Excerpts From the Beecher Report

It should be noted that a physical notice can be received at any time that one is registered with his board. This is not particularly important unless one is classified 1-A, and the examination constitutes a preinduction physical. In any case, the student should take his physical notice to the local selective service board (of the university), and should ask to have it transferred from his home town to this board. This can be done if getting to his home town at the specified date represents an "undue hardship." If, in times of great manpower requirements, or in times when one has forfeited his right of appeal, (or not exercised his appeal) an order for induction arrives when one is a full-time student, the student has a right to request from his local board a classification of 1-SC. This classification will allow the student to finish his current academic term before his case will be opened for reconsideration. It should be emphasized that a 1-SC does not meaan that one will be automatically drafted at the beginning of the summer. It does mean, however, that he will be reclassified 1-A, and that his case will again be reopened with the possibility for appeal and presentation of new information. This information could be a transcript showing excellent progress and good grades in college, or it could be an acceptance to a graduate school. A person is entitled to only one 1-SC classification. In any case, the board will make another decision in light of the current situation--both on the individual and the national level.

Some additional information that may be of interest:

For men that are undergoing psychotherapy on the campus, a letter from the examining psychiatrist should be on file with the local board. These letters anticipate a 1-Y classification for psychological problems. This letter will help the physician in a pre-induction physical to make a decision based on all the facts in the individual's case. This letter does not constitute an automatic classification, but will assist the examining physician to make a decision as to whether a man should be classified 1-A or 1-Y. An unsubstantiated report of psychological disturbance is not cause for deferment.

For men who feel that they are conscientiously opposed to all war, Form 150 can be obtained at any board. There is a statement on this form that must be signed and returned to the local board for their consideration.

For Sophomores who are thinking about their service obligation, there are currently in operation several two year ROTC programs which lead to commissioning at graduation and a three year obligation.

For Seniors interested in Officer Candidate Schools, early application is absolutely essential. In the current crush of applications, Naval OCS has stopped accepting applications temporarily, and has filled up classes for OCS candidates until Sept. or Oct., 1966. The Air Force also has many applications pending and may be forced to do the same thing. Men are then left with minimal choice as to how they can best serve their country and themselves.

And finally, students should consult their local board to clarify their status at any time if they are in doubt. Many people are afraid to do this because they think they will have made themselves familiar at their local board. This is not the case at all; a man is drafted when his number comes up and not his face.

This report is intended to outline the rights as well as the responsibilities of students and universities in the current draft situation. It must be emphasized that the ambiguous status of students is a reflection of the crisis in Southeast Asia and that this status may be modified in one direction or the other by changes in current world events.

At the beginning of college it is critical that Freshmen or Sophomores be aware that they must register with the draft board in their home town when they turn 18. If a person is at a considerable distance from his home board, he may register through the board in the town or city where his college is located.

For all undergraduates, Form 109 should be filed with the local board at registration time in the university, or shortly thereafter. This form constitutes a verification of student status and will help the local board make a decision about the student's case. An unsubstantiated statement from the registrant is insufficient basis for deferment, and Form 109 must be filed on his behalf.

As a student moves within the University, it critical that he notify his board of every change in his address, so that any correspondence between him and his board can be direct and without delay. This can be of utmost importance in terms of the ten-day period allowed for an appeal of classification. This ten-day period begins at the time the classification is mailed, and one can easily forfeit his right of appeal if this notice is held up in the mails.

The selective service system allows an undergraduate 4 years to gain a bachelor's degree. Conseqquently, in times of crisis, men who have interrupted their college study, either voluntarily or involuntarily, may find themselves in difficulty during their junior or senior year. Students contemplating a voluntary leave should certainly be aware of this, and students who are asked to leave the university should also be aware of the possibility of being drafted or having subsequent difficulties during the time they wish to finish their education.