Finding Your Vietnam Draft Number
The Vietnam War Draft Lottery, officially known as the "Random Selection Process for Military Service", was a complex system used to determine which young men would be called up for military service. If you were born between 1944 and 1954, you may have wondered what your draft number was.
Here's what you need to know about finding your Vietnam draft number:
1. Understanding the Lottery:
- The lottery was held on December 1, 1969, and assigned numbers to birthdays, starting with January 1st.
- Lower numbers meant a higher chance of being drafted.
- Numbers 1-195 were selected in 1970.
- Numbers 196-359 were selected in 1971.
- Numbers 360-366 were selected in 1972.
2. Finding Your Number:
- Official Records: You can request your Selective Service System records by filling out a form on the Selective Service System website. This may include your draft number.
- Newspapers and Archives: Some newspapers published lists of draft numbers in 1969 and 1970. You can search archives for your local paper.
- Online Databases: While there are some online resources claiming to have draft number information, their accuracy is questionable.
- Family Records: If you have old family documents, such as letters or military records, you might find your draft number there.
3. Additional Information:
- Not Everyone Received a Number: The draft lottery only applied to men born between 1944 and 1954.
- Factors Affecting Draft Status: Even if you had a low draft number, other factors, such as health conditions or educational deferments, could have impacted your actual draft status.
Remember: Finding your Vietnam draft number might not be easy, but these resources can help you start your search.
It's important to note that the draft lottery was a highly controversial event, and its impact continues to be debated.