During the Vietnam era, the composition of the U.S. army differed significantly from previous wars such as World War II and Korea. It was made up more heavily of poor, minority, and working-class individuals who were often drafted into service. Many of these soldiers faced the dangers of combat, while those from wealthier backgrounds or with university educations commonly avoided the draft through exemptions or other means.

"For these reasons the Vietnam-era army ... consisted disproportionately of the poor, minority groups, and the working classes," writes James T. Patterson. This created a disparity in the experience of soldiers and contributed to societal tensions, especially since those protesting the war, often students, remained safely at home, highlighting issues of inequality and draft injustice during that time.