<P> Some of the measures they have implemented include: </P> <Ul> <Li> Before and during the Vietnam War, a young man could get a deferment by showing that he was a full - time student making satisfactory progress towards a degree; now deferment only lasts to the end of the semester . If the man is a senior he can defer until the end of the academic year . </Li> <Li> The government has said that draft boards are now more representative of the local communities in areas such as race and national origin . </Li> <Li> A lottery system would be used to determine the order of people being called up . Previously the oldest men who were found eligible for the draft would be taken first . In the new system, the men called first would be those who are or will turn 20 years old in the calendar year or those whose deferments will end in the calendar year . Each year after, the man will be placed on a lower priority status until his liability ends . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Before and during the Vietnam War, a young man could get a deferment by showing that he was a full - time student making satisfactory progress towards a degree; now deferment only lasts to the end of the semester . If the man is a senior he can defer until the end of the academic year . </Li> <Li> The government has said that draft boards are now more representative of the local communities in areas such as race and national origin . </Li>

When did conscription start in the vietnam war