Rising global tensions have renewed a question many Americans haven’t seriously faced in decades: if a major war broke out, who would be called to serve, and who would not?
Since returning to office, Donald Trump has authorized several military operations. On June 21, he confirmed U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” he said the day of the operation, according to CNN.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.
“Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
His post also came with a warning: “ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT. THANK YOU! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”
Donald Trump’s military operations
Two days later, Iran launched a missile strike on Al‑Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. base in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that “Iran will not leave any attack on its sovereignty unanswered,” adding that “US bases in the region are not strengths but vulnerabilities,” according to BBC News.
Trump later announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, though fighting has continued in the region. He also authorized strikes in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, who was taken to the United States to face legal proceedings.
These events have intensified speculation about a possible military draft, according to VT. The Selective Service System, created in 1917, allows conscription during wartime and was most heavily used during the Vietnam War, when about 1.9 million Americans were drafted.
Who would be drafted?
According to USA.gov, “The Selective Service program requires eligible men to sign up for military service. Military service in the U.S. is voluntary. But most young men must register with Selective Service. Learn about the registration process.”
As of 2025, all male U.S. citizens and residents ages 18–25 must register, including undocumented immigrants, green card holders, and refugees. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to $250,000.
“It is a federal felony, punishable by fines or a prison sentence. And you may not be eligible for federal jobs, citizenship, or state‑funded student financial aid,” the website reads.
If a draft is activated, selection begins with 20‑year‑olds and proceeds through other age groups, according to VT. Medical and psychological screenings will be held, and those who are deemed unfit are exempt. Exemptions can also apply to women, students, those who hold sincere moral or religious objections to participating in war, essential workers, caregivers, and certain skilled professionals.
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