Here are the job types that could be safe from the US draft if WW3 broke out.
Fears are continuing to grow about the likeliness of WW3. If it's not the growing tensions between Israel and Iraq, it's President Trump's recent actions in Venezuela. Some have turned to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which weighs up the debates of historians, analysts and military experts to predict the likelihood of another world war - along with some pretty catastrophic consequences. All the while, one of Vladimir Putin's top generals claims the war has already begun.
As many as 45 percent of US citizens believe WWIII is likely to occur in the next decade, a YouGov survey revealed.
Although Compulsory enlistment for state service, also known as the draft, hasn't existed in the US since 1973, there is growing worry that it could return.
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America's military currently works on an entirely voluntary basis, but conscription could be reintroduced if Congress and the president deem it necessary.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has ‘consistently expressed strong support for the volunteer model without the need for compulsory service’.
According to Military.com, several situations would likely lead to the reinstatement of compulsory enlistment. These triggers include World War III, which would require a significant increase in troop numbers, a domestic national emergency, and a dramatic drop in voluntary recruitment.
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That being said, there are a number of job titles that will shield you from being conscripted for war.
Five jobs that may not have to fight in WWIII
If World War III were to happen tomorrow, here are five careers that may see US citizens exempt from possible conscription as they are deemed ‘too vital’ to national security to allow workers to fight on the front lines.
According to the US Selective Service System, the first people who would possibly not have to fight are ministers, some elected officials in office and previous war veterans.
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The Mirror also reported that people who work in healthcare, education and essential infrastructure could avoid being placed on the frontline.
The final job role that may see you excluded from compact is engineering.
But while these professions might offer protection from the draft, they aren't automatic or guaranteed. The Selective Service System would evaluate each case individually.
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Other jobs that may prevent people from joining the war are religious objectors who morally oppose war. Instead of military duty, they may be required to perform an alternative civilian service.
Known as Conscientious Objectors (CO), these select individuals must register with the Selective Service System and submit written evidence of how they arrived at their beliefs and how those beliefs shape their day-to-day lives.
Alternative service options can also include caring for young children or elderly citizens, or working in the education, healthcare or conservation sectors.
Service length within the program would match the time someone would have spent in military duty, which is generally 24 months, the official guidelines note.