Defense Heads Favor UMS, Seek to Extend Service For Draftees

The Defense Department will soon ask Congress to pass a Universal Military Service Bill and to lengthen the period of service for draftees from 21 to 27 months, Chairman Carl M. Vinson (D-Ga.) of the House Armed Services Committee said yesterday.

He told the Associated Press that military leaders are also considering a request to broaden the age limits for inductees, with the new maximum applying to "single men and childless married men."

Vinson's statement confirmed reports of last month that the Defense Department would seek U.M.S., a program strongly backed by President Conant and the Committee on the Present Danger. Conant told the CRIMSON in December that the Committee would argue in favor of U.M.S. before Congress if the plan were included in the Administration's measure.

Supported A.A.U. Plan

The Committee, which includes presidents of seven universities, has supported the U.M.S program as outlined by the Association of American Universities. This includes a draft of all men at age 18 for two years of military service, with some sort of deferment system to be used until there are enough men returning to prevent a full breakdown in the nation's colleges and professions.

Since the Defense Department has not yet released its own proposals, it is not known how closely they agree with those of the A.A.U.

Vinson also told reporters that there will be no induction of veterans whose past service now protects them from service. "We have told the Defense Department," that (they) are not to be drafted," he said, apparently speaking for his committee.

Explains Request

Explaining the military's request, Vinson said it wants a 27 month service limit "to assure 24 months of active service from each draftee." The other three months would cover such things as processing and providing for terminal leaves, he stated.

It was also learned yesterday that the Armed Services Committee has asked the Defense Department to make a complete review of the present draft policy on deferments, especially regarding stays given students and men with dependents.

Policy on use of Reserve components will be reviewed beginning next Monday by a special sub-committee.