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 .
In 1969 it appeared Bill Clinton would be drafted. Studying at Oxford wouldn't help; such deferments had ended 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 fall, 1969. As an out, he agreed in 1969 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 knowing that he was unlikely to be called. He drew 311--and was safe from induction.