Amid rising global tensions, especially in the Middle East, public interest in the possibility of a military draft has surged, with searches for terms like “WWIII” and “US draft age limit” increasing significantly. Although the U.S. ended conscription in 1973, the Selective Service System still requires all men aged 18 to 25 to register, maintaining a pool of roughly 16.4 million potential draftees. Registration is mandatory by law and failure to comply can lead to fines, jail time, and loss of federal benefits. A draft could only be reactivated with joint approval from Congress and the President, triggering a process where the Selective Service would have up to 193 days to begin active conscription. A lottery system would randomly assign numbers to birth dates, with those receiving lower numbers, especially 20-year-olds, being called first.

If drafted, individuals would be evaluated at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) for physical, mental, and medical fitness. Many would likely receive deferments or exemptions for reasons like health conditions, educational commitments, family responsibilities, or conscientious objection. Those objecting to combat roles might be placed in civilian or non-combat positions. Historically, over 40% of draftees were exempted or deferred. While combat positions exist, many draftees may be assigned to support roles like logistics or administration, depending on military needs. Despite the readiness of this system, the U.S. military remains all-volunteer, and conscription is viewed as a last resort. Still, the infrastructure and legal framework are maintained to ensure fairness and transparency if a draft becomes necessary.