Handling College during Military Draft?

Let's say this hypothetical situation comes up - getting drafted into the military in the middle of college education. Does anyone know how that works? Can you leave college for service and return? It just seems confusing and concerning.

It's always good to have a plan for various scenarios, even less common ones. If you were to be drafted during your college career, it would indeed entail a significant shift in your plans. However, there are elements in place to ensure you can resume your education after your service.

Firstly, you'd want to take a leave of absence from your college. Most universities would certainly accommodate a leave of absence due to mandatory military service, as many of them have policies specifically for this situation. This would allow you to pick back up where you left off once you're back. Be sure to check with your specific institution for their policies on military leave.

There's also legislation that protects you in this situation. For instance, the "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act" (SCRA) has a provision that would protect you from penalties for withdrawal because of military service. Additionally, the "Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act" (USERRA) protects your right to reemployment after military service, including reinstatement in a college program.

Lastly, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a resource you could use to fund your education after your service. It provides up to 36 months of education benefits, including tuition, fees, and a housing allowance, among other benefits.

Remember that the hypothetical of a draft is a big "if". There hasn't been a draft in the US since the Vietnam War, and the creation of an all-volunteer military has lessened the likelihood of a draft. But it's always better to be prepared and informed about possible outcomes. Reach out to your school's administration or veterans' services office for more detailed information.