US makes conscription to military mandatory

By Paul Logothetis

Media Relations Advisor, uOttawa

Men in camouflage in uniform standing on a field in daytime
Eligible men will be automatically registered into the US military draft pool by December 2026.

Members of the media may directly contact the following experts on this topic:

Emily Regan Wills (English and French)

Associate Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences

[email protected]

Professor Wills' research interests include everyday US politics and the anti-war social movement.

“The US’ Selective Service System has maintained the groundwork for a potential military draft since 1917, although in different forms, and has been highly controversial. Current discussions about implementing a draft reflect the Trump government’s attitude towards global affairs and militaristic approach to domestic politics; if this moves beyond the discussion stage, it will result in significant pushback from other actors."