Eligible men aged 18 to 25 in the United States will soon face automatic registration for the military draft pool, with the process starting in December.
Selective Service System Leads Change
The Selective Service System (SSS), responsible for maintaining a database of potential draftees, submitted the rule change on March 30. This update shifts registration duties from individuals to the agency via federal data integration.
“This statutory change transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources,” the agency’s website states. The proposal currently awaits review by regulatory affairs for final approval.
Historical Context and Current Requirements
Although no draft has occurred since the early 1970s during the Vietnam War, men aged 18 to 25 must still register manually with the SSS in case of activation.
Lawmakers have proposed extending registration to young women, but no such measures have become law.
This situation continues to evolve as officials finalize the automation process.
