Is a U.S. Military Draft Coming Back? Draft Rules Amid Rising Global Tensions

Following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 21, concerns about a possible global conflict and a military draft have increased. Searches for terms like “World War III” and “U.S. draft rules” have surged online.

The U.S. currently has no active draft, but federal law allows conscription to be reinstated in a national emergency. Since the draft ended in 1973, all men aged 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service System in case it is reactivated.

If a draft occurs, men aged 20 to 25 would be called first, followed by younger men. Over 16 million males are registered, but only about 1.3 million currently serve in the military. Registration is mandatory for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, transgender men assigned male at birth, and men with disabilities.

Some exemptions exist, including religious leaders, certain government officials, and those with medical conditions. College students may defer service but are not exempt. Not registering is a federal felony, punishable by prison, fines, and loss of federal benefits.

There are no current plans to reinstate the draft, but Congress could reactivate it during a major conflict by changing the law. Many Americans are learning about draft rules due to growing global tensions.