In 1969 it appeared Bill Clinton would be drafted . Studying at Oxford would n't help ; such deferments had begun in 1966 . The draft board in Arkansas was proud of him and had deferred him to go to Oxford , saying he 'd be safe till August , 1969 . But Mr. Clinton never joined the training program -- and for that matter, never even enrolled at the university. As an out , he agreed in August to join the ROTC at the University of Arkansas . He never enrolled , but it protected him during September and October of 1969 . By October he subjected himself to the draft lottery so that he was unlikely to be called . He drew 311 - -and was safe from induction .
In 1969 it appeared Bill Clinton would be drafted . Studying at Oxford would n't help ; such deferments had begun in 1966 . The draft board in Arkansas was proud of him and had deferred him to go to Oxford , saying he 'd be safe till August , 1969 . As an out , he agreed in August to join the ROTC at the University of Arkansas . He never enrolled , but it protected him during September and October of 1969 . By October he subjected himself to the draft lottery so that he was unlikely to be called . He drew 311 - -and was safe from induction .