These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.
Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.
- Linear feet of materials: .6
- Approximate number of pages: 1,800
The Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Forces was created by an Executive Order "to develop a comprehensive plan for eliminating conscription and moving toward an all volunteer armed force." President Nixon directed the commission to study the various aspects of an all-volunteer force, such as pay, recruitment incentives, benefits, and selection standards.
The 15 member commission was headed by Thomas Gates, and published its findings in the February 1970 Report to the President. Frequent correspondents include Peter Flanigan, William Timmons, and various commission members.
The FG 249 Commission on All-Volunteer Armed Forces files contain memoranda, letters, press releases, and reports. Much of the subject matter is administrative. The terms executive and general precede each file designation. The executive file category contains correspondence from the White House, commission members, and members of Congress. The general file consists of correspondence from the general public as well as Congressional members. Files which are subdivided by (/A) indicate materials related to career appointments.
Topics in this category include graduate student deferments, youth advisory panel commission for Gates Commission, requests to end the draft, and suggestions for appointments to the commission.
Related topics may be found in:
FG 13 Department of Defense
FG 216 Selective Service System
ND 8-6 Pay-Allowances-Pensions
ND 21 Conscription-Induction-Draft-Universal Military-Training-Deferment
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