People from poor backgrounds were disproportionately represented in the U.S. troops in the Vietnam War for several reasons. Some supporting details from the text include:
- The draft: The U.S. military relied on a draft to fill its ranks during the Vietnam War. According to historian Christian Appy, "The draft largely targeted working-class and poor young men, who often did not have the resources or connections to secure deferments or exemptions" (source: History.com). This meant that people from poor backgrounds were more likely to be drafted into military service than those from wealthier families.
- Lack of educational and job opportunities: Many young men from poor backgrounds lacked access to educational and job opportunities, which left them with few options for their future. Joining the military was often seen as a way to escape poverty and gain job training and experience. As Appy notes, "For many young men from low-income families, joining the military was a path to steady work, training, and a chance to see the world" (source: History.com).
- Recruitment tactics: The military also targeted poor and working-class communities with recruitment efforts. They set up recruiting stations in areas with high poverty rates and offered incentives such as signing bonuses and educational benefits to entice young men to enlist.
- Economic draft: According to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the Vietnam War was also characterized by an "economic draft," where young men from lower-income families were more likely to be drafted than those from wealthier families. This was due to a combination of factors, including the draft, lack of job opportunities, and the military's recruitment tactics.
Overall, people from poor backgrounds were disproportionately represented in the U.S. troops in the Vietnam War due to a combination of economic, social, and political factors.