The first military draft in the United States was during the Revolutionary War, where the Thirteen Colonies required all free and able-bodied men to receive military training. However, a national draft in the United States was first employed during the Civil War. This was met with large-scale protest, even likening conscription to slavery. Fortunately, the United States has had an all-volunteer military since 1973 due to the unpopularity of the draft during the Vietnam War. However, due to increasing military tension and a number of President Donald Trump’s unorthodox actions, some are concerned that the draft will be reinstalled. This is only compounded with recent legislation.
In 1973, after ending compulsory military service, President Jimmy Carter created the Selective Service System (SSS). The SSS is a register of all male US citizens and immigrants aged 18-25. The SSS was created to reinstall the military draft in case wartime occurs and there are not enough volunteers. In April of this year, President Trump signed legislation into law in which all males aged 18-25 would be automatically enrolled in the SSS, starting in December. Before, men had to register themselves within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday or risk facing fines of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. Making the registration automatic streamlines the process.
However, due to increasing military action in Iran and President Trump’s claiming that he wants to take over Greenland, many worry that this is simply the next step to World War III. However, the automatic registration has nothing to do with the conflict in Iran, as the issue was decided on by both political parties months before. Additionally, Eric Premisler, the AP United States History teacher doubts that there will be a military draft, saying that it will be “heavily protested” and “It doesn’t make sense for them to implement the draft now.” So, there is no need for young men to be overly concerned about military service becoming compulsory.
