Current Status of the US Draft
The United States does not currently have an active military draft. The last conscription occurred during the Vietnam War, and the draft was suspended in 1973. The US military now operates as an all-volunteer force, meaning men are not being drafted for service at this time.
Who Must Register for Selective Service
Male US citizens and immigrants, including non-citizens, must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18. Registration is required for men aged 18 through 25. Registration does not mean enlistment; it simply maintains a list of potential candidates if Congress and the President decide to reinstate the draft.
Legal Basis and Recent Developments
The legal framework for a potential future draft is maintained through the Selective Service System and federal law. In 2021, the Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the male-only registration requirement. For detailed information on registration and the history of the draft, visit the official Selective Service System website at Selective Service System.
