The Draft for the Vietnam War
For more than 50 years, Selective Service and the registration requirement forAmerica's young men have served
as a backup system to provide manpower to the U.S. Armed Forces. From 1948 until 1973, during both peacetime and periods of conflict, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the armed forces which could not be filled through voluntary means.
About 60% of elgible men escaped military service during the Vietnam era
as a backup system to provide manpower to the U.S. Armed Forces. From 1948 until 1973, during both peacetime and periods of conflict, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the armed forces which could not be filled through voluntary means.
About 60% of elgible men escaped military service during the Vietnam era
February 18, 1970
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May 20, 1970
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December 1, 1969 marked the date of the first draft lottery held since 1942. This drawing determined the order of induction for men born between January 1, 1944 and December 31, 1950. A large glass container held 366 blue
plastic balls containing every possible birth date and affecting men between 18 and 26 years old.
plastic balls containing every possible birth date and affecting men between 18 and 26 years old.
This is what a draft card looked like and was given after you had gone through and passed your physical examiniation.