What was the Draft in the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam War was a tumultuous period in American history, marked by protests, assassinations, and social unrest. One of the most controversial aspects of the war was the draft, which forced millions of young American men to serve in the military. In this article, we will delve into the history of the draft during the Vietnam War, its impact on society, and the consequences of this policy.
What was the Draft?
The draft, also known as conscription, was a system in which the government forced citizens to serve in the military. During the Vietnam War, the draft was used to supplement the military’s manpower needs, as the United States was engaged in a protracted and bloody conflict in Southeast Asia.
How did the Draft work?
The draft worked as follows:
- Selective Service System: The United States had a selective service system, which required all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 to register with the government.
- Lottery System: When a draft was declared, a lottery system was used to randomly select men for military service. The lottery was based on a computer-generated random number, which was used to determine the order in which men would be called to serve.
- Classification: Men who were selected for the draft were classified into different categories, including:
- 1-A: Eligible for military service
- 1-A-O: Eligible for military service, but exempt from service due to physical or mental disability
- 4-F: Not eligible for military service due to physical or mental disability
- Alternative Service: Men who were classified as 1-A-O or 4-F could opt for alternative service, such as working in a hospital or performing alternative military service.
The Impact of the Draft on Society
The draft had a significant impact on society during the Vietnam War. Some of the key consequences include:
- Social Unrest: The draft led to widespread protests and social unrest, as many young men felt that the war was unjust and that they were being forced to serve against their will.
- College Draft: The draft led to the creation of the "college draft," in which students who were attending college were exempt from the draft, leading to a wave of students fleeing to Canada and other countries to avoid military service.
- Civil Rights Movement: The draft also had an impact on the Civil Rights Movement, as many African American men were disproportionately affected by the draft, leading to allegations of racial bias.
- Economic Consequences: The draft had significant economic consequences, as men who were drafted left their jobs and families, leading to a shortage of labor and economic instability.
The Consequences of the Draft
The draft had significant consequences for the individuals who were drafted, including:
- Military Service: Men who were drafted were forced to serve in the military, often for extended periods of time, and were exposed to the dangers and horrors of war.
- Emotional Trauma: Many men who were drafted experienced emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Impact on Families: The draft had a significant impact on families, as men were forced to leave their loved ones behind and risked being injured or killed in combat.
Table: Statistics on the Draft
| Category | Number of Men Affected |
|---|---|
| Total Men Drafted | 2,215,000 |
| Men Classified as 1-A | 1,875,000 |
| Men Classified as 1-A-O | 330,000 |
| Men Classified as 4-F | 10,000 |
| Men Who Fled to Canada | 50,000-100,000 |
Conclusion
The draft was a contentious and controversial aspect of the Vietnam War, with significant social, economic, and emotional consequences. While the draft was intended to ensure that the military had sufficient manpower to fight the war, it ultimately led to widespread protests, social unrest, and a sense of disillusionment among many Americans. Today, the legacy of the draft continues to shape our understanding of the Vietnam War and its impact on American society.
