As concerns about a potential US military draft continue to circulate online and on college campuses, many students and parents are asking the same question: could high school seniors or college students be drafted if the military draft returns? With renewed attention on automatic Selective Service registration and updated draft age limits, confusion and anxiety are growing rapidly.
Here’s what you need to know about draft and enlistment ages, how Selective Service registration affects 18-year-old high school and college students, enrollment requirements, who can defer, and who might be exempt.
The Army recently announced that it will increase the maximum age for eligible recruits to 42, while removing barriers for those with single marijuana or drug paraphernalia convictions. This change will take effect on April 20, 2026, as outlined in an Army memo. Previously, the upper limit for enlistment was 35.
Although no draft has been called, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has mentioned that the president is not ruling out a military draft as tensions between the US and Iran remain high. Trump has warned of “shooting stars” if Iran backs out of any deal.
The last time a draft was implemented in the US was in 1972 during the Vietnam War. At this point, neither Congress nor the current administration has declared war, which would be necessary for a draft to be reinstated.
Is there an automatic military draft?
No, there is no automatic military draft in 2026. However, automatic Selective Service registration will begin on December 18, 2026, which will automatically register eligible men should a draft be called. This does not mean a draft is activated.
Currently, registration for the Selective Service in the US is required for all men within 30 days of turning 18, or for those entering the US between the ages of 18 and 25. Registration does not mean you are being drafted, but it places you in a contingency database, according to the Selective Service System.
What age are you eligible for the draft?
US men are eligible for the draft when they turn 18, regardless of whether they are in college or high school. The age at which you are no longer eligible? Once you turn 26, you are no longer required to register for Selective Service, meaning you will not be drafted, unless Congress changes the rules through new legislation.
Are college students exempt from the draft?
College students are not exempt from a military draft in the US, though they can receive temporary postponements to finish a college semester. All men are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday for Selective Service, though starting December 18, 2026, the process will switch to automatic SS registration.
According to the Selective Service System, a temporary deferment would only last while the student remains enrolled. However, Congress could change these rules if the need for military power increases.
Student deferments were eliminated in the early 1970s. During the Vietnam-era, many college students received deferments, which were heavily criticized and eventually ended in 1971 by President Nixon, according to the Harvard Crimson.
Can high school students be drafted?
Yes, high school students can be drafted once they turn 18. This means you can be a high school senior (or even a junior), register for Selective Service, and be called upon to go through the draft selection process. This includes students in public or private high schools, or vocational or trade schools in any state.
What makes you exempt from the draft?
Women or people born female, those 26 years old or older, and those in prison or jail, hospitalized or institutionalized are exempt from the draft, according to the Selective Service eligibility chart. Further, certain medical or mental conditions may disqualify a person during the intake process (MEPS exam), and full-time clergy members and ministers are disqualified.
What happens if you don’t register for the draft?
Registering with the Selective Service is required regardless of college enrollment, and failing to register is actually a federal felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $250,000 in fines. It can affect federal student financial aid, federal employment eligibility and some state benefits. It would also block or delay the naturalization process.
How to register for selective service
Head to the Selective Service website and go through the Register Now process. Not sure if you are registered for Selective Service? Head to sss.gov/verify, input your last name, Social Security number and date of birth.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Is there going to be a military draft in 2026?
