Understanding Vietnam War Draft Realities

The question of whether anyone was drafted for four years during the Vietnam War has been a topic of interest among historians and veterans alike. This article aims to clarify the various service obligations of draftees and volunteers during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam era, providing a comprehensive understanding of this complex period in American military history.

Service Obligations for Draftees

During the Vietnam War, the legal requirement for inducted individuals was a forty-eight-month service obligation. This obligation was split into two years of active duty and two years of reserve service, with an additional two years of inactive reserve service. The Service Act of 1940, as amended in 1951, established this requirement, which was later enforced by 50 U.S.C. §3803b. Each person inducted into the Armed Forces was required to serve on active training and service for a period of twenty-four consecutive months, followed by an additional period of reserve duty that could last up to a total of four years.

The Reality of Early Discharge

During the height of the conflict, the military began reducing its active forces due to the winding down of the war under President Nixon's policy of Vietnamization. As a result, many draftees were able to receive early discharges. One such example is a fellow drafted in 1969, who served a total of 18 months and 7 days before being discharged after 10 months and 21 days in Vietnam. This individual had to inform the Army about his whereabouts in case of a reserve unit's activation, though he never heard from them again. He believed that should a reserve unit be activated, he would be required to serve the additional two years.

Variations in Service Types

Some individuals chose to enlist for four years of service, often in branches of the military where they were unlikely to see combat. This decision often aligns with a sense of honor and patriotism, even if the war was seen as a mistake. Unlike drafted individuals, those who enlisted for four years had no additional reserve or inactive duty obligations beyond their initial service commitment. On the other hand, volunteers who enlisted for two years faced similar reserve and inactive duty commitments as drafted individuals.

Rare Cases of Volunteering for Draft

Interestingly, some draftees voluntarily chose to serve due to a desire to avoid conscription and have a better chance of selecting their military occupational specialty (MOS) and the timing of their induction. These individuals not only served their two years of active duty but also faced subsequent years of reserve and inactive reserve obligations.

Leadership’s Perspective: Draftees in the Combat Zone

From a leadership standpoint, many of the finest combat soldiers in Vietnam were indeed draftees. As a NCO and officer leader in the Infantry, the author witnessed firsthand the dedication and valor displayed by these individuals. Despite the paperwork and drill that initially brought them to Vietnam, they fought with distinction. The author recalls being present for every year from 1965 to 1973, observing the prowess of these draftees in the face of combat.

In conclusion, the Vietnam War draft involved complex service obligations that varied based on the individual's enlistment or draft status. Understanding these nuances is crucial for grasping the broader picture of military service during this significant period in American history.