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Huge change to how US drafts people into the armed forces set for December 1
A major change to how the US military drafts its soldiers is set to be implemented on December 1, despite being shrouded in controversy.
The new rules could see American men registered for military service automatically, rather than relying on self-registration, as has been the case since the 1970s.
Currently, all American men are asked to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday, meaning that rule would be scrapped under the new regulations.
Huge change set to be implemented in December
According to the government agency’s proposition, automatic registration could save millions of dollars that are spent on sending out registration reminders.
The Selective Service System (SSS), the agency responsible for armed forces recruitment in the US, submitted the plan earlier this year, and according to the SSS website, the recommendation would “transfer responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS, creating a more streamlined process.”
In the United States, all men between the ages of 18 and 25 are legally required to register, with failure to do so considered a crime, with punishment carrying up to five years in prison, according to the Constitution.
At the moment, 46 states automatically register eligible men, but the SSS has since moved to make that practice a nationwide process.
While those rules are enforced, adherence dropped to 81% in 2024, government data has revealed.
The change was subsequently approved by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which is responsible for funding the US military.
Authorities reveal plans for conscription
Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan revealed: “Basically that means money, towards readiness and towards mobilization, rather than towards education and advertising campaigns driven to register people.”
The news has prompted speculation around whether the US is beginning to lean towards a full-blown military draft should tensions escalate in Iran and the Middle East.
That said, when asked, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "It's not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on the table.
"There's no greater priority or responsibility to this president than, of course, protecting the American people and protecting our troops."
Should the Trump administration opt to implement a draft, it will be the first time the country has done so since 1973, with Jimmy Carter relaunching Selective Service just seven years after.