Everybody, including the secularists, agrees that those elite few who are really learning should get deferments. The problem is that there are many who are registered but do not really learn (in Hebrew they are called “parparim” – butterflies – because they flit around). They certainly should go into the Army. In fact, the Chazon Ish said that someone who takes a deferment but does not really learn should be reported to the military authorities. Many would probably welocme the chance as they want to do the mitzva (Rambam Hilchot Melachim 5:1) but are pressured into not serving.
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