[donozark]

From UNHERALDED VICTORY by Mark Woodruff. P.233. "Contrary to popular belief, volunteers provided the bulk of the manpower to U.S. forces throught the Vietnam War. Only 25% (648,500) of total U.S. forces were draftees. In comparision, 66% of U.S. troops were draftees during World War II."

From STOLEN VALOR by BG Burkett and Glenna Whitley. P.48. "Volunteers accounted for 77% of the combat deaths in Vietnam. That percentage goes up for younger men. Almost 86 percent of the nineteen-year-olds and 97 percent of eighteen-year-olds killed were volunteers."

I have however, seen the figure of 66% (volunteers) used more often than the higher figures. VFW once used 70%. Now they use 66%. Suffice to say it (the volunteer rate) was FAR higher than the rate of conscripted personnel.

[NMFXSTC]

Another thread had a large list of statistical data the other day...this is part of it:

DRAFTEES AND VOLUNTEERS

* 25% of the total forces in country were draftees 648,500 as opposed to 66% of the ones in WWII.

* Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam.

* Reservists killed: 5,977.

* National Guard: 6,140 served; 101 died.

* Total draftees (1965-73): 1,728,344.

* Actually served in Vietnam: 38%.

* Marine Corps draft: 42,633.

* Last man drafted: June 30, 1973