Congress is currently considering proposals to update the military draft system, including expanding it to include women for the first time and automatically registering eligible individuals. These proposals face challenges in becoming law, but they reflect a reevaluation of the draft in light of current readiness issues and recruitment challenges faced by the Pentagon.
The House recently passed a defense policy bill that includes a bipartisan proposal to automatically register for the draft and raise the maximum registration age to 26. In addition, a Senate committee approved a version of the bill that would require women to register for the draft. Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, is a strong supporter of this proposal.
Currently, most men between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service, which maintains a database of potential conscripts in the event of a draft. Failure to register is considered a crime with potential punishments. Many states automatically register men for the Selective Service when they get a driver’s license or apply for college, resulting in a high compliance rate.
The number of young Americans volunteering for military service has been declining, with less than 1% of adults serving in active duty combat roles. This is a significant decrease from the draft era of the 1960s when a larger proportion of Americans served in combat roles.
The discussions around updating the draft system come at a time when the military is facing recruitment challenges and increased risks and conflicts around the world. While the proposals are still far from becoming law, they highlight the ongoing debate on the role of conscription in the modern military landscape.