What dates were drafted in Vietnam?

The date of the last drawing for the lottery was on March 12, 1975. Registration with the Selective Service System was suspended on April 1, 1975, and registrant processing was suspended on January 27, 1976….Lottery Drawings.

How long did drafted soldiers serve in Vietnam?

two years
Draftees had a service obligation of two years, but volunteers served longer tours—four years in the case of the Air Force. Another alternative was to join the National Guard or the Reserve, go to basic training, and then serve out one’s military obligation on training weekends and short active duty tours.

Was there a draft in 1953?

Cold War. The second peacetime draft began with passage of the Selective Service Act of 1948 after the STSA expired. Between the Korean War’s outbreak in June 1950 and the armistice agreement in 1953, Selective Service inducted over 1.5 million men.

When did America start drafting for the Vietnam War?

December 1, 1969
On December 1, 1969, the first draft lottery since 1942 began, but college deferments were kept intact. Anti-war activists recognized the draft lottery system did not produce truly random results. The draft received even more resistance as dissenters became more frustrated with the system.

What were the chances of being drafted in 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.

Why was the Vietnam draft Unfair?

The draft for the Vietnam War brought with it anxiety and anger to many American households. The draft was viewed as unequal because the working class man’s only choice was to go to war, while the wealthy men would go to college or enlist in the National Guard.

What is the oldest age you can be drafted?

Present – The U.S. currently operates under an all-volunteer armed forces policy. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the draft and are liable for training and service until the age of 35.

What was the oldest age drafted in WWII?

On September 16, 1940, the United States instituted the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft.

What were the odds of being drafted to Vietnam?

Considering the “draft age” and the demographics of the 18 – 24 year old age cohort, your odds on actually getting drafted during the Vietnam era were probably lower than 5% (on a cohort wide basis). During WWII (which was probably the “height of drafting”) your odds on getting drafted might have been as high as 10%.

Does the draft still exist in the US?

The United States military has been all-volunteer since 1973. But an act of Congress could still reinstate the draft in case of a national emergency. The Selective Service System is the agency that registers men and is responsible for running a draft.

Did college students get drafted during Vietnam?

In 1965, a college education was no longer a get-out-of-jail free card for the Vietnam War. College undergraduate and graduate students were automatically awarded draft status 2-S–deferment for postsecondary education–and could not be forced to serve. For those opposed to the war, it was a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Why did people feel the draft was unfair?

The draft was viewed as unequal because the working class man’s only choice was to go to war, while the wealthy men would go to college or enlist in the National Guard. By the end of the 1960’s the nation was fed up with the war, and they were angry with how the war itself was being carried out.

Why did some feel the draft was unfair?

The draft was found to be unfair to American Citizens because certain groups of men were severely disadvantaged, the draft was illegal in many ways, and veteran’s future lives were harmed, among other reasons. Among the men that were conscripted into the supposedly random draft, certain…show more content…

Do females have to register for Selective Service?

It is considered must-pass legislation, and it is expected that the new selective service requirement for women will remain in place, according to the aide. “The Commission concluded that the time is right to extend Selective Service System registration to include men and women, between the ages of 18 and 26.

Can a 45 year old get drafted?

All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the draft and are liable for training and service until the age of 35.

What exempts you from being drafted?

The following instances are eligible for exemptions in the event of a military draft: Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft. Immigrants and dual nationals in some cases may be exempt from U.S. military service depending upon their place of residence and country of citizenship.

Can you avoid the draft by going to college?

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 did people avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War?

There were two kinds of methods to avoid being drafted when you number was called: illegal and legal. There were a few laws in place relevant to Selective Service meant to keep necessary men in their homes and with their families. Purposely pursuing a legal waiver or deferment for any reason is draft avoidance.