I was a Senior in college with a student draft deferment during the first draft lottery, December 1, 1969. My birthday was the 1st one out of the rotating drum – September 14th. I called the draft board the next morning and was advised that they routinely wait until after graduation and no longer qualify for an educational deferment before possible military induction – but I would be required to appear for physical fitness and academic testing appointments. I graduated in June, 1970 and soon heard from the draft board with the arrival of my draft notice. I was inducted into the Army shortly after Labor Day 1970. Ft. Knox for Basic. No AIT or Vietnam for me but lots of KP. ETS from Ft Rucker, Alabama in 1972 as a SP 4. I have bragging rights when the discussion in my age group (less frequently now) turns to draft lottery numbers but we all lost friends so we know sharing our lottery experience is fortuitous.
