Did the marine corps draft during Vietnam war?

Answer 1

Yes. This is just one Marine's comments" = INTERVIEW WITH A Vietnam VETERAN =
Lou, can you tell us a little about why you enlisted in the Marine Corps. and your specialty? I did not enlist. I was originally drafted. The Marines randomly picked so many of the draftees at the time. The reason being, that the Army was getting everyone. The specialty, if that is what we call it, is extremely difficult for me to talk about. Lets just say it was Recon and more.

Answer 2

Marine NCO's would pull selected men from the lines of men processing thru the induction centers, often located in government leased hotels in large cities, e.g. Los Angeles, California. Lines of men in their underware would be processing at different levels of the rented hotel; each level would be a different examination, e.g. eye tests, color blind tests, blood pressure tests, private body examinations, etc. From there men would be loaded onto chartered civilian buses (standing room only) and bused to an airport, or the nearest US Army Fort. Once there, in processing for a week (or two) then boot camp (basic training) began.

8/29/10:

On 21 March 1966, I reported to AFIC, Oakland, California for transported to MCRD, San Diego, California. I served with draftees during my first enlistment. While being processed at AFIC, an Army SNCO that selected 5 draftees that were inducted into the Corps. You could hear the curses and groans !

We were bused to Oakland Municipal Airport and flown to MCRD, San Diego, California. Boot Camp began, as previously stated, with the first week receiving inoculations, uniforms, dental exam, rifle and pack issued, etc. We learned very fast who are Drill Instructors were and the new language they spoke.

I'd do it all over again if given the opportunity.

Semper Fi,

MGYSGT T.M. McCann

USMC/USMCR

RVN 66/67

Answer 3

Yes, they pulled their men right out of the line of inductees (draftees/conscripts) and said, "you and you step over here, you're going into the US Marine Corps...", then they continued their processing. Processing was normally held in contracted civilian hotels in large cities (like LA for example).

In the Vietnam War there was a waiting list to join the Army/Air Force National Guards, US Coast Guard, US Air Force, and US Navy IN THAT ORDER. Most of those men were trying to avoid the US Marine Corps & US Army IN THAT ORDER. Consequently, the army & marines had to draft men.

Answer 4

They could've, but they didn't have too. There was actually a WAITING list to get into the USAF and USN. Many, many men enlisted into the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to avoid "grunt" duty in the army (or marines).

Note: Traditionally draftees fill the ranks of the infantry, even in Napolean's army, or Rome's army. NO JOB is tougher on a man than the infantry (it's not just the walking/marching, it's sleeping on the ground or in a hole and eating cold canned food while you're sitting in mud and using the same mud for your hygiene necessities).

No toilets, no sink, no bath, no running water (except from a creek); that's the world of a grunt (infantryman).

Even for a young 18 year HEALTHY outdoorsman, just sleeping on the cold damp ground for 3 days will drain you of your health and vigor. Now do that for 300 days coupled with cold canned food (C Rations), and you'll wish you joined the NAVY TOO!

Answer 5

Yes.