What was the length of enlistment during Vietnam War?

Answer 1

USAF, USN, USCG, normally wanted 3 o 4 yrs out of a man; the USMC & USA settled for a minimum of a 2 yr enlistment. Draftees did 2 yrs; USA or USMC. Men sent to Vietnam did 12 months...their trng was roughly 6 months, thus they did 18 months out of 24 months with a very good chance of an early out (if "Nam" time) at 18 months (instead of the full 24 months active duty).

Bottom line: a drafted man did 24 months active duty; if he went to "Nam", he might only do 18 months active duty.

Men could volunteer for 2 yrs. But they got what the army gave them (infantry!). If he volunteered for 3 or more yrs he got to choose his MOS school (he was not guaranteed the Job...ONLY THE SCHOOL). Another words, if a man chose tanks, then he was guaranteed tank school (armor school), after he graduated he could still be sent to the infantry, etc.

Answer 2

The draft lasted for approximately 4 years - "Draft Lottery"

The "draft number" you received here would have been your actual draft number only if you were eligible for the December 1, 1969 lottery -- which was held for young men born between January 1, 1944 and December 31, 1950. Your birth date would have yielded a different draft number in subsequent lotteries held for anyone born after 1950. These were conducted yearly until 1973, when the draft ended and the United States converted to an all-volunteer military.

Ref: http://www.CNN.com/SPECIALS/cold.war/episodes/13/the.draft/

The DRAFT and conscription was in place for the entire Vietnam War. What you are referring to is the "LOTTERY" system for the 4 years.

Answer 3

Draftees served 24 months in the military (2 years). They didn't have to go to Vietnam, they went everywhere; around the world in the US Navy; Europe; Alaska; South Korea, where ever US forces went, they were filled with draftees or DRAFT INDUCED volunteers.

When draftees went to Vietnam they often only served 18 months in the US Army; 6 months for training, 12 months in South Vietnam. Then they discharged (ETS'd). Uncle Sam was giving them a break, with an early out.