The United States is set to introduce automatic military draft registration for men aged 18 to 25, marking the most significant overhaul of the system in more than half a century.
Under new rules submitted last week by the Selective Service System (SSS) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, eligible young men across all 50 states will be enrolled into the draft database without needing to take any action themselves.
The agency said it aims to implement the changes by December 2026.
The reform follows provisions included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, passed by Congress in December, which removed the requirement for individuals to manually register. Instead, a new automated system will identify and enrol those who qualify.
Officials say the move is designed to simplify a process that has long relied on public awareness campaigns and voluntary compliance.
Currently, men are required by federal law to register within 30 days of turning 18, with failure to do so constituting a felony offence.
By shifting to automatic registration, authorities argue the system will become more efficient and cost-effective.
Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan previously supported the change, stating it would allow resources to be redirected from outreach efforts towards military readiness and mobilisation.
The announcement comes amid heightened global tensions, with policymakers increasingly focused on maintaining military preparedness.
However, officials emphasise that registration does not equate to immediate conscription. A draft would only be activated if authorised by the President and Congress.
If reinstated, the draft would follow a lottery system, beginning with 20-year-olds before progressing through older age groups up to 25.
Only after those cohorts are exhausted would 18- and 19-year-olds be considered. All selected individuals would still need to pass physical and mental evaluations before entering service.
Penalties for refusing induction remain severe, including fines of up to $250,000 (roughly £186,000) or prison sentences of up to five years.
The overhaul represents the most substantial change to the draft since the end of conscription during the Vietnam War, when the system faced widespread criticism.
During that conflict, more than 17,000 conscripted troops were killed, accounting for a significant proportion of US casualties.
Despite repeated legislative efforts, the requirement to register continues to apply only to men.
Women remain excluded from the draft system, while certain exemptions exist for individuals who are housebound due to disability. Others, including students, may qualify for temporary deferments.
The SSS said the new system would “streamline registration” while allowing for “workforce realignment”, signalling a broader shift in how the US prepares for potential large-scale mobilisation.
