Vance Plan

The Vance Plan, proposed by then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Harold Vance in 1970, aimed to reform the military draft in the United States during the Vietnam War. It sought to replace the traditional draft with a system that encouraged voluntary enlistment, enhancing recruitment by offering incentives, educational benefits, and improved training. The plan emphasized a more professional military force while addressing public concerns about fairness and the draft's impact. Ultimately, it contributed to the transition from a conscription system to an all-volunteer military, which has shaped U.S. defense policy in the years since.