Who Could Be Drafted? Inside U.S. Draft Rules If a Global War Breaks Out
As global tensions simmer and concerns about a new world war surface in public discourse, one question increasingly echoes across the United States: If a major global war breaks out, who could be drafted into the military? For many Americans—especially young men—understanding the U.S. draft rules is no longer just a history lesson; it’s a real concern.
Although the United States has relied on an all-volunteer military since 1973, the Selective Service System remains in place, designed to activate quickly in the event of a national emergency. Here’s a comprehensive look at who could be drafted, how it would work, and what the rules are if a global war erupts.
1. What Is the Selective Service?
The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent agency of the U.S. government tasked with preparing and maintaining information on those potentially subject to military conscription. While there is currently no active draft, federal law requires most male U.S. citizens and male immigrants between 18 and 25 to register with the system.
Registration is mandatory—not doing so can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for federal student aid, federal jobs, and even U.S. citizenship in some cases.
2. Who Would Be Drafted First?
If Congress and the President re-authorized the draft due to a national emergency or war, the Selective Service System would initiate a lottery system based on birthdays to determine the order of call.
The order of call typically goes like this:
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Men aged 20 would be called first.
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Followed by those aged 21, then 22, 23, 24, and 25.
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If more troops are still needed, men aged 19 and then 18 would be called.
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The draft usually stops at age 26. Those 26 or older are generally considered too old for initial conscription.
The draft focuses first on unmarried men without dependents and those without deferments or exemptions.
3. Who Is Required to Register?
Currently, the following groups must register with the Selective Service:
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All male U.S. citizens aged 18–25
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Male immigrants (including undocumented, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, and permanent residents)
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Dual nationals
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Some male transgender individuals (if they were assigned male at birth)
Notably, females are not required to register under current U.S. law, although discussions and proposed bills have surfaced to include women in the Selective Service. As of now, no such law has passed.
4. Who Would Be Exempt or Deferable?
Not everyone eligible would be drafted immediately. There are numerous deferments and exemptions, including:
a. College Students
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College students may receive a temporary deferment until the end of their academic year or graduation.
b. Medical and Physical Issues
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Those with severe physical or mental health conditions that prevent them from serving may be exempt.
c. Conscientious Objectors
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Individuals who oppose war due to religious or moral beliefs can apply for conscientious objector status. If approved, they may be assigned to non-combat roles or alternative civilian service.
d. Family Hardship
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Men who are sole providers for dependent family members may receive a deferment.
e. Clergy and Ministers
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Ordained ministers actively serving a religious congregation are typically exempt.
f. Transgender Individuals
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The current Selective Service policy is based on sex assigned at birth, not gender identity. This has led to confusion and criticism. For example, a transgender woman (assigned male at birth) must register, while a transgender man (assigned female at birth) does not.
5. How Fast Would the Draft Happen?
If a global war or national emergency required immediate military expansion, Congress would have to pass legislation reactivating the draft, and the president would sign it into law. The Selective Service is designed to begin drafting individuals within 193 days of congressional and presidential approval.
The process would unfold in stages:
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Lottery is held to determine order of call.
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Local draft boards evaluate individual cases for deferments or exemptions.
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Those selected would undergo medical evaluations and background checks.
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If approved, they would be assigned to training camps and then to military units.
6. Could Women Be Drafted?
Currently, women are not required to register for the Selective Service. However, military and political leaders have pushed for a change, especially since women now serve in nearly all military roles—including combat.
In 2021, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved a provision in the annual defense policy bill that would have required women to register, but it was ultimately removed from the final version. The debate continues, and in the event of a major war, Congress could expand the draft to include women.
7. Could Immigrants Be Drafted?
Yes. The following non-citizen males must register:
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Legal permanent residents (green card holders)
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DACA recipients
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Refugees and asylum seekers
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Even undocumented immigrants
However, they are not eligible for certain government positions or citizenship unless they register. If drafted, they may serve in the military and, in some cases, this service can lead to expedited citizenship.
8. What If Someone Refuses to Serve?
Refusing to comply with the draft can have serious legal consequences, including:
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Up to five years in prison
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A fine of up to $250,000
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Loss of federal student aid, job training, and government employment
During the Vietnam War era, thousands of young men resisted the draft by fleeing to Canada, applying for conscientious objector status, or even serving jail time. Some were later pardoned, but these actions left permanent marks on many lives.
9. Public Reaction and Modern Resistance
Today’s American public is far more skeptical about military drafts than during previous eras. Many young people are highly critical of foreign wars, and mass protests could erupt if a draft were reinstated. However, in a true global conflict threatening national security, the mood could shift dramatically.
Social media, activism, and widespread political division may shape any future draft’s public perception in unpredictable ways.
10. Final Thoughts: Could It Really Happen?
While the draft seems like a relic of the past to many, it’s still very real. The U.S. government has kept the system in place precisely because a large-scale war—or unexpected national emergency—could make it necessary again.
As international relations grow more unstable, the idea of a draft is no longer unthinkable. But even if reactivated, strict guidelines, review boards, and exemption systems would play a critical role in deciding who serves and who doesn’t.
Ultimately, the hope is that diplomacy and peace prevail. But if the worst happens, millions of Americans may find themselves answering a call they never expected.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
If global war breaks out, the U.S. draft system would likely target males aged 18–25, prioritizing 20-year-olds. While many deferments exist, the government could expand eligibility, including women, depending on the crisis. The system is ready to be activated within 193 days—and those who ignore it could face steep consequences.
