Every US citizen who would likely be exempt from being drafted in ‘World War 3’ as Trump issues new warning
1973 was the year that saw the final draft.
The geopolitical landscape feels like a tense battleground right now, and it’s not just the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that’s raising concerns about what the future holds. The uncertainty of the global situation is leaving many wondering what’s next.
Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, shows no signs of backing down, even as former President Donald Trump continues his efforts to mediate peace between the two sides. Meanwhile, the United States is pursuing a lucrative mineral agreement with Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
This diplomatic balancing act is far easier said than done, and following a contentious meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, it seems peace is now further out of reach than ever before.
There are growing concerns about the possibility of a future World War III, with Putin warning that he might deploy Russia’s formidable nuclear arsenal, potentially triggering a global catastrophe. This, coupled with escalating tensions, has fueled widespread fear.
Reports indicate that the United States has become one of the most perilous places to be in the event of a ceasefire breakdown. While we fervently hope this scenario never comes to pass, there’s a real concern that Americans could find themselves embroiled in an imaginary World War III under the leadership of the U.S. president.
After a phone call in which Putin reportedly dismissed the United States’ calls for a ceasefire, President Trump shared a chilling warning with Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle:
“Right now, you have a lot of guns pointing at each other, and a ceasefire without going a little bit further would have been difficult.”
Russia holds a strategic advantage over Ukraine, with approximately 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers surrounded, creating a dire situation. This encirclement is a troubling development that leaves little room for escape or resistance.
As tensions escalate, President Trump addressed the situation with a stark comment: “Look, we’re doing this – there are no Americans involved.” However, he warned that the situation could change, especially if this conflict leads to a full-blown World War III. It’s an absurd possibility, yet not entirely out of the realm of possibility—strange things can happen in geopolitics. With the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight than ever before, fears of an imminent global conflict are growing, and concerns about the United States being drawn into a war are palpable.
Since 1917, the U.S. has relied on the Selective Service System (SSS) to draft individuals for military service. During the Vietnam War, approximately 1.9 million Americans were called to serve between 1954 and 1975. Given the escalating global tensions, it’s not hard to imagine a similar call to action, raising valid concerns about being conscripted into a potential conflict.
The Selective Service System (SSS) has used random lotteries based on birth dates in the past to determine who will be drafted in times of need. In 2025, it will be mandatory for all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for the draft. Failing to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of up to $250,000.
While there have been discussions about extending the draft registration to include women, no such legislation has passed as of now.
The SSS’s mission is clear: “To register men and maintain a system that, when authorized by the President and Congress, rapidly provides personnel in a fair and just manner while managing an alternative-service program for conscientious objectors.” Certain individuals are exempt from the draft, including ministers and certain elected officials, as long as they retain their positions.
Additionally, veterans are typically exempt from military service during a peacetime draft. Immigrants and dual nationals may also be exempt based on their country of citizenship. Those who are the sole providers for a family or are in the process of becoming a minister can apply for a deferment.
There are also a variety of valid reasons for seeking a postponement. Enrolled students in higher education, individuals facing serious illness, or those dealing with a death in their immediate family may be eligible for deferment, allowing them to delay their draft eligibility under specific circumstances.
The final group of individuals exempt from the draft includes those who are medically unfit for service and conscientious objectors—those who oppose war for moral or religious reasons. Given that the last draft took place in 1973, some believe that the current guidelines are outdated and in need of revision to stay relevant in today’s world.
Despite this, as tensions rise and world leaders stand poised with their fingers near the red buttons, let’s hope that diplomacy prevails and World War III can be avoided.
