Follow-up question: What would happen to a draftee who feigned incompetence to deliberately flunk out of the military? Do we have any record of that happening?

Righty-o gang, we've had to have a big clear-out here, so it's time for timely moderator reminder!

This is /r/AskHistorians, so do make sure that any answers comply with the rules here. The main rules worth brushing up on for this thread:

• no anecdotes. Sorry soldiers, we're looking for information based on solid reputable source material, not your own story, or something you heard. More on that here. OP, if you're interested in stories from draftees during the Vietnam War, or US Army draftees since then, do consider x-posting to /r/AskReddit or a military sub.

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A few quick excerpts:

Answers in this subreddit are expected to be of a level that historians would provide: comprehensive and informative. As such, all answers will be assessed against the standards of Historiography and Historical Method. You should cite or quote sources where possible. ...

An in-depth answer gives context to the events being discussed so that someone who is unfamiliar with the area can understand. An in-depth answer is usually more than a sentence or two. Use a balanced mix of context and explanation and sources and quotations in your answer. Being able to use Google to find an article that seems related to the question does not magically make you an expert. If you can contribute nothing more than your skills at using Google to find an article, please don't post.

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thanks gang!

p.s. if you want to get into a discussion about the rules or moderation, kindly create a separate META post (for maximum visibility & participation) or message the moderators. Let's all help to keep this OP's post on-topic - thx!

Military Social Worker here. Won't mention any anecdotes since that is against the rules. Just going to drop verbatim what the Army Regulation says about separations for Soldiers who fail entry level training. Hope it helps!

11-2. Basis for separation Separation of a soldier in entry level status may be warranted on the grounds of unsatisfactory performance and/or unsatisfactory conduct as evidenced by a. Inability. b. Lack of reasonable effort. c. Failure to adapt to the military environment. d. Minor disciplinary infractions. 11-3. Separation policy a. This policy applies to soldiers who (1) Enlisted in the Regular Army, ARNG, or USAR. (2) Are in entry-level status, undergoing IET, and, before the date of the initiation of separation action, have completed no more than 180 days of creditable continuous AD or IADT or no more than 90 days of Phase II under a split or alternate training option. (See the glossary for precise definition of entry-level status.) (3) Have demonstrated that they are not qualified for retention. The following conditions are illustrations of conduct and/or performance that disqualify soldiers for retention: (a) Cannot or will not adapt socially or emotionally to military life. (b) Cannot meet the minimum standards prescribed for successful completion of training because of lack of aptitude, ability, motivation, or self-discipline. (c) Have demonstrated character and behavior characteristics not compatible with satisfactory continued service. (4) Have failed to respond to counseling (DA Form 4856-R). b. Enlisted women who become pregnant while still in entry-level status (1) Will be involuntarily separated under this chapter when the training activity commander with separation authority, in conjunction with the medical officer (obstetrician), determines that they cannot fully participate in the required training for the MOS concerned because of their physical condition. (a) The training commander will furnish the training requirements to the obstetrician. (b) Soldiers separated for pregnancy that occurred after entry on AD or IADT are entitled to maternity care in a military medical facility only per AR 40-3. (2) Will be retained when they can fully participate unless they request separation per chapter 8. c. Nothing in this chapter precludes separation under another provision of this regulation when such separation is warranted. For example, if homosexual conduct is involved, the case will be processed under chapter 15. However, if separation of a soldier in entry-level status is warranted by reason of unsatisfactory performance (see chap 13) or misconduct (minor disciplinary infractions (see para 14-12a), separation processing will be accomplished under this chapter. As an exception, soldiers with less than 181 days of continuous active service who have completed IET, been awarded an MOS, and been assigned to a follow-on unit for duty will be processed for discharge under the appropriate chapter (chap 13 or 14 or another appropriate chapter).

Entry-level status a. For Regular Army soldiers, entry-level status is the first 180 days of continuous AD or the first 180 days of continuous AD following a break of more than 92 days of active military service. b. For ARNGUS and USAR soldiers, entry-level status begins upon enlistment in the ARNG or USAR. For soldiers ordered to IADT for one continuous period, It terminates 180 days after beginning training. For soldiers ordered to IADT for the split or alternate training option, it terminates 90 days after beginning Phase II advanced individual training (AIT). (Soldiers completing Phase I BT or basic combat training (BCT) remain in entry-level status until 90 days after beginning Phase II.) c. Service that is not creditable per DOD 7000.14R, vol. 7A, table 1-1-2, is excluded from the period of entry level status.

Source: AR 635-200

Follow-up question, were draftees who malingered, refused orders or otherwise "derelicted" eligible for pardons under the Ford / Carter draft resister pardons?