Why Didn’t Biden Serve in the Military?
As the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden has faced numerous questions and criticisms about his military service. Many have wondered why he didn’t serve in the military, given his privileged upbringing and his position as a senator and vice president. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Biden’s decision not to serve in the military.
The Law and Biden’s Draft Status
During the Vietnam War, the United States implemented the Military Selective Service Act, which required all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 to register for the draft. Biden, born in 1942, would have been eligible for the draft in the early 1960s. However, he never received a draft notice.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Biden’s height: At 5’11", Biden was considered too short to serve in the military, which had a minimum height requirement of 6’1".
- Medical exemption: Biden suffered from severe asthma as a child, which made him eligible for a medical exemption from military service.
- College deferments: Biden attended the University of Delaware and later the University of Pennsylvania, where he received deferments from military service due to his student status.
Biden’s Political Views and Activism
As a young man, Biden was actively involved in anti-war protests and was strongly opposed to the Vietnam War. He believed that the war was unjust and that the United States should not be involved in it. Biden’s political views and activism likely influenced his decision not to serve in the military.
The Draft Lottery
In 1969, the United States introduced the draft lottery, which randomly selected draft numbers for men aged 19 to 26. Biden’s birthdate would have placed him in the 258th draft number, which was well above the threshold for service. This meant that he was unlikely to be drafted.
Biden’s Later Life and Public Service
After the Vietnam War, Biden went on to pursue a career in politics, serving as a senator and later as vice president. He has spoken publicly about his regrets over not serving in the military, acknowledging that he did not fully understand the impact of the war on those who served.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite his explanation for not serving in the military, Biden has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some have accused him of ducking the draft and avoiding military service due to his privileged upbringing. Others have questioned his commitment to veterans’ issues, given his lack of personal experience serving in the military.
Table: Biden’s Military Service and Draft Status
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’11" (too short for military service) |
| Medical exemption | Suffered from severe asthma |
| College deferments | Received deferments due to student status |
| Draft lottery | Birthdate placed him in the 258th draft number |
| Political views | Strongly opposed to the Vietnam War |
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s decision not to serve in the military during the Vietnam War was influenced by a combination of factors, including his height, medical exemption, college deferments, and draft lottery. While he has faced criticism and controversy over the years, Biden has acknowledged his regrets over not serving in the military and has continued to be a strong advocate for veterans’ issues. Ultimately, understanding the context and circumstances surrounding Biden’s decision not to serve in the military provides a more nuanced perspective on this complex issue.
