Editing Melvin Laird (section)

===Conscription suspended===
Other important Laird goals were ending [[conscription]] by June 30, 1973, and the creation of an [[Volunteer military|All Volunteer Force]] (AVF). Strong opposition to selective service mounted during the Vietnam War and draft calls declined progressively during Laird's years at the Pentagon; from 300,000 in his first year, to 200,000 in the second, 100,000 in the third, and 50,000 in the fourth. On January 27, 1973, after the signing of the Vietnam agreement in Paris, Laird suspended the draft, five months ahead of schedule.