Introduction
Hi readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on "What Birthdays Were Drafted in Vietnam?" This article will take you through the intricate details of the draft system during the Vietnam War, providing valuable insights into how birthdays played a crucial role in determining who served.
As the Vietnam War intensified, the United States government implemented a draft system to mobilize young men into military service. This system was based on a birth lottery system, where potential draftees were assigned a lottery number based on their date of birth. Certain birthdays were more likely to be drafted than others, as we’ll explore further in this article.
Lottery System and Birthdays
How It Worked
The birth lottery system was designed to ensure fairness and randomness in selecting draftees. Each year, a random day and month were drawn, and the corresponding lottery number was assigned to all men born on that day throughout the year. For example, if March 15 was drawn, anyone born on March 15 of any year would have the same lottery number.
Birthdays and Draft Eligibility
The lottery number determined a person’s draft eligibility. Draftees were typically selected in the order of their lottery numbers, starting with the lowest numbers. If a person’s lottery number was called, they were considered eligible for induction into the military unless they had a valid exemption or deferment.
Factors Affecting Draft Selection
Age
The draft system primarily targeted men aged 18 to 26. However, certain exceptions and exemptions were made for older and younger individuals.
Medical Conditions
Men with severe medical conditions or disabilities were typically exempt from the draft. Medical screenings were conducted at various stages of the induction process to determine eligibility.
Student Status
Full-time students in college or graduate programs were generally granted student deferments to allow them to complete their education before being inducted into the military.
Family Status
Fathers of dependent children were usually eligible for deferments or exemptions from the draft.
Table: Birthdays Drafted in Vietnam
| Year | Lottery Number Range |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 1-195 |
| 1966 | 1-366 |
| 1967 | 1-365 |
| 1968 | 1-366 |
| 1969 | 1-195 |
| 1970 | 1-365 |
| 1971 | 1-195 |
Conclusion
The Vietnam War draft system was a multifaceted and controversial topic that left a lasting impact on American society. The birth lottery system used to select draftees led to a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among young men and their families. By understanding the factors that affected draft eligibility, including birthdays, we can better comprehend the complexities of this historical period.
If you’re interested in further exploring this topic, here are some articles you might find informative:
- The Vietnam War Draft Lottery: A Historical Perspective
- Vietnam Draft Lottery: What Birthdays Were Drafted?
- The Draft and the Vietnam War
FAQ about Birthdays Drafted in Vietnam
What were the birthdates of those drafted in the Vietnam War?
Answer: Men born between January 1, 1944, and December 31, 1950, were eligible for the draft during the Vietnam War.
What was the draft lottery?
Answer: The draft lottery was a random lottery held on December 1, 1969, to determine the order in which men would be drafted. Each day of the year was assigned a lottery number. The order of the lottery numbers was selected randomly. Men with lower lottery numbers were more likely to be drafted.
What was the Selective Service System?
Answer: The Selective Service System is a government agency that maintains a list of all men who are eligible for the draft. It also conducts the draft lottery.
What were the different classes of draft status?
Answer: There were five different classes of draft status: 1-A (eligible for the draft), 1-Y (postponed for medical reasons), 1-S (postponed for student reasons), 1-C (postponed for other reasons), and 4-F (unfit for military service).
What were the penalties for dodging the draft?
Answer: The penalties for dodging the draft could be severe, including imprisonment.
How many men were drafted during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Approximately 2.7 million men were drafted during the Vietnam War.
What percentage of men who were drafted served in Vietnam?
Answer: Approximately 70% of men who were drafted served in Vietnam.
What was the average age of men who served in Vietnam?
Answer: The average age of men who served in Vietnam was 22.5 years old.
What was the cost of the Vietnam War?
Answer: The cost of the Vietnam War is estimated to be between $168 billion and $250 billion.
What was the impact of the Vietnam War on the United States?
Answer: The Vietnam War had a profound impact on the United States, both domestically and internationally. It led to social unrest, a loss of trust in the government, and a reassessment of American foreign policy.
