5 Key Facts About The Military Draft In Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, a conflict that lasted from 1955 to 1975, was a pivotal moment in American history. One aspect of the war that had a profound impact on American society was the military draft. The draft, also known as the Selective Service System, was a mandatory conscription of young men into the armed forces. Here are five key facts about the military draft during the Vietnam War:

The Draft Was Established During World War II

The Selective Service System was established in 1917, but it was during World War II that the draft became a permanent fixture in American society. The draft was continued after World War II, and by the time the Vietnam War broke out, it was an established institution. The draft was seen as a necessary measure to ensure that the United States had a large enough military to fight the war in Vietnam.

Who Was Eligible for the Draft?

All male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 were eligible for the draft. However, there were certain exemptions and deferments that could be granted. For example, students who were enrolled in college could receive a deferment, as could men who were married or had dependents. Men who were deemed physically or mentally unfit for military service could also be exempted from the draft.

The Draft Was a Source of Controversy

The draft was a highly contentious issue during the Vietnam War. Many Americans felt that the draft was unfair, particularly because it disproportionately affected low-income and minority communities. These groups felt that they were being forced to bear the brunt of the war effort, while more affluent and well-connected individuals were able to avoid service. The draft also sparked widespread protests and demonstrations, as many Americans felt that the war in Vietnam was unjust and that the draft was a form of coercion.

How Did the Draft Work?

The draft worked through a complex system of local draft boards, which were responsible for selecting and inducting men into the military. Men who were eligible for the draft were required to register with their local draft board, which would then assign them a draft number. The draft number was used to determine the order in which men would be called up for service. Men who were called up for service would then be required to report for induction, at which point they would be given a physical examination and assigned to a branch of the military.

The Impact of the Draft on American Society

The draft had a profound impact on American society during the Vietnam War. The draft helped to fuel the anti-war movement, as many Americans felt that the draft was a symbol of the government's ability to coerce citizens into fighting an unpopular war. The draft also had a significant impact on the lives of individual Americans, particularly those who were called up for service. Many men who were drafted into the military were forced to put their lives on hold, as they were required to serve for a minimum of two years. The draft also had a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities, which felt that they were being unfairly targeted by the draft.

The End of the Draft

The draft was ended in 1973, when the United States switched to an all-volunteer military. The end of the draft was seen as a major victory for the anti-war movement, which had long argued that the draft was unfair and coercive. The end of the draft also marked a significant shift in the way that the United States approached military service, as the country moved towards a more professional and voluntary military.

Conclusion

The military draft was a highly contentious issue during the Vietnam War, sparking widespread protests and demonstrations. The draft had a profound impact on American society, particularly on the lives of individual Americans who were called up for service. While the draft was ended in 1973, its legacy continues to be felt today. As the United States continues to grapple with issues of war and peace, the lessons of the draft remain an important reminder of the complexities and challenges of military service.

We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on the military draft during the Vietnam War. What do you think was the most significant impact of the draft on American society? Do you think the draft was a necessary measure during the Vietnam War, or do you think it was unfair and coercive? Share your comments below!

What was the purpose of the military draft during the Vietnam War?

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The purpose of the military draft during the Vietnam War was to provide the United States with a large enough military to fight the war in Vietnam. The draft was seen as a necessary measure to ensure that the country had enough soldiers to fight the war.

Who was eligible for the draft?

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All male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 were eligible for the draft. However, there were certain exemptions and deferments that could be granted, such as for students, married men, and men with dependents.

How did the draft work?

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The draft worked through a complex system of local draft boards, which were responsible for selecting and inducting men into the military. Men who were eligible for the draft were required to register with their local draft board, which would then assign them a draft number. The draft number was used to determine the order in which men would be called up for service.

What was the impact of the draft on American society?

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The draft had a profound impact on American society during the Vietnam War. The draft helped to fuel the anti-war movement, and it had a significant impact on the lives of individual Americans who were called up for service. The draft also had a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities.

When was the draft ended?

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The draft was ended in 1973, when the United States switched to an all-volunteer military.