April 24, 2025

Was Your Number Up?

The Vietnam War draft was one of the most controversial aspects of American involvement in the conflict, affecting millions of young men across the country. From the lottery system to deferments and classifications, the draft shaped public opinion, fueled protests, and altered the course of countless lives. This quiz will test your knowledge of how the draft worked during the Vietnam era—whether you're brushing up for class, prepping for a discussion, or just curious about this pivotal chapter in U.S. history.

Vietnam War Draft Quiz

1. What government agency was responsible for administering the draft during the Vietnam War?
A. Department of Defense
B. Selective Service System
C. Veterans Affairs
D. Department of Labor

2. What age range of men were eligible to be drafted during the Vietnam War?
A. 17–21
B. 18–26
C. 18–35
D. 21–30

3. What was the main method used in 1969 to make the draft process more fair and transparent?
A. Public voting
B. Random lottery system
C. School grades
D. Military aptitude test

4. In the 1969 draft lottery, what were the numbers based on?
A. Alphabetical last name
B. Test scores
C. Date of birth
D. Voter registration

5. What did a low lottery number (e.g., #10) mean in the draft?
A. You were likely to be drafted
B. You were exempt
C. You had to volunteer
D. You could choose your branch

6. Which of the following could grant a deferment from the draft?
A. College enrollment
B. Medical conditions
C. Conscientious objector status
D. All of the above

7. What does “1-A” mean in Selective Service classification?
A. Medically unfit for service
B. Eligible and available for service
C. Temporarily deferred
D. Active-duty military

8. What was the primary reason the draft became highly controversial during the Vietnam War?
A. People didn’t want to serve abroad
B. Perceived racial and class inequalities
C. The lottery system was unfair
D. Too many people were volunteering

9. What year did the U.S. end the draft and switch to an all-volunteer military?
A. 1969
B. 1971
C. 1973
D. 1975

10. Which famous boxer refused to be drafted and was stripped of his title as a result?
A. Mike Tyson
B. Joe Frazier
C. Muhammad Ali
D. George Foreman


**Answer Key**
1. B. Selective Service System
2. B. 18–26
3. B. Random lottery system
4. C. Date of birth
5. A. You were likely to be drafted
6. D. All of the above
7. B. Eligible and available for service
8. B. Perceived racial and class inequalities
9. C. 1973
10. C. Muhammad Ali