An army draft dodger is a person who illegally avoids being drafted into the military. This can be done in various ways, including:
- Failing to register for the draft: Every male citizen of the United States who turns 18 is legally required to register for the Selective Service System. Failure to register is a federal offense.
- Leaving the country: Some people who are eligible for the draft choose to leave the country to avoid being drafted.
- Claiming exemption: There are certain exemptions from the draft, such as for medical reasons or for being a conscientious objector. However, these exemptions must be approved by the Selective Service System.
- Fleeing to Canada: During the Vietnam War, many young men who opposed the war fled to Canada to avoid being drafted.
- Going to jail: Some people who are drafted choose to go to jail rather than serve in the military.
Reasons for Avoiding the Draft
There are a variety of reasons why people might choose to avoid the draft. Some common reasons include:
- Moral or ethical objections to war: Some people believe that war is always wrong and refuse to participate in it, even if it means going to jail.
- Opposition to a particular war: Many people opposed the Vietnam War for a variety of reasons, such as the belief that it was an unjust war or that it was poorly managed.
- Fear of being killed or injured: Some people are afraid of being killed or injured in combat and choose to avoid the draft.
- Desire to pursue other goals: Some people who are drafted may have other goals they wish to pursue, such as attending college or starting a career.
Consequences of Draft Dodging
The consequences of draft dodging vary depending on the specific circumstances. Some common consequences include:
- Jail time: Draft dodgers can face fines and jail time.
- Loss of citizenship: In some cases, draft dodgers may lose their citizenship.
- Loss of government benefits: Draft dodgers may be ineligible for certain government benefits, such as student loans or federal jobs.
It is important to note that the laws surrounding the draft can be complex, and the consequences of draft dodging can be severe. If you are considering avoiding the draft, it is important to speak to a lawyer to understand your legal options.