The document discusses the history of the military draft in the United States during the Vietnam War era. It describes how the draft lottery system worked, with 366 capsules containing birthdates being drawn randomly on television to determine the order men would be drafted. Over 850,000 men were affected by the 1970 lottery that determined the draft order for those who would turn 20 that year. While some dodged the draft, others registered as conscientious objectors. The military draft ended in 1973 under President Nixon, but the Selective Service system remains in place in case a draft is reinstated.

1. The Military Draft Lottery In the Vietnam Era

2. Objectives Identify Characteristics of the Vietnam Era Draft Develop an opinion about the legitimacy of a selective service draft Use Primary sources to begin to understand what the war was like for soldiers

3. Where are the Troops Coming From? Enlisting or Draft Tradition of Service in America Enlisting 18-35 yrs old (17 with consent) Learn a trade, get away from home, prove yourself, poor-self advancement

4. A Little Draft History Selective Service Act of 1940 First peace-time draft in U.S. Men ages 21-35 After Pearl Harbor 18-65 had to register but 18-45 were liable for service

5. Draft Classifications 1A – Ready to go, First in Line Others

6. Draft During WWII and Korean War WWII - Over 10 million men inducted 1948 – new Selective Service Act (ages 19-26) The 1948 law was the law that defined Vietnam draft. During the 50’s and early 60’s men were being drafted on a ranked order 1950-1953 – 1.5 Million men

7. Draft Lottery for Vietnam December 1, 1969 – First lottery since 1942 Determined call order for 1970 Based on birthdays for men who would be ages 20 through 26 in 1970 (1944-1950) Draft Video

8. Vietnam Lottery 366 Blue Capsules Radio, TV, and Film Coverage September 14th and June 8th 850,000 men were affected First year, they called 195 Numbers 1970 Lottery for men who would be 20 Find your own Draft Number Activity

9. Conscription by the Numbers

10. More Numbers

11. Draft Dodging Many people unhappy about the draft College deferments, medical conditions, fake? Draft was unfair for the less wealthy? 100,000 people avoided the draft 50,000-70,000 to Canada The Things They Carried

12. Not Quite Draft Dodging Conscientious Objectors “Nothing contained in this Act shall be constructed to require any person to be subject to combatant training and service in the land and naval forces of the United States who, by reason of religious training and belief, is conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.” “Any such person claiming such exemption from combatant training and service because of such conscientious objections whose claim is sustained by the local draft board shall, if he is inducted into the land or naval forces under this Act, be assigned to noncombatant service as defined by the President, or shall if he is found to be conscientiously opposed to participation in such noncombatant service, in lieu of such induction, be assigned to work of national importance under civilian direction.”

13. End of Conscription Nixon wanted All-Volunteer Army Did he bow to pressure? Conscription ends July 1, 1973 Registration was suspended in 1975

14. Selective Service Today Selective Service Still Exists Within 30 days of turning 18 Felony, 5 years in jail or $25,000 fine 91 % of American men aged 18-25 are registered 96% of Draft Eligible men (20-25) are registered Selective Service has 14 million names and addresses on file of 18-25 year olds.

15. Selective Service Today No one has been drafted since 1973 “Contingency Plan” http://www.sss.gov/