How were people chosen for the draft?

The Draft Lottery: A Tale of Fortune and Fate in the Vietnam War

In the annals of American history, the Vietnam War stands as a divisive conflict that tested the nation’s resolve and left an enduring mark on its citizenry. Among the most controversial aspects of the war was the draft, a system that conscripted millions of young men into military service.

Unlike previous wars, the Vietnam War draft employed a unique and groundbreaking method of selection: a randomized lottery. Designed to ensure fairness and impartiality, the lottery employed a simple yet ingenious mechanism.

On December 1, 1969, a transparent lottery capsule filled with 366 slips of paper, each bearing a birthdate ranging from January 1 to December 31, was prepared. The capsule was shaken vigorously, and one by one, the slips were drawn and numbered in ascending order.

The fate of each eligible young man in the United States hung in the balance. The number drawn determined the order in which they would be called to serve. Those with the lowest numbers bore the highest risk of being drafted, while those with higher numbers breathed a temporary sigh of relief.

The lottery system aimed to eliminate bias or favoritism and provide equal opportunity for all. It replaced the previous system, which had been criticized for granting deferments to college students and other privileged individuals.

However, the randomness of the lottery also introduced an element of uncertainty and anxiety. The fate of an individual’s military service became a matter of chance, a roll of the dice. Some were relieved to have escaped the clutches of the draft, while others faced the grim reality of being called to a distant and dangerous war.

The exact percentage of eligible individuals drafted during the Vietnam era is a subject of debate. Estimates range from 10% to 20%, depending on the year and other factors. Regardless of the precise number, the lottery system had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans.

It forced them to confront the harsh reality of war and the sacrifices that come with it. For those who served, the draft lottery was a life-altering experience that shaped their destiny. For those who were spared, it was a reminder of the randomness of fate and the fragility of human life.

Today, the Vietnam War draft lottery remains a testament to the complexities of war and the human experience. It stands as a reminder of the power of chance, the enduring legacy of conflict, and the sacrifices that ordinary people are called upon to make in extraordinary times.