Could the US draft people again?

Yes, the United States could draft citizens again, but doing so would require an Act of Congress and the President's signature to become law.

Currently, the US military operates as an all-volunteer force, and the draft (conscription) has not been used since 1973 during the Vietnam War. However, the administrative infrastructure remains active through the Selective Service System.

How a Draft Would Be Reinstated

For the draft to be brought back, the federal government must take the following steps:

1. Congressional Action: Congress must pass legislation to authorize a draft.
2. Presidential Approval: The President must sign the legislation into law.
3. Lottery & Induction: The Selective Service System would then run a national lottery based on birthdates. Those selected would be ordered to report for physical, mental, and moral evaluations before induction.

Who is Currently Impacted?

Under current federal law, almost all male US citizens and male immigrants (including undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, and refugees) aged 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service.

Key Considerations

• Gender: Women are currently not required to register for the draft. While Congress has debated expanding registration to include women, no such law has been enacted.
• Modern Military Preference: Defense officials and military leaders generally favor an all-volunteer military. Modern warfare relies heavily on highly technical, specialized training, making a sudden influx of short-term conscripts less practical except in extreme, existential national emergencies.

Note: To verify the latest registration requirements or policy updates, check the official website of the U.S. Selective Service System (sss.gov).