Evening star., 1951-02-27
Senate Opens Debate
On 1S-Year Draft Bill
And UNIT Plan Today
BY George Beveridoe

begin debate on a bill to draft ls-
year-olds, extend draft service
from II 10 rs months and pave
the way for a permanent universal
military training program.
Supporters Of the bill hope for
D decisive vote by next week end.
But they concede that contro-
versies which could develop around
the measures many provisions
may make that impossible.
Senate Republican leaders called
D last-minute party caucus this
morning TO brief members on the
controversial bill. Advance indl-
cations were that the Republicans
would not take q party stand.
johnson to Open Debate.
Senator Lyndon johnson, DEM
ocrat, of Texas will act as floor
manager for the bill and is ex-
pected to open arguments in favor
of it shortly after noon. He head
ed the Senate Preparedness Sub
committee which held extensive
hearings on the manpower prob
lem during the last two months.
BY and large, the bill meets de-
mandS of the Defense Depart
ment for immediate steps to raise
q military force of 3.5 million men
as well as moves to maintain that
force indefinitely with universal
military training.
The four month UNIT program
for 18-year-olds would not swing
into operation until world ten
sions settle down to the point that
the youths would not be needed
for actual service. But, immedi-
ately, all draftees and enliStees
under 26 would be routed into re-
serve units for a combined total
of eight years. active duty and
reserve service.
House Hearings Near End.
In the House, the Armed Serv-
fees Committee hopes to wind up
hearings in week on a different
version of draft expansion which
would lower the draft age only
to 1872 years.
Gen. Bradley told the commit
tee yesterday that, rather reluc-
stantly, he would not oppose the
18h2-year-old provision.
The chairman of the Joint
Chiefs Of Staff also disclosed that
well over 250,000 Americans are
fighting in Korea "for this Nation
and our position in world affairs" ;"
He mentioned the quarter of
million" figure in asserting his
belief that young men Of this Ma
tion willingly serve their country
to win a peace"
Gen. Bradley used $50, 1000 as a
round figure "for security rea-
sons" and the Pentagon refused
today to elaborate on a break
down. The 25o.000 is by far the
highest official estimate given for
publication.
Morse Plans Amendments.
After the hearing, however. Gen.
Bradley told reporters it did not
Include the Air Force fighting over
Korea or the Navy fighting of the
peninsula's shores. Recently. Navy
sources said that about 10000 Of
ficers and men were assigned to
Korean waters. The Air Force has
not disclosed it's figures, but its
strength is known to be consider
able.
In opening the Senate debate
Senator johnson is expected to
stress the issues around which
most of the argument probably
will revolve. On several of the
points Senator Morse, Republi-
can, of Oregon. a member OF the
Senate Armed Services Commit
tee, already has served notice he
will introduce amendments.
While lowering the draft age to
18, the Senate bill would not per-
NIT any youth of that age to be
called until draft boards had
called eligible men 10 through 25.
In addition, $4,000 youths a
year would be allowed to go to
school, after four months of basic
training. to complete specific med
ical or scientific courses.
Draft-eligible youths who join
the National Guard also would be
exempt from draft service in order
to build up the Guard units, but
they could be drafted when and
If the Secretary of Defense de-
cides Guard strength Is sufficient
without them.