Rising global tensions have many citizens asking how a military draft would work today.
How Conscription Works
The Selective Service System manages the US military draft process. If activated, a national lottery determines the order of induction. Men must then report for physical and mental evaluations. However, the US has not used a draft since 1973. Congress and the President must both approve the move first. Then, officials would only use it if volunteer numbers fell short.
Who is Drafted First
Men between the ages of 18 and 25 must register. The system calls 20-year-olds first during the lottery year. Later, it moves to ages 21 through 25 if needed. Nineteen-year-olds are only called after the older groups are exhausted. Beginning late 2026, the government will use automatic registration databases. Failure to register remains a federal felony with heavy fines.
Citizens Who are Exempt
Currently, women remain exempt from Selective Service registration. People with serious medical or mental health issues are also safe. Conscientious objectors may perform alternative service instead of combat. Also, full-time students often receive deferments to finish their degrees. Meanwhile, workers in critical fields like healthcare might support defense roles. Finally, parents may qualify for hardship deferments in specific cases.
Current Global Tensions
Public anxiety about a third world war is very high. Polls show 45% of Americans fear a global conflict is likely. Experts cite flashpoints in Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Middle East. Still, analysts stress that a draft is a last resort. Modern warfare relies more on technology than high troop numbers.