2003 Year in Review

Selective Service System

Before the Iraq War started, I was struck by something someone said, “I was about 13 years old when the Vietnam War began in 1963. About the same age as your son.” And he was part of the 1971 draft lottery.

I remember those times, but many alive today were too young or not yet born. I’ve heard several people recently wonder when the draft ended and it made me wonder when and why it began, and how long it lasted. But I fear if this war continues, it will begin again.

During World War I, 2.8 million men were drafted from 1917-18 and over 10 million men during World War II from 1940-46.

The Selective Training Service Act of 1940, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt started the Selective Service System and the first peacetime draft. The purpose of the draft was to fill vacancies in the armed forces, which were not filled by volunteers. In 1973 the draft ended and the military went to an all-volunteer military. Then in 1975, registration ended also. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1980, President Carter resumed registration of males 18-25 years old, which has continued through today. From 1940 to 1973 there was only one year where no one was drafted, it was in 1947 after World War II.

Changes have been made since Vietnam in the draft and registration. Before Vietnam, all males 18-1/2 to 25 years old registered and those with a 1-A classification were called up, starting with the oldest first. If the draft would be reinstated, males turning 20 years of age in that calendar year would have a 1-year priority then the priority would diminish with each following year. Full time students would have had deferment during the Vietnam War. Under the current law they would leave college at the end of the semester if called upon and a seniors at the end of their academic year.

On December 1, 1969 the lottery began for the Vietnam War. 366 blue plastic capsules with each day of the year were pulled out one by one and given an order. Anyone born from 1944-50 was included in the first lottery and would be called up the following year, 1970. This would end the oldest man first and the draft would be birthday driven. Radios, film, and television covered the first lottery since 1942. The highest number called to military service of this group was 195. The first number chosen was September 14; so all men born on that day between 1944-50 would be given the lottery number 1.

Those of us that remember that time, sympathized with the young men watching each capsule being pulled out, praying it would not be their birth date. Throughout the years of the lottery, everyone knew each other’s “number”.

The second lottery occurred on July 1, 1971 for those born in 1951. The highest number called in this group was 125. Then again on August 5 of the same year for those born in 1952. 125 was the highest number called to service. The last lottery for those born in 1953, occurred on February 2, 1972 but no men were called up from this lottery.

Someone told me because my son was the “only son” he wouldn’t be drafted but it’s not true. He must be the survivor of one who was killed in military service to be exempted. This would apply to all family members that had someone killed in military service. But this is only a peacetime rule and doesn’t apply to wartime.

I hope this explains how the draft works and if you have more questions, need to register, or want to see more facts visit:
Selective Service System

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
November 13, 2003