Final answer:
Historically, deferment policies have been influenced by operational requirements and have varied in frequency and type. Military regulations govern the specifics, but data on the exact number of times enlisted soldiers may be deferred for operational reasons is not provided in the historical context.
Step-by-step explanation:
During periods of military draft, such as those in World War II, the Vietnam War, or other historical instances of conscription in the United States, operational necessities have often dictated policies regarding deferments. While the historical documents provided do not explicitly state the number of times enlisted soldiers may be deferred for operational reasons, they illustrate various types of deferments that were applied, such as college deferments, exemptions for skilled workers, and the classification of conscientious objectors.
For instance, college deferments allowed young men to postpone their service until after obtaining a degree, which predominantly benefited White middle-class youth. Additionally, conscientious objectors, recognized by local boards, were to be given alternative service, but often experienced delays and persuasive tactics to change their stance.
In contemporary contexts, like the Iraq War, the increased deployments of the National Guard and Reserve components suggest that deferments for operational reasons may be less frequent due to the necessity of mobilizing a larger share of military personnel.
It's important to note that specific policies regarding the frequency of deferments for operational reasons are determined by military regulations and can vary depending on the time period and the specific operational requirements of the armed forces at that time.