How did people react to the Vietnam War draft?

Opposition to the draft during Vietnam was widespread, with some personally opposed to forced military service, some opposed to the war as a whole as illegitimate and immoral, and some opposed to the system of deferments which led to a disproportionately working class force in Vietnam— as many as three quarters of …

Did 18 year olds get drafted in Vietnam?

Before the lottery was implemented in the latter part of the Vietnam conflict, there was no system in place to determine order of call besides the fact that men between the ages of 18 and 26 were vulnerable to being drafted. Local boards called men classified 1-A, 18-1/2 through 25 years old, oldest first.

When did the draft age changed to 18?

1940 to 1947 In 1941 the military service period was extended to 18 months; later that year the age bracket was increased to include men aged 18 to 37.

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.

Does the draft still exist in 2020?

The Selective Service System is a direct result of the Selective Service Act of 1917. Although the draft doesn’t exist in 2020, all men, whether U.S. citizens or immigrants, between the ages of 18 to 26 are required to register with the Selective Service System.

How did the military draft affect the Vietnam War?

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.

What happened to draft dodgers after the Vietnam War?

Those who had practiced draft invasion by flying abroad faced forced military service or imprisonment if they went back home. Although draft dodgers were still prosecuted after the end of U.S. direct involvement in Vietnam, in September 1974 President Gerald Ford granted a conditional amnesty that required them to be of service from 6 to 24 months.

How do I find out if I was drafted into Vietnam?

Simply enter your birth month and day to find out if you would have been drafted for wartime service in Vietnam. Check Out USAToday’s Draft Number Calculator. The calculator, of course, does not use your birth year because many of us were born well after the Vietnam War.

How did young men avoid military service during the Vietnam War?

As American troop strength in Vietnam shot up, more young men of call-up age sought to avoid or delay their military service and there were some legal ways to do that. Men who had physical or mental problems, were married, with children, attending college or needed at home to support their families might be granted deferments.