During the Vietnam War between 1955 and 1973 Americans were drafted in the US Army. Current President Donald Trump, however, wasn’t one of them.
As this information came to light, many wondered why Trump, who was rather young at the time and was 6’2, athletically-built college student, dodged the war.
In 1968, Donald Trump celebrated graduating from college – that same year, 16,899 Americans were killed in the Vietnam War.
Until that point, Trump avoided being drafted four times due to attending college.
He received four student deferments between 1964 and 1968 while attending Fordham University and the University of Pennsylvania. But even after his graduation, he received a deferment yet again. It was a medical deferment classified as 1-Y – later changed to 4-F – for bone spurs in his heels.
However, the lack of documents showing that the business-mogul suffered from spurs in his heels sparked controversy.
Many are convinced that he had obtained the medical documents illegally in order to avoid the military service, while others believe his diagnosis was genuine. According to the The Gun Zone, there are no corroborating medical records to prove either belief.
Dr. Elysa Braunstein, daughter of late foot doctor Dr. Larry Braunstein, told The New York Times that her father had once rented a room from Donald’s dad, Fred Trump. “I know it was a favour,” she alleged, adding of Trump’s heel: “But did he examine him? I don’t know.”
Asked in recent times whether he has ever undergone a foot surgery, Trump said he hadn’t. “Over a period of time, it healed up,” he told Seattle Times.
Deferment could be obtained by influential people who could afford going to college. Those who couldn’t get it but were influential were deployed to noncombat zones such as Germany and Korea.
Now that the war in Iran is in full force, many Americans are wondering if Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron, would be drafted in case the situation escalates any further.
US and Israeli troops have bombed several sites, including the capital of Tehran, and during the weekend killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded to the attacks, and as of Tuesday, it has been reported that six members of the US military lost their lives. The exact number of casualties at the Iranian side hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Trump and his administration carried out the strikes against Iran without the Congress’ approval, and having in mind the fact that Trump has no military experience, many question his decision and wonder if he’s even aware of the consequences of his actions.
In fact, neither of Trump’s children have ever served in the military, which leaves Barron Trump the first one in the family to do so.
However, many believe the chances of something like that tag place is very unlikely.
Over the weekend, as the war in Iran began, the hashtag #SendBarron started trending.
One user wrote: “Why not demonstrate that Trump family spirit of patriotism and sacrifice by sending Barron to fight Iran?”
“At least someone from the Trump family should demonstrate how patriotic they are by serving instead of grifting,” a second added.
Another post read: “#SendBarron. Would certainly send a message of solidarity with our troops, and gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day.”
One user stated: “If you vote for leaders who love war, maybe you or your children should at least be first in line to explain why it’s worth it.”
Some even criticized Trump’s involvement in escalating the war while remaining safe. One person commented, “POTUS is chilling at his own country club while starting WWIII #SendBarron.”
Barron Trump turns 20 in May, which means he would be qualified to be drafted. But as we said before, the chances of that are likely non-existent.
As it turns out, Trump’s youngest son could be exempt from military service because of unusual medical reasons.
According to the Mirror, Barron is about 6’7″ tall and his height might make certain military positions difficult for him. Roles that require operating in tight spaces—such as inside armored vehicles, tanks, or aircraft—may not be suitable for someone of his size.
The US Army sets a maximum height requirement of 6’8″ for certain positions, meaning Barron could be ineligible for service if he exceeds that limit.
Who could be drafted in the case of war?
Ever since the strikes on Iran, the public’s concerns about potential military conscription started growing, with questions such as “World War III” and “US draft rule and age” becoming most searched on Google.
Although the United States has no active military draft at the time being, since the country ended mandatory conscription in January 1973 after the Vietnam War, federal law allows it to be reinstated during a national emergency.
A recent survey by the Atlantic Council shows that 69% of responders believe a war between powerful nations may take place within the next ten years.
Since three generations of Americans have not been required to serve in the military, many of them are unfamiliar with the nation’s draft procedures.
First to be drafted would be man at the age of twenty, followed by those who are between 21 and 25 years old. Next come those who are 18 and 19. There are over 16 million men aged 18 to 25 who are registered, and currently, there are 1.3 million man who are active members of the military.
The Selective Service includes citizens, non-citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, transgender people assigned male at birth, as well as men with disabilities.
The only exemptions to the draft in the United States are men who are in long-term care or under home confinement with medical assistance before the age of 18, remaining in that state without interruption until the age of 26.
Further, ministers, certain elected officials, and some dual nationals are also exempted from the draft, while those who are in college can ask their service to be postponed.
In case of change of law, women can be drafted too.
Registration of the draftee is handled by the Selective Service System, either through their official websites or through post offices. Men are expected to register when they turn 18, and failure to do so can lead to serious legal consequences, including felony charges, a penalty of up to five years of prison time, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Experts also point out that if someone is convicted of a felony for failing to register, there are also other consequences, including the loss of the right to vote, a prohibition of owning firearms, and losing eligibility for government employment and federal student financial aid.
Possible drafts require Congressional approval by amending the Military Selective Service Act.
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