Two-thirds of American soldiers in the Vietnam War were volunteers, while the rest were forced into service through drafts. In the draft system, the names of all eligible men were collected by the Selective Service System, and young men who were chosen reported to localized draft boards for evaluation. Under certain circumstances, men could be granted deferments, or a postponement of conscription. Common reasons for deferments included physical problems, a need to support a family, or enrollment in college. Some Americans fled to Canada avoiding the drafts, and became known as "draft dodgers".
Draft dodging increased as the war progressed and the draft continued to face criticism. Many students burnt their draft cards in 1964. As draft resistance reached its peak in the early 1970s, the number of legal cases against draft dodgers reached 200,600. Additionally, men who had left the country to evade the draft faced forced military service or imprisonment. Draft dodgers were still prosecuted after the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, but President Gerald Ford granted a conditional amnesty in 1974 requiring draft dodgers to serve from 6 to 24 months. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter gave a full pardon to any draft dodger requesting one.
Draft dodging increased as the war progressed and the draft continued to face criticism. Many students burnt their draft cards in 1964. As draft resistance reached its peak in the early 1970s, the number of legal cases against draft dodgers reached 200,600. Additionally, men who had left the country to evade the draft faced forced military service or imprisonment. Draft dodgers were still prosecuted after the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, but President Gerald Ford granted a conditional amnesty in 1974 requiring draft dodgers to serve from 6 to 24 months. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter gave a full pardon to any draft dodger requesting one.
Treatment of vietnam veterans
American soldiers were severely mistreated upon their return from war. Demonstrators often spit on returning soldiers and taunted them, and the American public tried to forget Vietnam veterans. Nearly 150,000 Vietnam veterans returned wounded or amputated, and 21,000 were permanently disabled. 700,000 veterans suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the poor, working-class soldiers could not afford necessary help. Vietnam veterans received $200 per month, which was a substantial decrease in compensation rates from World War II. 250,000 returning veterans could not find work at home, and many turned to crime. After 10 years, 25 percent of Vietnam veterans were arrested with criminal charges. Over 100,000 Vietnam veterans committed suicide due to the haunting memories of their experiences. Public opinion of Vietnam veterans changed in the 1980s, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built in 1982 to commemorate the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.