Draft evasion

Weaknesses in military conscription systems
Draft dodging
Avoiding military service

Nature

Some governments conscript in peace-time on a regular basis, usually when young men attain a certain age. This is for a period ranging from several months up to four years. Few men are exempt as this is considered a universal military training defence necessity. Other countries draft only during international or civil crises and conflicts. Under both systems, among those who are obliged to serve there are numerous legal and illegal evasions. Legal evasions to serving in fighting and active support units include: the purchase of an exemption, as for example, recently in Turkey; to elect alternate service in civilian status, an alternative some countries provide for conscientious objectors. Others, while accepting conscription, may retain virtual civilian status, living in comfortable quarters and in no danger, such as some higher reserve officers and those who by political influence have only nominal duties. In both latter cases the intent, if not the letter, of the draft law has been evaded. Under military law these people could be court-martialed for non-performance of duties or related offences and this does occur on rare occasions. Illegal evasion is accomplished by non-registration, especially if there was an unrecorded birth, living under assumed names, flight and migration. Instances of illegal evasion are severely prosecuted as a discouragement to others. It can include failure to report for induction, refusing induction, or refusing or failing to perform required alternative civilian work. The problem of administering and enforcing massive conscription efforts is that draft evasion be so successfully accomplished due to inadequate records and enforcement resources.

Background

Draft evasion emerged as a significant global concern during major 20th-century conflicts, notably World Wars I and II, when mass conscription exposed widespread resistance. Its prominence intensified during the Vietnam War, as public opposition and high-profile cases drew international scrutiny. Governments and societies began to recognize draft evasion not only as a legal issue but also as a reflection of political dissent, ethical debates, and shifting attitudes toward compulsory military service worldwide.

Incidence

In 1993, it was claimed that 33,000 had dodged the draft in Russia in the first six months of the year.

Claim

The draft system in the USA during the Vietnam war was grossly unfair. By granting liberal deferrals to those enrolled in university, it effectively allowed the clever and the rich to avoid service, while condemning the rest (mainly blacks and blue-collar whites) to fight and, often, die. Even within the services, the proportion of blacks in combat roles was higher than in non-combat roles (something that is not true of today's forces).

Counter-claim

Draft evasion is not an important problem in today’s world. With most countries relying on volunteer militaries and modern conflicts requiring specialized skills, the issue is largely outdated. Focusing on draft evasion distracts from more pressing concerns like veterans’ care, military ethics, and global peace efforts. Obsessing over a handful of draft dodgers is irrelevant and unproductive in the context of contemporary society’s real challenges.