Warfare History

Where Did They Go? The Americans Who Dodged the Vietnam Draft

Darren - August 3, 2025

The Vietnam War era was marked by intense social and political upheaval, with the U.S. government implementing a military draft to bolster its forces. This conscription system led many young men to seek ways to avoid service. Common methods included obtaining student deferments, claiming medical exemptions, and even emigrating to countries like Canada. These actions sparked widespread debate about patriotism, personal freedom, and the ethics of war. Understanding the various strategies employed to evade the draft offers insight into the complexities of American society during this tumultuous period.

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1. Emigration to Canada and Other Countries

During the Vietnam War, many Americans sought to evade the draft by emigrating to countries like Canada and Sweden. Estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 100,000 U.S. citizens left for these nations, with Canada being the primary destination (history.com). The Canadian government did not recognize draft evasion as a criminal act, facilitating this migration by advising border officials to avoid inquiries into individuals’ draft statuses. In Sweden, the government openly welcomed American Vietnam War refugees, reinforcing its stance on peace and opposition to the war. Other destinations included Mexico, Britain, and even China, where some draft evaders found refuge.

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2. Claiming Conscientious Objector Status

During the Vietnam War, many individuals sought to avoid military service by declaring themselves conscientious objectors, citing moral or religious objections to war. The Selective Service System allowed men to apply for this status, requiring them to demonstrate sincere opposition to all forms of war. Some applicants faced challenges in proving their beliefs. For instance, in the 1971 Supreme Court case Gillette v. United States, the Court ruled that Guy Gillette’s objection to the Vietnam War did not qualify him for conscientious objector status, as his opposition was specific to that conflict rather than to all wars. Despite such challenges, many conscientious objectors found alternative service opportunities, contributing to sectors like healthcare, education, and conservation. This path allowed them to fulfill their moral convictions while serving their country in non-combat roles.

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3. Seeking Student Deferments

During the Vietnam War, many young men sought to avoid military service by enrolling in colleges and universities to obtain student deferments. This strategy allowed them to postpone induction into the military while pursuing higher education. The Selective Service System granted these deferments to full-time students, enabling them to continue their studies without the immediate threat of conscription. However, this approach was more accessible to those with the financial means to attend college, often favoring middle and upper-class individuals. Consequently, the draft system disproportionately impacted working-class and minority communities, leading to significant disparities in military service during the war (history.com).

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4. Medical Exemptions and Deferments

During the Vietnam War, many individuals sought to avoid military service by claiming medical conditions that rendered them unfit for duty. Common ailments cited included asthma, flat feet, and poor eyesight. Some even resorted to more extreme measures, such as intentionally injuring themselves or feigning mental illness, to secure a medical deferment. This strategy was often more accessible to those with the financial means to consult multiple doctors and obtain the necessary documentation (time.com). The effectiveness of this approach varied, as draft boards scrutinized medical claims to prevent fraudulent exemptions.

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5. Enlisting in the National Guard or Coast Guard

During the Vietnam War, many young men sought to avoid combat by enlisting in the National Guard or Coast Guard, believing these branches were less likely to be deployed to Vietnam. The National Guard, under state control, was seldom mobilized for overseas combat during this period. Similarly, the Coast Guard’s primary domestic focus made it seem a safer alternative. However, this strategy was not foolproof. Approximately 15,000 National Guardsmen were sent to Vietnam before the war’s end. Additionally, some Coast Guardsmen did serve in combat zones, with a few losing their lives in the conflict. This underscores the unpredictability of military assignments during the war.

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6. Burning Draft Cards and Public Protests

During the Vietnam War, acts of civil disobedience, such as burning draft cards, became powerful symbols of protest against the war and the draft system. On October 15, 1965, David Miller, a 24-year-old Catholic pacifist, publicly burned his draft card in New York City, challenging a new federal law that made such acts a criminal offense (history.com) This bold move led to his arrest and conviction, sparking similar demonstrations nationwide. In response, Congress enacted the Draft Card Mutilation Act of 1965, making it a federal crime to destroy or mutilate one’s draft card. Despite the legal repercussions, the act of burning draft cards remained a potent form of protest, symbolizing resistance to the war and the government’s conscription policies.

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7. Fleeing to Mexico and Other Countries

During the Vietnam War, some Americans sought refuge in countries like Mexico to evade the draft. While Canada and Sweden were primary destinations, Mexico also attracted draft evaders. Estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 100,000 U.S. citizens emigrated, with Mexico being among the destinations. The Canadian government did not recognize draft evasion as a criminal act, facilitating this migration by advising border officials to avoid inquiries into individuals’ draft statuses. In Sweden, the government openly welcomed American Vietnam War refugees, reinforcing its stance on peace and opposition to the war. Other destinations included Britain and China, where some draft evaders found refuge.

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8. Religious and Ethical Objections

During the Vietnam War, many individuals sought exemption from military service by citing religious and ethical beliefs. The Selective Service System recognized conscientious objector status for those whose opposition to war was rooted in sincere religious convictions. This recognition was expanded in the 1965 Supreme Court case United States v. Seeger, which allowed individuals without traditional religious affiliations to qualify if their beliefs were deeply held and akin to traditional religious views. However, the 1971 case Gillette v. United States clarified that objections based solely on opposition to a specific conflict, rather than all wars, did not qualify for conscientious objector status. These legal decisions significantly influenced the number of conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War era.

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9. Legal Challenges and Court Cases

During the Vietnam War, individuals who resisted the draft faced numerous legal challenges. One notable case was that of David Miller, who in 1965 became the first person prosecuted under a new federal law for burning his draft card as an anti-war protest. He was initially sentenced to three years in prison, serving nearly two years before his release (time.com). Another significant case involved Muhammad Ali, who refused induction into the military on the grounds of conscientious objection. In 1971, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned his conviction, stating that the government had failed to properly specify why his application had been denied. Additionally, the Fort Hood Three—James Johnson, David A. Samas, and Dennis Mora—publicly refused deployment to Vietnam in 1966. They were court-martialed for insubordination, and their case became a cause célèbre within the anti-war movement. These cases highlight the complex interplay between individual rights and governmental authority during a contentious period in American history.

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10. The Role of Anti-War Activism and Protests

During the Vietnam War, widespread anti-war activism and protests significantly influenced draft evasion and public opinion. Mass demonstrations, such as the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam in 1969, mobilized millions of Americans, highlighting the depth of public dissent. These protests not only galvanized opposition to the war but also pressured policymakers to reconsider military strategies and, eventually, to withdraw U.S. troops. The anti-war movement’s impact was profound, contributing to a shift in public sentiment and leading to legislative changes, including the end of the draft in 1973 (stopwarcoalition.org).

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11. The Impact of the Draft on American Society

The Vietnam War draft profoundly affected American society, influencing demographics, family structures, and social dynamics. Many young men sought deferments through education, leading to increased college enrollment. However, this also intensified class disparities, as those with resources could more easily avoid service. The draft’s implementation and the methods employed to evade it sparked widespread protests, fostering a culture of civil disobedience and challenging traditional authority. These societal shifts contributed to the eventual end of the draft in 1973, marking a significant transformation in U.S. military and social policies.

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12. Post-War Reflections and Repercussions

The Vietnam War draft left lasting impacts on both individuals who evaded service and the nation as a whole. Many draft resisters faced legal consequences, including imprisonment and social stigma, which affected their reintegration into society. The government’s response varied over time; in 1974, President Gerald R. Ford offered conditional amnesty to draft evaders, allowing them to return under specific conditions (ebsco.com). Later, in 1977, President Jimmy Carter granted unconditional pardons to those who had evaded the draft, aiming to heal national divisions. These actions reflected a broader societal shift towards reconciliation and acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding the draft and the war.

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Conclusion

During the Vietnam War, numerous methods were employed by individuals to evade the draft, reflecting deep-seated opposition to the conflict. These included seeking student deferments, claiming conscientious objector status, obtaining medical exemptions, and emigrating to countries like Canada and Sweden. Acts of civil disobedience, such as burning draft cards, also became powerful symbols of protest. These diverse strategies not only influenced public opinion but also played a significant role in the eventual termination of the draft system, highlighting the complex interplay between individual actions and national policy during a tumultuous period in American history.

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