Nixon Acts In Bid For All-Volunteer Forces

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32281, 27 April 1970, Page 17

Nixon Acts In Bid For All-Volunteer Forces

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

WASHINGTON, April 26.

President Nixon has taken action to stamp out unfairness in America’s military conscription system by cutting out most future deferments.

He has also sought to make military life more attractive by proposing substantial pay rises for enlisted men and other benefits, in the hope that the United States can soon change over to all-volunteer armed services.

Washington officials say, however, that an all-volunteer force is probably at least three years away, in spite of a recommendation by a Presidential task force that it be instituted by July 1, 1971.

The President has exercised his executive power by

ordering an end to future deferment' for men in the 19 to 26 years age-bracket for occupational reasons. “Very few young men at 19 are in such critical positions that they cannot be replaced,” he said.

Deferments for fatherhood are also eliminated, except in cases of extreme hardship. Mr Nixon has also asked Congress for authority to end student deferments as soon as possible. Those who already have deferments will retain them. Most draft boards freely grant deferment to teachers, policemen, firemen and scientists, but the exact number of people with deferments is not known.

The number of students with deferments is 1,700,000. President Nixon has also proposed that conscription be on a nation-wide basis, with a single national call-up by lottery. A lottery system

based on the birthdays of 19-year-olds was instituted early this year, but at present it is handled by local draft boards.

M • Nixon has asked Congress to approve a 20 per cent pay rise for enlisted men with less than two years service who now receive a starting pay of less than BUSISOO a year. The rises will add SUS2SOm to the 1970-71 Budget. Mr Nixon will also ask Congress to provide an additional SUS2OOOm in added pay and other benefits for all serving officers and men in 1971-72.

He said his object was to reduce conscription to zero: the attractiveness of military pay and the attitude of young people would be factors influencing the move towards an all-volunteer force.

Early action by Congress is expected on President Nixon’s message.