Colonel Paul Akst
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Frank Titus moderates.
Guest is Colonel Paul Akst,USAP, New York City Director of Selective Service System discusses "New York Youth and the draft."
Panelists include Bernice Brown, Charles Rosema, Michael B. Wall.
Titus opens the discussion by reviewing current draft laws and quoting various military leaders and politicians about their views on the draft.
Questions.
Despite the 1960's being the decade of "missile warfare" there remains a need for 2.5 million men in military service, which means a draft is necessary.
The threat of draft, in Akst's opinion, does not deter young men from pursuing their bachelor's degree.
Akst doesn't believe anyone can "beat the draft." None get to age 26 if they are classified as 1A without being called up.
The Navy and Marines have not used the draft in the same way as the Army.
A volunteer service would be more desirable than a draft, however at this point it doesn't seem likely that enough men would volunteer.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 72092
Municipal archives id: LT8990
