The Draft Lottery and the End of the Draft

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

The Vietnam War Draft: Understanding the Consequences of Being Drafted between 1965 and 1973

The Vietnam War was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by widespread protests, social unrest, and a significant shift in the country's foreign policy. One of the most contentious aspects of the war was the military draft, which required young men to serve in the armed forces. If a man was drafted between 1965 and 1973, it meant that he was required to serve in the military. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Vietnam War draft, its consequences, and the implications of being drafted during this period.

The Vietnam War draft was a system of conscription that required young men to serve in the military. The draft was established in 1940, but it was not until the 1960s that it became a major issue in American politics. The draft was administered by the Selective Service System, which was responsible for registering eligible men and assigning them to military service.

The Draft Lottery and the End of the Draft

In 1969, the United States government introduced the draft lottery, which was designed to reduce the number of men being drafted. The lottery was based on a person's birthdate, with those born on certain dates being exempt from service. However, the lottery was not a guarantee of exemption, and many men were still drafted despite being exempt.

In 1973, the United States ended the draft, and the military began to rely on an all-volunteer force. This change was a result of the growing unpopularity of the war and the increasing number of protests against the draft.

Consequences of Being Drafted between 1965 and 1973

If a man was drafted between 1965 and 1973, it meant that he was required to serve in the military. The consequences of being drafted during this period were significant, and many men were affected by the experience.

Military Service: The most obvious consequence of being drafted was military service. Men who were drafted were required to serve in the armed forces for a period of time, which could range from one to three years.
Risk of Injury or Death: Men who were drafted were at risk of injury or death while serving in the military. The Vietnam War was a particularly deadly conflict, and many men were killed or wounded during their service.
Emotional Trauma: The experience of being drafted and serving in the military can be emotionally traumatic. Many men who were drafted suffered from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experience.
Impact on Education and Career: The draft had a significant impact on education and career opportunities for men who were drafted. Many men were forced to leave college or their jobs to serve in the military, which can have long-term consequences for their education and career prospects.

The Impact of the Draft on American Society

The draft had a significant impact on American society, particularly during the Vietnam War era. The draft was a major issue in American politics, and it contributed to the growing unpopularity of the war.

Protests and Demonstrations: The draft led to widespread protests and demonstrations against the war. Many men who were drafted refused to serve, and they were often arrested and charged with draft evasion.
Social Unrest: The draft contributed to social unrest in the United States. Many young people were opposed to the war and the draft, and they were willing to take risks to express their opposition.
Changing Attitudes towards the Military: The draft changed attitudes towards the military in the United States. Many people began to question the role of the military in American society, and they began to demand greater accountability and transparency from the military.

The Vietnam War draft was a significant event in American history, and it had a profound impact on the country and its people. If a man was drafted between 1965 and 1973, it meant that he was required to serve in the military. The consequences of being drafted during this period were significant, and many men were affected by the experience. The draft had a significant impact on American society, particularly during the Vietnam War era, and it contributed to the growing unpopularity of the war.

Selective Service System. (n.d.). History of the Selective Service System. Retrieved from https://www.sss.gov/history/
National Archives. (n.d.). The Vietnam War. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war
PBS. (n.d.). The Vietnam War. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vietnam-draft/
The Vietnam War Draft: A Q&A Guide

The Vietnam War draft was a system of conscription that required young men to serve in the military. The draft was a major issue in American politics during the 1960s and 1970s, and it had a profound impact on the country and its people. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Vietnam War draft.

Q: What was the Vietnam War draft?

A: The Vietnam War draft was a system of conscription that required young men to serve in the military. The draft was administered by the Selective Service System, which was responsible for registering eligible men and assigning them to military service.

Q: Who was eligible for the draft?

A: All male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 were eligible for the draft. However, some men were exempt from service due to medical or educational reasons.

Q: How did the draft lottery work?

A: The draft lottery was a system of random selection that was used to determine who would be drafted. The lottery was based on a person's birthdate, with those born on certain dates being exempt from service.

Q: What were the consequences of being drafted?

A: The consequences of being drafted were significant. Men who were drafted were required to serve in the military for a period of time, which could range from one to three years. They were also at risk of injury or death while serving in the military, and they may have experienced emotional trauma as a result of their experience.

Q: How did the draft impact American society?

A: The draft had a significant impact on American society, particularly during the Vietnam War era. The draft led to widespread protests and demonstrations against the war, and it contributed to social unrest in the United States. Many young people were opposed to the war and the draft, and they were willing to take risks to express their opposition.

Q: When did the draft end?

A: The draft ended in 1973, when the United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War. The military began to rely on an all-volunteer force, and the draft was no longer necessary.

Q: What were some of the most notable draft-related events?

A: Some of the most notable draft-related events include:

The 1967 March on the Pentagon: This was a major anti-war protest that took place in Washington, D.C. in 1967. The protest was organized by the Student Mobilization Committee, and it drew thousands of participants.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: This was a major anti-war protest that took place in Chicago in 1968. The protest was organized by the Youth International Party, and it drew thousands of participants.
The 1970 Kent State shootings: This was a tragic event in which four students were killed by National Guardsmen during a protest against the war. The shootings were a major turning point in the anti-war movement.

Q: How did the draft impact the lives of those who were drafted?

A: The draft had a significant impact on the lives of those who were drafted. Many men who were drafted experienced emotional trauma as a result of their experience, and they may have struggled with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The draft also had a significant impact on the education and career opportunities of those who were drafted, as many men were forced to leave college or their jobs to serve in the military.

The Vietnam War draft was a significant event in American history, and it had a profound impact on the country and its people. The draft was a major issue in American politics during the 1960s and 1970s, and it contributed to the growing unpopularity of the war. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the Vietnam War draft, and we have provided a brief overview of the history and impact of the draft.