During the Vietnam war, could draftees have avoided service by claiming to be gay?

Answer 1

Say 1965-70, sure one could tell the folks at the "Induction Station" most anything during their physical exams. Then a quick exam by a military psychiatrist would ensue.

The draftee would be usually labeled such as "has homosexual ideation", the counterfeit homosexual must convince a medical officer or military board that he is indeed. Trust me, it seldom worked as they were very good at explaining that the draftee was still going into the Army or worse the Marines, be assured that anyone trying to "fool", con the military was in for a rather unpleasant experience.

But some did claim such and avoid service, many gays served, but just telling the Army such was not an automatic pass.

By the time one was a basic or Boot camp, well one learned that ones DI or Drill Sgt was well not there to listen to your claims.

Catch that movie "Alice Restaurant" amazing what folks will do to avoid a draft. Again most served with honor.

Answer 2

Yes. Some did. While other willing gay citizens were denied entry. That's the point of the military's no-gay policies. The U.S. has decided that openly gay service is detrimental to good order and discipline.

Answer 3

I think so, I know in the early 70's my Dad got out of drug testing telling the company he worked for that he was gay. He really wasn't but him and a few others got out of being blood tested for drugs.

Answer 4

But, since there is don't ask/don't tell, we don't have that problem anymore.