Vietnam War Draft Simulation

Introduction: The year is 1969 and the war in Vietnam is raging. Having just turned 18 years old, you are
now required, by law, to register for the draft (and, yes ladies, you are included in this activity). You
realize that the country is divided over the war in Vietnam, and you understand that while many
Americans strongly support the war, many others are passionately against it. You also understand that
by registering for the draft, you have, approximately, a one out of three chance of being drafted. How
do you feel about this predicament? This activity is intended to simulate the thoughts, feelings, and
process of the government mandated draft during Vietnam.

Choices and Fate:

Depending on choices, fate, and destiny, various outcomes may result in this draft simulation. The draft
“lottery system” will randomly assign you a draft number based on your birthday. The numbers will
range from 1 to 366. If your number ends up being selected, then you have been drafted to fight in
Vietnam! If this system sounds unfair to you, you may protest the government’s policies by “burning”
(ripping up) your draft card. Remember, however, that this act of protest may have consequences. Here
are the five potential outcomes for the draft simulation:

1. YOU GO TO VIETNAM BY CHOICE. THIS INCLUDES JOINING THE NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVES:

You may decide to stay loyal to your government and voluntarily enlist to fight in Vietnam. If you
choose this option, the government will reward your loyalty, and will ask you to complete only
part one or part 2 assignment (your choice). Your government will also reward you with 10
points to replace those from the other assignment that you do not have to do (free points!!!).
2. YOU KEEP YOUR DRAFT CARD AND YOU ARE NOT DRAFTED (HIGH NUMBER). You do not have
to fight in Vietnam, so you only have to complete the Part 1 assignment. Since you have such
good fortune, you will be given the 10 points from the “Part 2 Assignment.” Wow, what a lucky
individual!
3. YOU KEEP YOUR DRAFT CARD AND YOU ARE DRAFTED (LOW NUMBER). Good luck soldier, you
are going to Vietnam! You must complete the Part 2 Assignment. Base your movie on your
experiences in Vietnam. You will also get the 10 points for the Part 1 assignment for the
sacrifices you are making for your country.
4. YOU BURN (RIP UP) YOUR DRAFT CARD AND YOU ARE DRAFTED (OFF TO CANADA). The
government will view you as a disloyal criminal. You will do 5 years jail time and pay $250,000 in
fines, meaning, that you will complete both assignments.
5. YOU BURN YOUR DRAFT CARD, AND YOU ARE NOT DRAFTED (OFF TO CANADA): You got the
best of both worlds, in a sense, because you were able to make you political point, and the
government did not even realize it! You will complete only one of the assignments, your choice!
The Activity:

For this activity, “going to Vietnam” will be represented by completing the following assignments. These
assignments will be worth 10 points each and will consist of the following 2 portions:

Part One: You will complete Section 3 of Chapter 51 The United States Gets Involved In Vietnam from
the Notebook Guide Handout. Be sure to follow the directions closely including annotating and
summarizing key events.

Part Two: Invent an idea for a Hollywood movie about the Vietnam War, and design a movie poster to
advertise that movie. In this poster choose one of the following aspects to address: 1) overall success
level of the United States in Vietnam; 2) protests of the war; 3) or a specific event of the war. This poster
should exhibit a high level of effort, color, and creativity. You will also need to include a one-page
summary of the movie.

Sadly, the war has its first casualties and they are adding up more quickly than anyone in the US
government could have ever imagined. The first group of draftees have all been killed in action. Perhaps
they will be remembered for their bravery and courage. For those draftees lost in Vietnam, please
complete both parts 3 and 4.

Part Three: You will complete Section 4 of Chapter 51 The United States Gets Involved in Vietnam from
the Notebook Guide Handout. Be sure to follow the directions closely including annotating and
summarizing key events.

Part Four: You will complete the PROCESSING section from the Notebook Guide Handout.

. . . and the beat goes on . . .

A new round of draftees will now be selected. All new recruits will be required to complete part 3, and
part five . . .

Part Five: IF YOU SELECTED OPTION 1, 2, OR 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write a 1 paragraph explanation why

you believe it is important to fight for your country.

IF YOU SELECTED OPTION 4 OR 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write a 1 paragraph explanation why

you are choosing not to fight for your country.