students are not immune to the draft and can be called to serve in the military during times of war or national emergency.
The Selective Service System requires all male U.S. citizens and immigrants between 18 and 25 to register, including college students.
While certain exemptions and deferments may apply to college students, such as being in school full-time or having a medical condition, college students should understand that they are still subject to being drafted if the need arises.
