Who Could Be Drafted If the U.S. Ever Brought Back the Draft?

Concerns about a possible wider war have made many Americans wonder what would happen if the United States brought back the military draft. The draft has not been used since 1973, but the Selective Service System still exists as a backup plan. It would only be activated after approval from Congress and the president, and selected people would still go through medical, mental, and other evaluations before any service decision was made.

Under the current system, men in the U.S. are generally required to register with Selective Service between ages 18 and 25. If a draft were ever restarted, the first group called would usually be men turning 20 during the lottery year. If more people were needed, the process would then move through ages 21 to 25, before reaching younger groups such as 19-year-olds and then those who are 18 and a half.

Not everyone who receives a draft notice would end up serving. Some people could be deferred, exempted, or assigned to alternative service. This may include people with serious medical conditions, certain mental health issues, major family hardship, religious or moral objections to war, or important civilian roles in areas like healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, or other critical fields.

Women are still not required to register for Selective Service under current U.S. draft rules. Students, parents, caregivers, certain public officials, ministers, and people who have already served may also receive special consideration depending on the law and circumstances at the time. However, being registered does not mean a person would automatically be sent into combat.

Experts continue to stress that a draft would be a last resort, not a first step. The U.S. still relies on a large volunteer military, and modern warfare depends heavily on advanced technology, cyber defense, air power, and precision weapons. For most people, the Selective Service system is better understood as an emergency backup plan, not a sign that conscription is about to happen.