Vietnam Era Draft

The Vietnam Era Draft was a system used by the U.S. government to conscript young men into military service during the Vietnam War (roughly 1955–1975). Men aged 18-26 were randomly selected through a lottery based on their birth dates and could be called to serve unless they qualified for exemptions or deferments, such as for education or health reasons. The draft was highly controversial, sparking protests and societal debate about military obligation and individual rights. It ended in 1973 when the U.S. transitioned to an all-volunteer military force.