Who Could Be Drafted? Inside the U.S. Military Draft
Rising Draft Concerns
Google searches for “WWIII” and “US draft age limit” have spiked amid Middle East tensions, reflecting fears of conscription despite the draft ending in 1973.
How the Draft Works
Although the military is voluntary, “the Selective Service System still tracks around 16.4 million men aged 18–25.”
In an emergency, 20-year-olds would be called first, and activation would need “both congressional and presidential approval.”
Legal Obligations
Men must register within 30 days of turning 18 or face “fines, jail time, and loss of federal benefits.”
Non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, must also comply.
Process and Exemptions
If a draft begins, “a lottery would determine the order of call-ups,” followed by medical and legal checks.
College deferments, disabilities, and conscientious objector status could grant exemptions, and many roles would be non-combat.
For now, registration doesn’t mean a draft is imminent.
