For now, the draft is dormant, not dead. Since 1973, the U.S. has relied on an all‑volunteer military, but the legal machinery for conscription still sits in federal law, ready to be switched on if Congress and the President declare a national emergency. That’s why every male U.S. resident between 18 and 25—citizens, immigrants, refugees, and dual nationals alike—is required to register with the Selective Service, even though no one has been drafted in decades.

If a draft were activated, a lottery would determine the order, starting with 20‑year‑olds, then moving through ages 21 to 25, and only then down to 19 and 18 if needed. Women are not currently required to register, though Congress has debated the idea. Those who never register by 26 can face fines, prison, and lifelong consequences like losing access to federal benefits and some government jobs.