With fears that a third World War could be around the corner, what would happen if you were to refuse conscription, should it happen?
Tensions have been rising around the world, with the most recent threats coming from Donald Trump's administration against Denmark and its European allies.
While all-out war is still unlikely, it may have crossed your mind about what would happen should it actually kick off.
Well, YouTube channel The Infographics Show has got us covered.
Dodging the draft and the consequences
During the Korean War, over 80,000 men attempted to dodge the draft between 1950 and 1953. But it wasn’t until the Vietnam War in the 1960s that draft dodging became highly documented and widely punished.
During this period, over 570,000 men were classified as “draft offenders” by the U.S. Justice Department. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the entire population of Wyoming!
Of these, only about 210,000 were formally accused of dodging the draft, and just 3,250 men were jailed.
That’s less than 2% of accused draft dodgers facing significant punishment, which may seem surprisingly low given that dodging the draft is a felony.
How did so many men avoid military service with seemingly minimal consequences? It turns out there were a variety of creative, yet often legal, ways to dodge the draft.
Some men emigrated to Canada, while others found ways to fail their physical exams.
Another option was to claim conscientious objector status, citing religious or moral beliefs that opposed war. Some even chose to join alternative services, like becoming missionaries.
Fast forward to today, and while a formal military draft no longer exists, the requirement to register for the Selective Service System remains.
All men between the ages of 18 and 25 are still required to register in case a draft is reinstated.
Failure to do so can have serious consequences, such as being ineligible for federal loans, government jobs, and even a driver’s license in some states.
The Debate Over Women in the Draft
In recent years, the issue of whether women should be required to register for the Selective Service has stirred debate.
As recently as February 2019, a federal judge ruled that the ban on women registering for the draft was unconstitutional.
President Eisenhower even commented in 1948 that, in the event of another war, women would need to be drafted just like men.
Jobs that could get you out of the draft
Here are five professions that could exempt you from being drafted.
1. Healthcare Workers
One of the most crucial fields during times of conflict is healthcare. The demand for skilled medical professionals only increases during wartime, as they are needed to treat the wounded, manage outbreaks, and provide essential care. In the event of a draft, healthcare workers are likely to be exempt from active combat roles due to the essential nature of their work.
2. Educators
Teachers and educators play an equally important role in society, especially during times of war when stability and education are vital. Their work helps maintain order and progress in a society that may be disrupted by conflict. In a draft situation, individuals in the education field could be reassigned to roles that are necessary for the country’s continued functioning, rather than being sent to fight.
3. Engineers
Engineers are essential for maintaining infrastructure and developing technologies that could aid in the defense effort. Whether it's designing new equipment, maintaining transportation systems, or repairing essential structures, engineers' skills are indispensable during wartime. Therefore, individuals in engineering fields might be excluded from being drafted into combat, as their expertise could be crucial for the nation's survival.
4. Utility Workers in Key Infrastructure
The functioning of society depends on its infrastructure—electricity, water, communication, and transportation systems must continue running even in times of war. Utility workers who manage and maintain these systems would likely be exempt from military service, as their work is fundamental to keeping the nation operational during a crisis. A breakdown in critical infrastructure could have dire consequences, making these professionals too important to deploy to the front lines.
5. Ministers and Religious Leaders
In both the United States and the UK, individuals who can demonstrate moral or religious opposition to war may be assigned non-combat roles or alternative service. This concept, known as conscientious objector status, dates back to World War II, when individuals refused to engage in combat due to their ethical or religious beliefs. Religious leaders, including ministers, might be exempt from military service, as they are often seen as providers of spiritual guidance and moral support to the community.