What was the legal age of enlistment during the Vietnam War?

What was the legal age of enlistment during the Vietnam War?

But by November 1942, with the United States now a participant in the war, and not merely a neutral bystander, the draft ages had to be expanded; men 18 to 37 were now eligible.

Did high school students get drafted to Vietnam?

Of those, 1.8 million men were drafted, but not all went to Vietnam. A high school student could defer being drafted until he graduated or reached the age of 20, whichever came first. A college student could defer the draft on a year-to-year basis provided he made satisfactory academic progress.

Who was eligible for the Vietnam draft?

It required all men between the ages of 18 to 64 to register with the Selective Service. It originally conscripted all men aged 21 to 35 for a service period of 12 months. 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.

Can a 17 year old get drafted to war?

The Selective Service System is an agency of the U.S. Government that helps keep track of all males between ages 18 and 25 who are eligible for military conscription—aka the draft. And it’s illegal not to register.

How long did draftees serve in Vietnam?

More than anything else, it was the Vietnam War that ended the draft. Inductions had fallen to 82,060 in 1962, but then soared to 382,010 in 1966. As draft calls increased, so did the probability that draftees would be sent to combat. Anti-draft sentiment grew, both among military age men and in the public at large.

At what age are you too old to be drafted?

Present – The U.S. currently operates under an all-volunteer armed forces policy. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the draft and are liable for training and service until the age of 35.

Was there a Vietnam draft before 1969?

Lottery changes The lottery changed the way men were drafted in two ways: The lottery altered the dates year to year. Also, prior to 1969, older men — those closer to age 26 — were more likely to be drafted. The last draft call took place in December 1972. U.S. troop involvement in Vietnam ended Aug.

What birthdays were chosen for the Vietnam draft?

On December 1, 1969, the Selective Service System of the United States conducted two lotteries to determine the order of call to military service in the Vietnam War in the year 1970, for men born from January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1950.

What age can you no longer be drafted?

Men 26 and Older. According to law, a man must register with Selective Service within 30 days of his 18th birthday. Selective Service accepts late registrations up until a man reaches his 26th birthday.

Was the Vietnam draft fair?

The draft for the Vietnam War brought with it anxiety and anger to many American households. The draft was viewed as unequal because the working class man’s only choice was to go to war, while the wealthy men would go to college or enlist in the National Guard.

What birthdays were picked for the Vietnam draft?

What was minimum draft age during Vietnam War?

The act established a “liability for military service of all male citizens”; authorized a selective draft of all those between 21 and 31 years of age (later from 18 to 45); and prohibited all forms of bounties, substitutions, or purchase of exemptions. Administration was entrusted to local boards composed of leading civilians in each community.

What was the cut off age for the Vietnam draft?

The last military draft in the United States occurred during the Vietnam War. However, men must still register for the draft even when the country is not at war. Twenty-six years is the cutoff age. Who Has to Register. Men between the ages of 18 and 25, inclusive, must register for the draft.

What was the last year of the draft for the Vietnam War?

Updated October 29, 2018. The last time the United States utilized the draft was on December 7, 1972, during the Vietnam War.

What were the draft dates for Vietnam War?

Draft lottery (1969) On December 1, 1969 the Selective Service System of the United States conducted two lotteries to determine the order of call to military service in the Vietnam War for men born from January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1950. These lotteries occurred during a period of conscription in the United States…