While the prospect of World War 3 gives people enough to worry about in the bigger picture, one of the most pressing concerns on an individual level is the prospect of conscription returning, prompting many to wonder how they could avoid the draft.
Conscription, otherwise referred to as compulsory enlistment, hasn't been enforced in the United States in over half a century after being removed all the way back in 1973 just before the end of the Vietnam war.
There have been a number of conflicts that have directly involved the US military since then, but none that have seemingly necessitated the forced assistance of the general public, yet the prospect of World War 3 would likely change that.
With tension brewing between the United States and fellow global powers like Russia and China, some speculate that it's only a matter of time before actions become more direct, and that could cause you to be enlisted whether you like it or not.
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There are a number of jobs that would leave you exempt though, causing some to wonder if now is the right time to make a career change before their lives are at risk.
As shared by UNILAD, certain roles are deemed to be 'too vital' for national security to allow them to fight on the front lines, and the first people that would be excused from mandatory service would be ministers, a select number of elected officials, and existing army veterans.
Joining them in staying at home could potentially be those in education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure, yet those aren't quite as ironclad when it comes to the draft as the aforementioned list, and the government could create new rules that would allow people in these departments to be selected.
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People caring for others that are either very young or very old could also find themselves exempt, and there will also be exceptions made for religious individuals whose beliefs cause them to oppose war, and they'll be designated as Conscientious Objectors (CO) and required to register with the Selective Service System.
As part of this process, you'll have to detail how you arrived at your pacifist beliefs, and how these beliefs have impacted how you live your life, so it's certainly a little more complex than just saying you don't want to go to war.
With how long it's been since conscription was mandated though it's unclear how many of these exceptions will be maintained, as the Trump administration has certainly shown no fear when it comes to bending the rules for its benefit.