Whenever global tensions rise, many people begin asking the same question: who would actually be drafted if the United States entered a major war? While the country currently relies on a fully volunteer military, the Selective Service System still exists as a backup plan in case a national emergency requires rapidly expanding the armed forces.

Under current law, most male U.S. citizens and male immigrants living in the country between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service. Registration does not mean someone will automatically be sent to war. Instead, it simply places their name in a system that could be used if Congress and the president decided to activate a military draft during a large-scale conflict.

If a draft were ever reinstated, the process would typically begin with a random lottery based on birth dates. Those selected would then go through medical evaluations, background checks, and classification reviews to determine whether they are fit for military service. Not everyone chosen in the lottery would necessarily be required to serve, as certain exemptions or deferments could apply depending on health, family status, or other circumstances.

Women are currently not required to register for Selective Service, although the topic has been debated in recent years as the role of women in the military continues to expand. Lawmakers and military officials have discussed whether future policies might include both men and women if a draft were ever needed again.

Despite ongoing discussions about the system, experts emphasize that activating a draft would require significant political decisions and would only happen during an extreme national emergency. For now, the United States military remains entirely volunteer-based, and many leaders hope that a situation requiring a draft never becomes necessary.