The military draft brought the war to the American home front . During the Vietnam War era, between 1964 and 1973, the U.S. military drafted 2.2 million American men out of an eligible pool of 27 million. ... Almost every American was either eligible to go to war or knew someone who was.
How did the war draft work?
Overview. If Congress and the President were to reinstate a military draft, the Selective Service System would conduct a National Draft Lottery to determine the order in which young men would be drafted. The lottery would establish the priority of call based on the birth dates of registrants.
Was the draft used in the Vietnam War?
Two-thirds of the U.S. military who served in the Vietnam War — and more than half of the names on The Wall — volunteered for duty. The other one-third were drafted, primarily into the Army.
Who was drafted for Vietnam War?
The Draft in Context
The military draft brought the war to the American home front. During the Vietnam War era, between 1964 and 1973, the U.S. military drafted 2.2 million American men out of an eligible pool of 27 million.
Can the only son be drafted?
the “only son”, “the last son to carry the family name,” and ” sole surviving son” must register with Selective Service . These sons can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.
Who is exempt from being drafted?
The following instances are eligible for exemptions in the event of a military draft: Ministers . Certain elected officials , exempt so long as they continue to hold office. Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft.
Does the draft still exist?
A brief history of registration
There has not been a draft in the U.S. since 1973 , when Congress allowed the existing draft authorization, conscripting men into service in the Vietnam War, to expire. Two years later, President Gerald Ford suspended men's responsibility to register for the draft.
What age can you not be drafted?
At what age can you no longer be drafted? Once you're 26 , you're exempt from being drafted ... kind of. “There's historical precedent for extending that age,” Winkie says before noting that in August 1918, during World War I, the age limit was amended to 45.
What were the odds of being drafted to Vietnam?
Myth: Common belief is that most Vietnam veterans were drafted. Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers . 2/3 of the men who served in World War II were drafted. Approximately 70% of those killed in Vietnam were volunteers.
How many drafted soldiers died in Vietnam?
(66% of U.S. armed forces members were drafted during WWII). Draftees accounted for 30.4% ( 17,725 ) of combat deaths in Vietnam. Reservists killed: 5,977 National Guard: 6,140 served: 101 died. Total draftees (1965 – 73): 1,728,344.
Why did they have a draft for the Vietnam War?
Origins. The lottery of 1969 was conceived to address perceived inequities in the draft system as it existed previously, and to add more military personnel towards the Vietnam War . ... By the end of 1965, President Johnson had sent 82,000 troops to Vietnam, and his military advisors wanted another 175,000.
Do females have to register for Selective Service?
As of January 2016, there has been no decision to require females to register with Selective Service , or be subject to a future military draft. Selective Service continues to register only men, ages 18 through 25.
What medical conditions prevent you from being drafted?
- Abdominal Organs and Gastrointestinal System. The following conditions may disqualify you from military service: ...
- Blood and Blood-Forming Tissue Diseases. ...
- Dental. ...
- Ears. ...
- Hearing. ...
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. ...
- Upper Extremities. ...
- Lower extremities.
What happens if you get drafted and refuse to go?
If you are required to register and you don't, you will not be eligible for federal student aid, federal job training, or a federal job . You may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or jail time of up to five years.
Can college students be drafted?
Before Congress reformed the draft in 1971, a man could qualify for a student deferment if he could show he was a full-time student making satisfactory progress in virtually any field of study. ... Under the current draft law, a college student can have his induction postponed only until the end of the current semester.
How can I get out of being drafted?
If you can't dodge the draft through legal means or based on personal convictions as a pacifist, you can try to be declared physically unfit for service . Go to your doctor and get a thorough checkup for any possible deformity or ailment that may prevent you from being cannon fodder.
