The movie Saving Private Ryan aside, the answer is "yes," the only son of a family can be sent into combat. The Selective Service's FAQ on surviving sons clarifies: Contrary to popular belief, "only sons," "the last son to carry the family name," and "sole surviving sons" must register and they can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to a peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family. The salient points being that you are only exempt from service if one of your parents or siblings died as a result of military service, and, perhaps most importantly, this exemption does not apply during times of war. The belief
that "only sons" are exempt from serving in combat is based on a misunderstanding of a law enacted after World War II. In 1948, the U.S. government passed a law that exempted "the sole surviving son of a family where one or more sons or daughters died as a result of military service." This exemption applied during times of peace and war alike. In 1964, the law was changed to extend the exemption to sole surviving sons who lost their father (rather than just a sibling) as a result of military service. However, the law was further altered so that it only applied during times of peace. In the event of war, this exemption did not stand. The law was again modified in 1971 to exempt any son who lost a father or sibling due to
military service. Today, the exemption applies to any person, male or female, whose parent (mothers are now included) or sibling: - was killed in action
- died in the line of duty as a result of wounds, accidents, or disease
- was captured or determined to be missing in action
- is permanently 100% disabled
But again, in times of war, this exemption is null and void.
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