EXPLAINER: What to know about US military draft pool

The United States is moving toward automatic registration of eligible men for its military draft system, following a provision included in the annual defence policy law signed by Donald Trump in late 2025.

While the move has drawn renewed attention amid tensions with Iran, officials say the policy change is not tied to any current conflict.

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Here’s what to know:

What is changing?

Under the new measure in the National Defense Authorization Act, eligible men will be automatically registered for the draft pool starting in December.

This marks a shift from the current system, where men must sign up themselves with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18.

Automatic registration is already used in 46 states and territories, often through driver’s licence or state ID applications. The new rule aims to standardise the process nationwide.

Who must register?

The law applies to:

Male US citizens aged 18 to 26

Male immigrants in the same age range, including green-card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented individuals

Men on nonimmigrant visas are exempt.

Why does registration matter?

Registering with the Selective Service does not mean someone will be drafted. It simply ensures the government has a pool of eligible individuals if a draft is ever reinstated.

Failure to register is a serious offence under the Military Selective Service Act. Penalties may include:

Loss of access to federal student loans and jobs

Possible fines and prison time

When was the last draft?

The US last used a military draft in 1973 during the Vietnam War. Since then, the country has relied on an all-volunteer military force.

Could a draft happen soon?

A draft cannot happen automatically. It would require approval from Congress.

Officials have stressed that the automatic registration policy is unrelated to current geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, and was passed with bipartisan support months earlier.

How would a draft work?

If Congress authorises a draft:

A lottery system would be used, based on birth dates

Men turning 20 in the draft year would be called first

Other age groups (21 to 25, then 19 and 18-year-olds) would follow

Those selected could apply for deferments or exemptions. Remaining candidates would undergo physical, mental, and moral evaluations before induction.

Why the change?

Lawmakers say automatic registration will:

1. Reduce administrative costs
2. Prevent eligible men from being penalised for failing to register unknowingly
3. Improve fairness and compliance

The proposal was championed by Chrissy Houlahan and received bipartisan backing in Congress.