What were your feelings and thoughts when you first opened your draft notice?

My first reaction? "Oh, ****!" My 2 year AD obligation turned into 24.

Thank you to all the Vietnam era vets on RallyPoint

I enlisted USMC in 74 as soon as I could get in (17). I grew up watching the news and felt compelled to serve in honor of those that had fallen. I am proud of my service and understand that while war is the last solution, sometimes it is the only solution left. I love my country and find it hard to understand the lack of patriotism and overall malaise of our current society.

My father was a WWII vet and supported my service. Mom cried a lot but signed... She still has my picture in dress blues hanging on the fridge. I certainly was motivated but the Marines taught me about teamwork, humanity and sacrifice. I was one of the most formative periods of my life.

Funny story about that. I joined the Navy in August of 1975 and didn't turn 18 until September 1975. So when I turned 18 I didn't go down and register for the draft. Well when I was in Boot Camp in Orlando I got a letter jumping my butt for not registering. I just replied please take an look at the return address and post mark and sent that off. Return Address was SN Mark Saffell, RTC Orlando, Company 223D. I guess they got the message because I never heard back LOL

I laughed out loud...took a felt tip and wrote on it "I dare you" and sent it back to them...uh, postmarked SP5 Marsh, APO 331...the letter said that they noticed I had not signed up for selective service and that was a law and if they didn't hear from me immediately I would be drafted. I had already been in the Army for over two years. nice that our government's different departments talk to each other.

I was drafted while I was in Vietnam. I quickly said I must go home and answer my call but the old man said he would take care of my draft notice. Close to a year after I joined the Marines I received my notice. Uncle Sam wanted me but Chesty had me. Semper Fi!

I enlisted.

So there I was, in BCT, sitting on the barracks floor one evening, polishing my boots when I heard the lottery draw over the radio.

They went right past me. I would never have been called!

It's just as well; I would never have been a dustoff medic, doing my part as a combat medic.

Already knew mine was coming. My uncle was on the draft board and dad was local sheriff. Two of my first cousins were being drafted in May of '68 and my name (prior to lottery system) was coming up in June. Very small community in Louisiana. Dad asked if I would rather leave a month earlier to be with my cousins. I signed up for draft, we all went thru basic together at Ft Polk, one of the cousins went on to Ft Hood, and never left states, actually stayed AWOL more than stayed in. Other went to Korea, me? Vietnam. Had no problem going in as father served in WWII and called up for Korea. Being a good ole boy from the south, it was my duty.

I had been expecting the letter. Actually, I never expected to serve in Vietnam because this was before the first big buildup. (I was drafted in April, 1965.) My Dad had been drafted and served in Europe during WWII so I felt that military service was a duty I should perform without complaint (or with minimal complaint!) and return to my normal life when it was over. I had no opinion on the war when I went over. Back then you just didn't question the government. My eyes were opened while I was in country and I was somewhat active against the war after I returned. I NEVER thought that I would later enlist in the Army Reserve and retire from the US Army with 29 years of service! Life is strange!

Got mine when I was at Parris Island. Drill Instructor saw it. Asked what it was; then ripped it out of my hand and told me he would take care of that BS.