While there isn't currently a draft in place, Congress and the president can reinstate the draft and force male citizens to serve in the military in the event of a national emergency or war that all-volunteer military can't adequately support. Here's what you need to know about the military draft.
Significant physical disabilities, such as loss of limbs, paralysis, or severe deformities, can disqualify you. Conditions like scoliosis, if severe, also affect eligibility. For example, individuals with amputated limbs or severe spinal curvatures often don't meet the physical demands of military service.
Acute or organic diseases of the brain or spinal cord; of the heart or lungs; of the liver or spleen; of the kidneys or bladder, which have so seriously impaired his general health as to leave no doubt of the man's incapacity for military service.
Diagnosed conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety and depression can prevent you from being drafted. For instance, someone with a history of major depressive disorder or panic attacks can face disqualification because mental stability is crucial in high-stress situations.
Having certain criminal records can disqualify you from military service. Felony convictions lead to automatic disqualification. Examples include assault, robbery, and . Some misdemeanor offenses, like domestic violence or drug possession, also result in disqualification.
The first reason you may not be eligible for the draft is your age. In the United States, for example, men are required to register for the draft when they turn 18 years old. However, men who are older than 26 years old are not required to register, and therefore, are not eligible for the draft.
Men turning 21 in the year of the draft would be second priority, men turning 22 would be third, and so on until a man turns 26, at which time he is over the age of liability. Younger men would not be called in that year until men in the 20-25 age group are called.
Significant physical disabilities, such as loss of limbs, paralysis, or severe deformities, can disqualify you. Conditions like scoliosis, if severe, also affect eligibility. For example, individuals with amputated limbs or severe spinal curvatures often don't meet the physical demands of military service.