I entered the University of Florida in 1964 and enrolled in the Army ROTC program the mandatory two years. In order to ensure myself an educational deferment to attend law school and to serve as an officer if I had to serve at all, I voluntarily enrolled in the advanced Air Force ROTC program in 1966. By the time the draft lottery was instituted, I had my officer’s commission and was enrolled in law school with an educational deferment. But for the Vietnam War, I doubt I would have enrolled in the advanced program at all. My draft number assured me that I wouldn’t have been drafted. I don’t regret my decision, but sometimes wonder what would have happened had I not voluntarily joined the military.
