Christian Appy argues that the Vietnam War was primarily fought by young men from the working class. Unlike World War II, where participation spanned a broad cross-section of American society, Vietnam’s combat troops were disproportionately taken from lower-income backgrounds. This was largely due to the draft system, which allowed deferments for college students—an option more accessible to middle- and upper-class youth. As a result, those with fewer economic opportunities, particularly African Americans and white working-class men, were overrepresented in the ranks of frontline soldiers. The demographics of enlistees reflected this economic disparity. Studies show that a majority of Vietnam draftees came from families of modest means, while wealthier individuals often found ways to avoid service. Poorer people, many of them lacked the financial resources for higher education or the political connections to secure deferments, ended up shouldering a disproportionate burden of combat duty. The military itself became a reflection of broader societal inequalities, reinforcing class divisions through both recruitment and deployment strategies.
Gerard DeGroot explores why U.S. troops became demoralized by the late 1960s. Among the key reasons was the growing realization that the war was unwinnable. Soldiers experienced immense frustration due to unclear objectives, an enemy adept at guerrilla warfare, and a military leadership that often seemed disconnected from the realities on the ground. The high casualty rates, combined with the difficulty in distinguishing friend from foe, further eroded morale. Additionally, as the war dragged on, many soldiers saw their sacrifices as meaningless, especially as anti-war sentiment grew back home and public support for the conflict dwindled. This breakdown in morale deeply affected the social dynamics within the military. A lack of trust between enlisted men and officers became common, leading to incidents of insubordination and even “fragging,” where disgruntled soldiers attacked their superiors. Racial tensions also flared, as African American soldiers, who had been disproportionately drafted, began to question their role in fighting for a country that still denied them full civil rights. Drug abuse and disciplinary issues surged, further undermining the effectiveness and cohesion of U.S. forces.
Fast forward to today—does a class divide still exist in U.S. military service? While the draft no longer exists, economic factors continue to play a significant role in recruitment. Military service remains an attractive option for those seeking stable employment, educational benefits, and career advancement, particularly in communities with limited job prospects. Studies indicate that lower-income individuals are still more likely to enlist compared to their wealthier counterparts, who often pursue college or other career paths. However, the all-volunteer force has diversified in some ways, and incentives such as scholarships and bonuses have broadened the appeal of military service across different socio-economic groups.
Ultimately, while the extreme disparities seen in Vietnam may have lessened, socio-economic factors still shape who serves in the U.S. military. As long as economic inequality persists, military service will remain a pathway for those seeking upward mobility, reinforcing the historical pattern of working-class participation in America’s wars.
Will Wright 