How did conscription work in the Vietnam War?

As part of their duty, national service men on full-time duty were liable for ‘special overseas service’, including combat duties in Vietnam. The number of men eligible for call-up far exceeded the number needed for military service.

What was the highest number of US troops in Vietnam?

549,500
U.S. troop numbers peaked in 1968 with President Johnson approving an increased maximum number of U.S. troops in Vietnam at 549,500….1968 in the Vietnam War.

Location	Vietnam
Result	The American war effort in Vietnam peaks in 1968 as the American public support takes a huge hit after the Tet Offensive

How many soldiers did the Viet Cong have in 1965?

One U.S. government estimate was that the VC consisted of 40,000 full-time fighters and 80,000 to 100,000 part-time guerrillas. The Department of Defense’s fact book estimated that the VC numbered less than 200,000 plus 39,175 political cadre.

Was there conscription in Vietnam War?

Conscription in the United States, commonly known as the draft, has been employed by the federal government of the United States in six conflicts: the American Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

What was the conscription process?

Conscription is the compulsory induction of individuals into the ARMED SERVICES, whereas the draft is the procedure by which individuals are chosen for conscription. Men within a certain age group must register with the Selective Service for possible conscription, but conscription itself was suspended in 1973.

When did the US have troops in Vietnam?

In March 1965, Johnson made the decision—with solid support from the American public—to send U.S. combat forces into battle in Vietnam. By June, 82,000 combat troops were stationed in Vietnam, and military leaders were calling for 175,000 more by the end of 1965 to shore up the struggling South Vietnamese army.