Can Women Be Drafted into the U.S. Military?
The topic of women and the military draft has gained significant attention in recent years, sparking debates and confusion among many. In 2016, the International Military Staff Committee of the United Nations officially recognized gender equality in military service by removing language that excluded women from conscription. Amidst these developments, can women indeed be drafted into the U.S. military? This article will delve into the historical context, policies, and implications surrounding female conscription in the American military.
Historical Context:
The 1969 United States conscription, also known as the Selective Service Act, drafted millions of American males into military service during World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Initially, the selective service excluded women, restricting their involvement in the war effort. However, with the onset of World War II, it became apparent that women needed to play a more active role in the war, and thus, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), United States Naval Women’s Reserve (WAVES), and other women’s military units emerged.
After World War II, the military draft relaxed its exclusivity, no longer strictly restricting women to auxiliary or reserve roles. Following the 1973 Presidential Proclamation 4319, which declared the ceasefire in Vietnam, the male-only draft was officially maintained. Nevertheless, widespread social and societal changes in the 1990s and 2000s led the U.S. military to gradually become more inclusive towards women, ultimately paving the way for their potential draftability.
Current Policies:
In 2013, the Navy lifted its ban on allowing women to serve on U.S. warships; in 2015, the Air Force and Army dropped their restrictions, allowing women to serve directly in ground combat units, such as infantry and engineer units. Women are currently eligible for thousands of combat roles, except for elite special operations commandos.
Selective Service System:
The National Selective Service System governs the U.S. military draft. Despite the possibility of a general draft being reinstated during wartime or national emergency, such a call-up would face significant constitutional and legal scrutiny. Moreover, the agency has taken steps to broaden its pool of potential military personnel. In recent years, the Selective Service System has actively marketed itself to women, specifically highlighting opportunities for women.
Table:
| Gender | Eligible for Combat Roles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Yes (all combat roles) | No restrictions |
| Women | Yes, except elite special operations commands | Currently eligible for around 4,000 officer positions, with 400 more slated for 2019-2020 deployment |
Implications for Women in the Military Draft:
Should a crisis necessitate a military draft, the U.S. government may be forced to reconsider the gender exclusions of the past. Notably, women between the ages of 20 and 26 are likely to be drafted first if a national emergency arises, as these ages are covered by the Selective Service System’s mandatory registration provision. Additionally, military branches might prioritize women from certain age groups or those with specialized skills relevant to current military needs, such as linguists and medical personnel.
Challenges surrounding women’s drafts include issues related to accommodations in military service, including deployment, medical care, and childcare, as well as potential stigma and discrimination that women might face.
Concluding Remarks:
The prospect of an all-encompassing global conflict and the ongoing discussions around a potential military draft have revived questions about female conscription in the American military. While social and political barriers have created a mixed landscape, women are increasingly integrated into the Armed Forces and eligible for multiple combat roles. Upon a future draft, expect the government to adapt gender policies and ensure equal recruitment opportunities.
