Amid rising tensions in the Middle East following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 21—an operation dubbed “Midnight Hammer”—public concern over the possibility of war has intensified. This fear is evident in the recent spike in Google searches for “World War III” and “US draft rule and age.” While the U.S. currently has no active military draft, federal law allows it to be reinstated during a national emergency. Military conscription was officially abolished in 1973 following the Vietnam War, but all men aged 18–25 must still register with the Selective Service. According to Wikipedia, in the event of a draft, 20-year-old men would be called first, followed by those aged 21–25, then 19- and 18-year-olds if more soldiers are needed. Presently, over 16 million men are registered, and about 1.3 million serve in the military.

The Selective Service includes citizens, non-citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, transgender individuals assigned male at birth, and men with disabilities. Exemptions exist for those with continuous medical care needs from before age 18 to 26, as well as certain elected officials, clergy, and some dual nationals. College students may have service deferred, and while only men are currently required to register, legal changes could eventually allow women to be drafted too. Registration is mandatory by age 18 and can be completed via the Selective Service website or post offices. Failure to register is a felony, with penalties including fines up to $250,000, five years in prison, and loss of voting rights, federal aid, and employment eligibility.