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Every Citizen Who Would Be Safe From Getting Drafted If U.S. Went To War

There are certain citizens who would be safe from getting drafted if the U.S. went to war.

Amid escalating global tensions, including a recent announcement from President Donald Trump regarding military action against Iranian nuclear sites, concerns about a potential World War III are prompting discussions about who might be subject to a military draft in the United States.

While no one hopes for such a conflict, understanding the Selective Service System (SSS) and its potential exemptions can provide clarity in uncertain times.

The SSS has a long history of conscripting U.S. soldiers, notably during the Vietnam War, when 1.9 million individuals were called to serve between 1954 and 1975, per the Mirror.

Currently, all male U.S. citizens, including undocumented immigrants, refugees, and green card holders, are required to register for the draft between the ages of 18 and 25.

Failure to comply can result in a significant fine of up to $250,000. These registered males form a primary pool, with conscription typically starting with 20-year-olds and then expanding to other age groups.

However, several categories of individuals may be safe from direct combat roles or even from being drafted at all, based on current regulations and historical precedents.

A key factor for exemption is an individual’s physical and mental health.

All potential draftees undergo a comprehensive evaluation.

As the Selective Service System states, per UNILAD Tech, anyone ‘medically or psychologically unfit would be deferred or exempted.’

This ensures that only those capable of fulfilling military duties are considered for service.

At present, the draft is limited to males.

Discussions about expanding conscription to include women have taken place, but ‘talks about expanding the draft to include women haven’t been passed at the time of writing.’

Therefore, as of now, women would be exempt from mandatory military service.

Individuals who hold genuine moral or ethical objections to participating in combat due to their status as ‘conscientious objectors’ may also be exempt from direct combat.

This status typically requires them to perform alternative non-military service in support of the war effort, a practice seen in historical conflicts like World War II.

In a modern conflict, certain professions are deemed vital to national security and infrastructure, potentially leading to deferments.

These include full-time students and individuals in critical fields such as healthcare and tech infrastructure.

With the prospect of a technologically advanced World War III, those with specialized skills in areas like cybersecurity, AI, languages, medicine, and engineering might be utilized in defense-related roles rather than front-line combat.

This acknowledges that some jobs are ‘deemed too vital to national security’ to have their employees serve on the front lines.

Individuals with dependents may qualify for hardship deferments, recognizing their crucial role in supporting families.

This category includes parents and caregivers who might receive exemptions based on their responsibilities.

Historically, other groups have been exempt from conscription. The U.S. Selective Service System indicates that ministers, some elected officials in office, and veterans are generally likely to be exempt from a draft.

The prospect of a draft is a serious consideration, particularly with recent geopolitical events.

Mike Martin, an Afghanistan veteran and MP for Tunbridge Wells, emphasized the need for preparedness, stating to the Express: “There’s a significant chance that it [war with Russia] might happen so we must be prepared. Obviously, if we get involved in a general war with Russia, we’ll be conscripting the population – there’s no question about that.”

However, he also stressed that: “Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war].”

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