Am I eligible for the draft?

All male US citizens and immigrants ages 18-25 must register with Selective Service. Women are not currently required to register, though Congress has debated this. Registration is required but does not mean you will be called.

Can the president order a draft without Congress?

No. Only Congress can authorize a military draft through legislation. The president cannot unilaterally reinstate conscription. Both the House and Senate would need to pass a draft bill.

What would trigger a military draft?

A draft would only be considered if the conflict required a massive ground invasion (200,000+ troops) and the all-volunteer military couldn't meet requirements. The current air campaign strategy makes this unlikely.

Has Congress voted on a draft for the Iran war?

No. As of March 2026, no draft legislation has been introduced in Congress. Both the Pentagon and Congressional leadership have stated a draft is not being considered.

Will There Be a Military Draft in 2026?

The US military draft (conscription) was last used in 1973. Currently, all males 18-25 must register with Selective Service but are not called. A draft requires Congressional authorization. The Pentagon maintains that the all-volunteer force of 1.3M active duty is sufficient. Current draft probability: ~3%.