The Burden of the Draft: The Vietnam Years

Abstract

This study explores the draft during the Vietnam era. Using a natronal longitudinal sample of young men who were draft vulnerable over the period, it estimates rhe likelihood of being drafted for whites and blacks. Unlike other studies, it uses pre-service traits in the analysis. The burden of the draft did not fall evenly upon young men ojtheperiod. Individuals who unfortunately possessed combinations of draft vulnerable personal characteristics-fsr example, black high school graduates-paid a higher than avergge price. The strength of the draft pressure variable, however, demonstrates the overriding importance of military demand. Men who were draft eligible during periods of high draft calls were least able to use the many deferment avenues. Hence, the fortunes of war or the luck of the draw was an important f~ctor In determining who was drafted. The spectre of the draft once again hangs over young men 19 and 20 years of age. Indeed, with the advent of draft registration in the summer (of 1980, the possibility of a return to conscription seems closer than at any time in the last 8 years. Not since the Selective Service System was dismantled and the All Volunteer Forces (AVF) established has the issue of conscription been so debated. President Carter raspanded to the Afghanistan Crisis by renewing draft registration. After heated debate, Congress agreed to fund registration for men only. Debate over the draf is not new. During the late 15160's, social scientists joined other groups advocating an end lo the draft. The political decision to end the draft was based in part upon the analysis of social scientists. This paper reviews the equity arg~tments surroundir~g conscripti~~n. In addition, the likelihood of a yaeang man being drafted is empir~cally tested. The results of this study should provide new insight lox the current debate. CONS@RI[PTkOPd AND THE BABY BOOM Young rnen of the Vietnam era were born and reached maturity during a period characterized by ini-ernational crisis (WW 11, Korea, Berlin, Cuba). The