With escalating tensions and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in effect, this report details the current status of the U.S. military draft, including automatic registration, eligibility criteria for men and women, and potential consequences of non-compliance. It clarifies who is required to register, including immigrants and dual nationals, and outlines the Selective Service System's readiness for potential expansions.
As the conflict with Iran enters a critical phase and regional stability remains volatile, questions regarding a potential U.S. military draft have reached an all-time high.With the National Defense Authorization Act now fully implemented, the landscape of military service has shifted significantly since the discussions first began.
Here is the breakdown of where the draft stands, who is eligible, and what has changed as the U.S. navigates what may be its largest military engagement in decades.The Automatic Selective Service Registration system is in effect. Under the current NDAA, the U.S. government no longer relies on manual sign-ups. Instead, the Selective Service System automatically registers all eligible citizens using federal records .SUGGESTED: US military draft 2026? Here's what we know so farFailure to register classifies as a felony, which may result in imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of $250,000 max. If you are an 18-25-year-old immigrant man living in the U.S., you are required to register with few exceptions. If you are an immigrant seeking citizenship who failed to register prior turning age 26, tap or click here.The few individuals who are exempt from this requirement are those on current non-immigrant visas, as long as they remain on a valid visa up until they turn 26.U.S. dual nationals are required by law to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday, regardless of whether they live inside or outside the U.S.Despite previous discussions on expanding the Selective Service System, there is no provision requiring women to register for the military draft.SUGGESTED: US military: Is there a draft in 2026?In the event that the law is changed to include registering women, "Selective Service is prepared to expand registration," the website reads.Despite the heightened state of readiness, not everyone is eligible to be called into active duty. The Selective Service maintains a strict list of exemptions and deferments.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: US military draft disqualifications list - are you exempt?The following individuals remain exempt from the draft:SUGGESTED: FBI warns California of possible Iranian drone attackThe last time the U.S. held a draft was in 1973 during the Vietnam War. However, the scale of the current Iran conflict has strained the All-Volunteer Force. SUGGESTED: Live updates: Trump claims allies, NATO refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran warPentagon officials have noted that while a draft remains a "measure of last resort," the infrastructure for a lottery-based call-to-service is fully operational for the first time in over 50 years.If the President and Congress were to authorize a draft today, it would begin with a lottery based on birthdays, followed by physical and mental evaluations at Military Entrance Processing Stations .Even with automatic registration, attempts to "dodge" or interfere with the Selective Service process carry heavy penalties in 2026, such as:Felony Charges: Up to five years in prison.Fines: Up to $250,000.Loss of Benefits: Ineligibility for federal student loans , federal job training, and government employment.
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