6. America Needs YOU!

Contrary to popular belief, the composition of US forces in the Vietnam War was not predominantly draftees. In an interesting twist to the narrative, nearly 70% of service members during this period were actually volunteers. This statistic challenges the widespread assumption that the majority were compelled into service through the draft.

The high volunteer rate reflects a complex mix of patriotism, personal motives, and societal pressures of the time. Understanding this facet of the war provides a more nuanced view of the American military presence in Vietnam, highlighting the varied motivations behind the men who served during one of the most turbulent eras in recent history.