The Lottery System of the Vietnam Draft: Birthdays and Its Impact
The Vietnam War draft utilized a unique lottery system to determine the order in which men were called for military service. This system aimed to be fair and equitable, addressing the subjectivity in previous selection methods. In this article, we will delve into the details of how the lottery system worked, significant birthdays in the draft, and the historical context of the Vietnam War.
The Mechanism of the Lottery System
The first draft lottery took place on December 1, 1969. The process involved assigning the days of the year numbers from 1 to 365. A drum was used to draw these numbers randomly, with the birthdates corresponding to the lowest numbers being called first. For example, a birthdate assigned the number 1 would have the highest priority for being drafted, while a date assigned 365 would have the lowest.
Significance of Birthdays in the Lottery
Specific birthdays played a crucial role in determining draft order. The first few drawn in the initial lottery of December 1969 included January 9, February 14, and March 26. These dates were significant as they determined the earliest order of individuals to be called for service. The lottery system was a key component of the overall draft process during the Vietnam War, reflecting the contentious nature of the conflict and the issue of mandatory military service.
Personal Reflections on the Draft
Looking back, I remember being 19 years old when the draft lottery was implemented. I was born on May 24, 1945, and turned 18 in 1963. At that time, young men had to register for the draft at 18 and could be drafted from the age of 18 through 26. Deferrals were granted for various medical and other conditions. However, the system of the draft was significantly changed to a lottery system in December 1969, just as the Vietnam War intensified.
Key Dates and Context
The draft through the lottery system continued until conscription, or the "draft," was abolished in early 1973. During the Nixon administration from 1969 to 1972, the system was further refined, with the first lottery picks not reporting until early 1970. It is important to note that this draft system only applied to men born between 1944 and 1950, as those were the ages eligible for the draft during the Vietnam War.
Enlistment and Deferments
Enlistment in the military was not limited to the age of 18. Volunteers had to meet certain criteria, including being a high school graduate or having a GED. With parental permission, individuals could enlist at 17. Interestingly, many people altered their birth certificates to enlist at younger ages. The youngest known soldier to be killed in Vietnam was only 15 years old.
For a comprehensive look at the Vietnam War draft and its impacts, I would recommend reading a detailed analysis or a comprehensive history of the conflict. These sources often provide a wealth of interesting statistics and personal stories that shed light on this tumultuous period in American history.
Understanding the lottery system of the Vietnam draft helps us appreciate the complexities and challenges faced by young men during this time. The system aimed to minimize arbitrary selection, but it still had a profound impact on many individuals and families.
If you are interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, the draft system, or the lottery process, there are numerous resources available. Exploring these can provide a deeper understanding of this significant period in American history.