in 1970, Illinois was significantly behind the national average in supplying draftees. My draft board offered some encouragement that I would not be called despite having a mid-range draft number (183). In August, however, the Selective Service announced that eligibility for first year participants would be extended until April 1, 1971, to allow states like Illinois to catch up with the national average (then running close to 195).
I protested to Congressmen and others that extension of eligibility was contrary to the originally planned "one year of draft exposure," that Illinois had no control over what other states were doing to meet their quotas and that I needed greater certainty in planning my life (I was planning to begin law school in the fall of 1971). After receiving no relief from my congressman and senators, I contacted the director of Selective Service in Springfield, IL where I was employed by the State of Illinois. After listening to my plea, he requested my name and local board number in Chicago. I gave him the requested information. Five days later I received a Notice of Induction. He provided certainty though not exactly the kind I was looking for.
I served from late October 1970 until May 1972 and started law school in September 1972 with a wonderful, unanticipated reward – the GI Bill. I never expected to be grateful for the Selective Service.