As diplomatic tensions rise, many Americans become worried about the possibility of a military draft being enacted. This sudden attention derives from the policy change the federal government has recently implemented, which aims to automatically register eligible men from ages 18 to 26 to a military draft pool, and is planned to go into effect this December. 

The initiative of registering eligible men to the Selective Service System (SSS) in all states was proposed and signed by President Donald Trump in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Initially, the SSS had automatic registration in place for 46 states and territories according to a 2024 report, but the rule to make it a nationwide practice was suggested by the SSS to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the end of last month.

Before this was signed, the SSS demanded that men register through FASFA in order to receive financial aid, and the failure to do so would result in a felony charge of $250,000 or imprisonment for 5 years. According to CNN, individuals who will be impacted by this are green-card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented men. 

The last time the Selective Service Act was in effect was during the Vietnam War in 1974, and due to the impact the Vietnam War had on young men, many Americans have opposed the idea of authorizing another military draft. 

“The military is very selective. It is picking out the right people and training them so that they’re specialized in that field, and by doing this automatic sort of recruiting, it takes away that specialization that the military has,” said Zeus Hernandez, a junior who plans to enlist in the Air Force after high school. 

A Riverside Army Recruiter, Staff Sergeant Jordan, explained that each recruiter is required to search for applicants who are qualified, and a military draft would essentially overlook the requirements needed to enlist. 

“[Applicants] able to pass both ASVAB and medical screenings, and then another issue could be – quite to add on that first one as well – if they have any law violations,” said Sergeant Jordan. 

The Trump Administration’s approval of an automatic enrollment raises questions about a military draft occurring due to the war commenced by Israel and the US against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026. For Hernandez, this initiative foreshadows a plan that the federal government has in store. 

“I think it’s their plan for sure. I don’t know. I don’t think you do that type of automatic registration without planning something beforehand. So maybe they do have a goal in mind that will need a lot of recruits,” said Hernandez.

In a recent press conference, Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, was questioned about the automatic Selective Service registration and its connection to the conflict in Iran, and included that President Trump “keeps his options on the table” in her response. 

As a result, the public responded to this information with more fear and curiosity. Richard Dean, an AP US history teacher, explained that President Trump’s strategy when it comes to diplomatic tensions is often unpredictable for the purpose of confusing enemies overseas. 

“I think in this instance, he’s continuing that unpredictability, except it’s not towards an enemy, it’s towards his civilians,” said Dean.