Vietnam War Draft Birthdays

Vietnam War Draft and Its Impact on Birthdays

The Vietnam War draft, officially known as the Selective Service System, was a controversial topic in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The draft was a system that required male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for military service. The draft played a significant role in shaping the lives of many young Americans, including their birthdays. In this article, we will explore the Vietnam War draft and its impact on birthdays.

How the Draft Worked

The draft was based on a lottery system, where birthdays were used to determine the order in which men were called to serve. The system was designed to ensure that the draft was fair and unbiased. On December 1, 1969, the first lottery drawing was held, and 366 possible birthdays (including February 29) were randomly assigned a number from 1 to 366. Men with birthdays corresponding to the lower numbers were called to serve first. This system was used until 1973, when the United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War.

Impact on Birthdays

The draft had a significant impact on birthdays, especially for those born on certain days. Men with low-numbered birthdays were more likely to be called to serve, while those with high-numbered birthdays were less likely to be drafted. This led to a sense of uncertainty and anxiety for many young Americans, who worried about their chances of being drafted based on their birthday. Some men even celebrated their birthdays with a mix of emotions, knowing that their special day could also determine their fate in the war.

Lottery Results

The lottery results were widely publicized, and men could check their draft number based on their birthday. The results were as follows:

Birthday	Draft Number
January 1	305
February 28	137
March 12	66
April 24	214
May 15	98
June 18	176
July 20	245
August 12	56
September 15	121
October 28	193
November 22	161
December 25	354

Consequences of the Draft

The draft had significant consequences for many young Americans. Some avoided the draft by attending college, joining the National Guard, or fleeing to Canada. Others protested the war and the draft, leading to widespread anti-war movements. The draft also had a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities, who were more likely to be drafted and serve in combat.

💡 Note: The draft was eventually ended in 1973, and the United States transitioned to an all-volunteer military. The impact of the draft on birthdays and the lives of young Americans during the Vietnam War era remains a significant and controversial topic.

As we look back on the Vietnam War draft and its impact on birthdays, it is clear that the experience had a profound effect on many young Americans. The draft led to a sense of uncertainty and anxiety for those who were eligible to serve, and it had a lasting impact on the lives of those who were called to serve. The legacy of the draft continues to be felt today, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and society.