Draft Dodge

Along with other renowned educators, President Conant has frequently expressed his disapproval of the Selective Service Act. In his new book, "Education in a Divided World," he reiterates his objections, calling the law "only a stop-gap" which "merely postpones a real decision."

The draft has been subjected to every kind of criticism since its enactment last June; Mr. Conant's opposition springs from his belief that it is discriminatory. He has said that the wide discretion vested in local boards may bring undesirable and unfair pressure upon them. By deferring college students until the end of their academic year and exempting married men, he feels that the law will turn both institutions into havens for draft dodgers. And drafting a man in the middle of his college career is disruptive not only to his education but also to the college or university itself.

In suggesting an alternative, the President holds the same views which prompted his support of the Compton Report on Universal Military Training in 1947. As an educator he sees advantages in the so-called Swiss plan: subjecting men from 18 to 28 to three or four summer camps of two or three months each and evening drill, presumably once a week, for ten years. If he wished, the eligible youth could volunteer for two years immediate service instead.

The argument whether or not U.M.T. is more desirable than the Draft could be carried on endlessly. The type of U.M.T. which Mr. Conant envisions, however, does not seem the best answer. Evening drill for ten years would put serious restrictions on the trainee's mobility; his work, his vacations, whether or not he travels would all depend on his local unit. The value of weekly training from a military stand-point might well be compared to Boy Scouting; it would be enormously expensive and highly complicated to set up; and, as a ten-year indoctrination program, it is wide open to the attacks of those who fear militarism in the United States. Although the Draft Law of 1948 is unsatisfactory, the alternative which President Conant discusses contains quite as many undesirable aspects.