No one wants a world war, but political tensions have increased fears about the possibility. With Donald Trump discussing military actions involving Greenland, Venezuela, and Iran, questions about a potential U.S. military draft have resurfaced.
While a draft would require major legal steps, U.S. law already mandates that all men aged 18–25 — including citizens, legal residents, and undocumented immigrants — register with the Selective Service. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines, prison time, loss of student aid, ineligibility for federal jobs, and delayed citizenship for immigrants.
If war escalated, Congress would first need to activate the Military Selective Service Act and authorize the president to reinstate the draft. The Selective Service System would then begin the process.
The first people drafted would be selected through a national lottery based on birthdates. Priority goes to men who are 20 years old, followed by ages 21 through 25, then 19 and 18-year-olds. Those selected would report to Military Entrance Processing Stations for physical, mental, and moral evaluations.
According to the Selective Service System, the first inductees could be delivered to the military within about 193 days after a draft is authorized.