Five careers could potentially exempt you from being drafted if World War III ever breaks out - and with tensions rising in certain areas of the world, it might be good to know.
Following Russian president Vladimir Putin's recent claims that Russia is "ready" for war with Europe "right away", some have begun to fear that World War III could be a real possibility.
The Russian President was speaking amid talks regarding the war in Ukraine and claimed that European countries are attempting to sabotage the peace process.
Putin accused European countries of attempting to stymie the peace talks and said that "European demands" were "not acceptable to Russia".
He said: “Europe is preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine. Russia does not intend to fight Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready right now.”
While Putin did not specify any countries by name, he added: “They are on the side of war.”
Fears have been ignited in recent months that the global climate is shifting dangerously close to full-scale conflict, which could mean that military conscription could once again become a reality.
But should a draft be reinstated in the US or UK, some careers might save you from being called to the front lines.
While the United States' Selective Service System does not currently provide blanket job exemptions from the draft, professionals in certain critical fields may avoid combat roles due to the essential nature of their work.
According to The Mirror, these include healthcare workers, educators, engineers, utility workers in key infrastructure, and ministers.
Individuals who can prove religious or moral opposition to war may be assigned non-military roles or alternative service, a process that echoes the tribunals used during World War II.
In Britain, for example, such conscientious objectors provided support through civil roles rather than military engagement.
The UK Parliament's historical records show that conscription began even before open conflict during WWII.
In May 1939, single men aged 20 to 22 were mandated to complete six months of training under the Military Training Act.
When war was officially declared on September 3, the National Service Act expanded that requirement to all men aged 18 to 41, with later amendments calling up women and even men as old as 60.
Those in critical industries such as medicine, farming, baking, and engineering were excused from direct service.
“There were not enough men volunteering for police and civilian defense work, or women for the auxiliary units of the armed forces,” one parliamentary account noted.
Afghanistan veteran and UK MP Mike Martin believes the possibility of war with Russia is very real.
“Obviously, if we get involved in a general war with Russia, we'll be conscripting the population - there's no question about that,” he said. “Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war].”
Martin added: “The whole point about building the military up is it decreases the likelihood of this happening. I think that's an important caveat. I've fought in wars, I'm not a warmonger. But I recognise that you've got to [pursue] peace through strength.”