Why was the selective service system called very manipulatable system?

Answer 1

Because rich people, and rich parents could send their son's to college, thus avoiding military service.

Politicians came in the same category. The only reason politicians finally turned against the war is when "some" of their son's or relatives were being "caught up" in the draft, thru loop holes (or poor grades)...once their loved ones became involved, THEN the politicians began screaming for an end to the war.

But as long as wealthly movie stars and politicians didn't get their hands dirty (by serving their country), the war meant nothing to them.

Naturally, poor people couldn't afford college, with the exception of Junior Colleges, in the 1960's a Junior College (community college) didn't cost but $15 dollars to register, the rest was free (supported by taxes). But if a man kept a 2.0 grade and was holding 18 college units, he was a "Legal Draft Dodger", (diplomatically stated, he was "draft deferred").

That's how ya manipulated the system. NOT playing by the rules was out 'n out burning your draft card or taking off to Canada.