Long-term consequences of Vietnam-era conscription

Description:

This paper uses the 2000 Census 1-in-6 sample to look at the long-term impact of Vietnam-era military service. Instrumental Variables estimates using draft-lottery instruments show post-service earnings losses close to zero in 2000, in contrast with earlier results showing substantial earnings losses for white veterans in the 1970s and 1980s. The estimates also point to a marked increase in schooling that appears to be attributable to the Vietnam-era GI Bill. The net wage effects observed in the 2000 data can be explained by a flattening of the experience profile in middle age and a modest return to the increased schooling generated by the GI Bill. Evidence on disability effects is mixed but seems inconsistent with a long-term effect of Vietnam-era military service on health.

subjects: Econometric models,  Vietnam War, 1961-1975,  Social aspects of Vietnam War, 1961-1975,  Economic aspects of Vietnam War, 1961-1975,  Health aspects of Vietnam War, 1961-1975,  Draft,  History,  Veterans,  Economic conditions,  Statistics,  Education,  Educational attainment,  Influence

Places: United States

Times: 20th century