A draft has not been invoked in over 50 years, but federal law still mandates that nearly all male U.S. citizens and immigrants register with the Selective Service System upon turning 18.
In 2024, the House of Representatives passed a measure to automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for the Selective Service as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Reinstating the draft would require specific authorization from both Congress and the president during a national emergency.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out the possibility of a draft, stating that President Trump "wisely does not remove options off the table."
Failure to register with Selective Service is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years.
Why this matters: Understanding the requirements and potential for a military draft is crucial for young men and their families. Staying informed helps individuals prepare and understand their obligations.
The Selective Service System requires nearly all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants ages 18 to 25 to register with the government. This system provides a structure for a prompt, efficient, and equitable draft if the country needs it.
Almost all men who are 18-25 years old and live in the U.S. must register for Selective Service, including U.S. citizens (U.S. born, dual citizens, and naturalized), U.S. citizens who live outside the country, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, transgender people who were assigned male gender at birth, and people with disabilities.
If implemented, the Selective Service would likely hold a draft lottery based on dates of birth. Those who are 20 years old (or turning 20 during the year the numbers are drawn) would be the first to go. Each succeeding year, a draft-eligible man drops into the next lower priority group until he reaches his 26th birthday.
Even if drafted, individuals may be eligible for deferment for various reasons, including marriage, college enrollment, or medical/psychological conditions. Conscientious objectors may also be excluded.
Failure to register with Selective Service is a federal felony, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, a prison term of up to five years, or both. A felony conviction means losing the right to vote and the right to own, possess, and use a firearm.
Currently, the law requires only men to register with Selective Service. However, the Selective Service states it is prepared to expand registration if the law changes to include women.
The U.S. armed forces moved to an all-volunteer military in 1973. The last wartime draft was during the Vietnam War. A peacetime draft was imposed through the Selective Training and Service Act in 1940.
Q: Is there currently a military draft in the U.S.?
No, there is no active military draft. However, nearly all men ages 18-25 are required to register with the Selective Service System.
Q: Can the president unilaterally reinstate the draft?
No, reinstating the draft requires authorization from both Congress and the president.
Q: What happens if I don't register for Selective Service?
Failure to register is a federal felony, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
While a military draft is not currently in effect, registration with the Selective Service System is mandatory for most men aged 18-25.
The possibility of a future draft depends on congressional and presidential authorization during a national emergency.
Staying informed about Selective Service requirements and potential changes in military policy is essential for young men and their families.
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