With global tensions rising and fears over the imminent break out of World War III no longer the subject of scorn, it makes sense to assume there are people out there worrying over whether loved ones – or they themselves – might end up on the frontlines of the conflict to end all conflicts.
If history can tell us one thing, it’s that fighting in a war is never as flashy and fun as certain Hollywood depictions make it seem. Casualties are extremely high, conditions are the stuff of nightmares, and life-changing injuries are common place. And that’s before we even broach the topic of long-lasting trauma.
While the U.S. has no military draft at present, the prospect of it being reinstated has become evermore realistic in recent times. In the event of a full-scale conflict on the magnitude of world wars one and two, it could very well make a return.
Which leaves people in a fairly uncomfortable predicament – what is there to be done to avoid a potential draft should it come into play?
Now, we’ll make it clear that we’re aware actively seeking to get around military service is not the road all will choose to go down. The implementation of a draft is done for a reason; wars (for the time being) can’t be fought without soldiers, and responding to the call from your country is about as honorable and brave thing a citizen can do.
That said, the idea of potentially fighting and dying on foreign soil for a cause you might not even agree with doesn’t sit well with all. If you find yourself in that category, pay attention, because there might be a loop-hole you can use if you’re otherwise fit and eligible to be called up.
According to The Mirror, certain professions can keep you out of military service if conscription was ever to be reintroduced.
The U.S.’s Selective Service System doesn’t provide blanket job exemptions, but people working in essential fields could have a far higher chance of being assigned non-combat roles.
Such fields include healthcare workers, educators, engineers, utility workers in key infrastructure sectors, and religious ministers. Citizens who harbor moral or religious objections to war as a concept can often be assigned non-military roles, as was the case during World War II.
Put simply, if World War III was to break out tomorrow, the roles mentioned above would remain vital to a functioning society.
The industries they belong to are critical to preserve, meaning that people working in those sectors have a lower chance of being drafted for combat. They can still be called upon to serve, of course, but they may have a higher probability of being drafted into a non-combat role.
At the time of writing, the likelihood of any sort of draft returning remains uncertain, but having a career in an essential sector could offer some security should the time come.
Do you think a major world conflict is around the corner? Let us know in the comments.
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