Replies

As I recall, the draft effectively ended in 1971, even though the all-volunteer force was not officially in place until 1973. With the draw down in Vietnam, fewer military were needed and volunteers were sufficient after 1971 to fill the remaining slots.

With the draw down in Vietnam, fewer military were needed and volunteers were sufficient after 1971 to fill the remaining slots.

...Don’t think so. I had a 4S until graduating in June ‘72 and had a draft notice coming in August ‘72. Enlisted instead for duty choice. But the Draft Boards were still active and selecting.

ymmv

Intentionally deceptive article. Jebby was born in 1953, thus, his lottery number was from the fourth lottery held on Feb. 2, 1972.

Here's a line from an article about Nixon signing into law an end to deferments for college students:

Men do not get their lottery numbers until the calendar year in which they have their 19th birthday, and they are not eligible for induction until the calendar year in which they turn 20.

So, Jebby first became eligible for induction on Jan. 1, 1973. Twenty-six days later, Nixon announced that no more draft notices would be sent.

Note how the "writer" ommitted these details. Did Jebby's conversation with his mother happen during that 26 day period? The "writer" didn't want you to know, so omitted it.

Rule #1: when specific dates are available through 5 minutes of internet looking - and the "writer" fails to cite them, suspect dishonesty.