Severe punishment for refusing to register for US military draft as automatic registration to start
Men who are eligible for the US military draft but fail to register may face felony charges.
Earlier today, it was announced that all qualifying American citizens and immigrants living in the United States will be automatically registered for the military draft from December 2026.
Submitted by the Selective Service System (SSS), the government agency responsible for maintaining draft records, the new rule would see eligible men being registered automatically rather than being asked to register themselves within 30 days of turning 18.
Supporters of the law claim the move will save the US government millions of dollars each year.
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Those considered eligible for military service include:
- US citizens aged 18–25, including dual citizens
- Male immigrants aged 18–25 living in the US
- US citizens living abroad in the same age group
- People assigned male at birth, including transgender women
- Most men with disabilities (even if they might later be found unfit for military service)
Women, trans men assigned female at birth, those in the US on temporary visas and anyone outside of the age range are not expected to register.
Barron Trump is also exempt from conscription.
What are the current laws around the US military draft?
With just over seven months to go until December, men who turn 18 between now and Christmas will still have to register themselves with the SSS.
Those who fail or refuse to register face strict penalties, all of which are included on the SSS website.
Failure to register is considered a felony, with the following punishments applicable:
- A fine of up to $250,000
- Up to five years in prison
However, the BBC notes that custodial sentences for failure to register are rarely enforced.
Those who fail to register will also be ineligible for federal employment, student financial aid and certain job training.
Immigrants who fail to register will also be denied US citizenship.
Anyone who knowingly helps another person avoid registering for the draft will also face the same punishments.
How does the US military draft work?
Should America find itself at war and in need of soldiers, the draft would be used as a method of conscription.
Those who are eligible would be assigned a lottery number, which would be randomly selected. If your number is chosen, then you are expected to report for military service
Conscription was last used in the United States in 1973, when young men were drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. Around 1.8 million men were drafted during the Vietnam War, which lasted between 1964 and 1973, with around 25 percent of those deployed being draftees.
What about Conscientious Objectors?
Under current guidelines, conscientious objectors are still expected to register. If called up, they would have the opportunity to file a claim of exemption.
Brenna Cooper