Least likely citizens to be drafted if US went to war as fears of WW3 increase
The world is always at war somewhere, and as political situations in the likes of Ukraine, Palestine, and Iran rage on, there are also fears that we're on the cusp of a full-blown World War 3.
While it's true that we haven't been in a 'world war' since WWII ended on September 2, 1945, history has been marred by everything from the Vietnam War to the Iraq War, and the seemingly never-ending Cold War.
There's a reason the Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before, and with 2026's update just around the corner, we don't imagine the events of 2025 will have pushed it back any further.
Alongside Vladimir Putin's 'chilling' New Year's message, where he declared 'victory' for Russia, the country also has the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, heightening fears that WWIII is looming.
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Elsewhere, President Donald Trump is busy capturing Venezuela's president and setting his sights on the icy expanse of Greenland as a potential military stronghold. If all of that wasn't enough to worry about, what about the idea that it'll be AI instead of Putin and co. who'll trigger the next global conflict?
Although there hasn't been a draft in the USA since 1973, all men are required to register for Selective Service within the first 30 days of them turning 18. Failure to do so is considered a felony, and as well as becoming ineligible for student loans and federal jobs, they can face a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison.
Who wouldn't be drafted for WW3?
In terms of those who have to register for Selective Service, the age range only covers those 18-25, meaning any men older or younger than this wouldn't be required to sign up unless the law is changed.
There are medical and disability exceptions, with those who have 'significant' medical or psychological conditions being classed as unfit for service and typically being disqualified from the draft evaluation process.
Military.com notes: "Certain medical conditions — such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, certain types of mental health disorders and heart problems — can disqualify individuals from joining the military due to the physical and mental demands of service."
Even if not exempt, it would likely push this person to the back of the draft pool.
Caregivers have been exempt from past drafts if they're the sole provider for someone with a hardship, while those who are incarcerated also aren't drafted.
Are women included in the military draft?
Young men are obviously first to be drafted into a WWIII scenario, but under current rules, women aren't included. Women haven't been excluded from combat service since 2013, but they still aren't required to register for the draft.
The law specifically refers to 'male persons' as having to register, and although there has been chatter about changing this, it would be down to Congress.
It's true that other countries require women to draft, and in 2016, we came close. House and Senate committees approved a provision in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, but ultimately, lawmakers removed it and instead ordered a review of the Selective Service System.
Conscientious objectors and essential workers
Men who have sincerely held religious or moral objections can apply for conscientious objector classification if the USA triggers a draft. They might be placed last in terms of being put into combat roles, or possibly shifted into alternate service.
The country still needs to keep going in a time of war, with certain essential workers likely being exempt. There's no clear list of 'essential' civilian jobs, although analysts suggest that critical infrastructure roles related to healthcare, power, and cybersecurity would be prioritized in terms of deferments.
Of course, all of this could change in the time of war, depending on what the Trump administration decides.