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If World War 3 erupts, these are the first U.S. citizens who would be drafted as Trump’s latest remarks ignite fears
Donald Trump's latest remarks about World War 3 have ignited age-old fears about what might happen if the US needs to start conscripting its population for an all-out attack.
As tensions rise with Iran, Trump took a press conference where confirmed that the US would "never" allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.
But he made a curious comment about possible future warfare - hinting that, after he has left the Presidency, war could break out under a "weaker" new American leader.
So, what exactly is the protocol for an American draft into World War 3? Let's break it down.
Who would be drafted first when World War 3 breaks out?
In the event of war, the US government holds the power to reinstate a nationwide draft.
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Currently, US law requires nearly all male American citizens and immigrants to register with Selective Service when they turn 18 - with severe consequences for those that fail to do so.
Once a draft is authorized, then the Selective Service would be activated and all registrars would be pulled up for duty.
During this period, individuals would receive further instructions on their status and be given opportunities to make claims for postponement, deferment, or exemption.
For example, individuals could apply for an alternative service if they are conscientious objectors or claim hardship deferments.
Following the activation of the draft, another crucial part would then also play out - a nationwide lottery.
What would the nationwide lottery involve if World War 3 breaks out?
The nationwide lottery is a crucial aspect of conscription.
Following the activation of the Selective Service, a lottery would be needed to properly conscript all the members needed into the US military service.
The lottery would be a truly national event; live-streamed and publicly attended.
There, birthdays and numbers would be drawn randomly to determine the order in which individuals would be called for induction.
"The first to receive induction orders are those whose 20th birthday falls during the year of the lottery," according to Selective Service guidelines.
If additional lotteries are needed, the draft will continue by calling individuals who turn 21 that year, and then progressively moving up in age until reaching 25.
After that, lotteries for individuals turning 19 or 18.5 would follow.
In the case of a national emergency, such as the breakout of World War 3, the U.S. government must deliver the first inductees to military duty within 193 days after the draft is authorized.