SHAH ALAM - A new policy in the United States (US) will soon change how young men are enrolled into the military draft system.
Starting December, eligible individuals will be automatically registered for the Selective Service, marking a significant procedural shift, even as officials stress that this does not mean a draft is imminent.
What has changed and when it takes effect
The automatic registration measure is part of the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) signed into law in December 2025 by President Donald Trump.
Under this law, men aged 18 to 26 will no longer need to manually sign up for the draft system. Instead, they will be automatically added to the database maintained by the Selective Service System.
The change is scheduled to take effect in December, standardising a process that is already partially in place across the country.
Who will be registered
The new rule applies broadly to:
- Male US citizens
- Permanent residents (green-card holders)
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Undocumented men within the age bracket
However, individuals in the country on nonimmigrant visas are excluded. Previously, eligible men were required to register within 30 days of turning 18, although late registration was accepted until age 26.
Failure to register is considered a serious offence under US law and may lead to significant consequences, including the loss of access to certain federal benefits such as student financial aid and eligibility for government employment, as well as potential criminal penalties that can involve fines or imprisonment.
Why the system is being automated
The move aims to close gaps in compliance and improve efficiency.
“Making registration automatic, not only saves taxpayer dollars by eliminating the need to advertise but finally ensures that young men are not unknowingly penalised.
“The policy has received bipartisan support in Congress,” Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan said.
Currently, 46 states and territories already have some form of automatic registration in place, often linked to processes like applying for a driver’s licence.
Data from the Selective Service shows that more than 60 per cent of registrations already come through state motor vehicle departments.
Is this linked to global conflicts?
Officials have clarified that the policy is not directly tied to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran.
The legislation was passed months before the current escalation, although renewed global tensions have brought increased public attention to the draft system. At present, there is no active military draft in the US.
When was the last draft?
The US last enforced a draft in February 1973, during the Vietnam War. Historically, conscription has been used during major conflicts. For example:
- Around 10.1 million men were drafted during World War II
- This figure was more than three times higher than in World War I
Since 1973, the US military has operated as an all-volunteer force, though the Selective Service system has remained in place as a contingency.
What would happen if a draft is activated
Even with automatic registration, a draft cannot happen unless Congress formally approves it. If that were to occur, the process would involve a lottery system.
Birth dates would be randomly selected and those turning 20 years old in the year of the draft would be called up first. The sequence would then follow this order:
- Ages 21 to 25
- Age 19
- Those just over 18
Not everyone selected would necessarily serve. Those called up would undergo a screening process.
According to the Selective Service System, individuals would be assessed through physical evaluation, mental assessment and moral and eligibility review. They would also have the right to request deferments or exemptions before final decisions are made.
Key takeaway
The move to automate Selective Service registration represents an administrative reform rather than an immediate policy shift toward military conscription.
By standardising the process nationwide, US authorities aim to improve compliance and reduce legal risks for eligible individuals.
While a draft remains unlikely without Congressional approval, the updated system ensures the government retains the infrastructure needed to mobilise personnel quickly if national security circumstances change.