America’s Draft Pool Contains 16.4 Million Men
Understanding how this works begins with knowing who gets called first. A draft would start with men age 20. It would then expand to other age groups based on military needs. The Selective Service System maintains records for about 16.4 million men ages 18-25 nationwide. This compares to approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel currently serving across all branches.
Who Would Be Drafted if America Faces WW3?
Requirements apply equally to citizens and non-citizens. The system covers permanent residents, undocumented immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The database includes people with disabilities and transgender persons assigned male at birth. Eligibility stays the same regardless of personal beliefs about military service, political views, or conscientious objector status. While current law requires only men to register, military officials have indicated the Selective Service stands prepared to expand registration should legislation ever change to include women. This data serves as the first step of the multi-stage selection and evaluation process.
If a national emergency such as WW3 required activating this system for conscription, the process would follow specific steps. Starting a draft requires approval from both Congress and the President. They must amend the Military Selective Service Act to allow it. Once they provide this authorization, the Selective Service System has 193 days to switch from keeping records to conducting active conscription.
If a national emergency such as WW3 required activating this system for conscription, the process would follow specific steps. Starting a draft requires approval from both Congress and the President. They must amend the Military Selective Service Act to allow it. Once they provide this authorization, the Selective Service System has 193 days to switch from keeping records to conducting active conscription.
