Who Can’t Be Drafted into the U.S. Military?
The United States military has a long history of relying on conscription to fill its ranks, but not everyone is eligible to be drafted. The criteria for who can and can’t be drafted are set by the U.S. government and are designed to ensure that the military gets the best and brightest. In this article, we’ll explore who can’t be drafted into the U.S. military.
U.S. Citizens
Contents
**Citizenship Requirements**
To be eligible for military service, an individual must be a U.S. citizen. The military will not draft a non-citizen, unless they have been naturalized or have a pending naturalization application. A non-citizen who is a lawful permanent resident may be eligible for military service, but they must meet certain requirements and obtain a special waiver.
Men
**Selective Service Registration**
In the United States, men are required to register with the Selective Service System, also known as the Draft, when they turn 18 years old. This registration is a requirement for all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants who are 18 years old and older. Failure to register can result in fines and even imprisonment.
Exemptions
**Exemptions from Draft**
Not everyone is eligible to be drafted into the U.S. military. Some individuals are exempt from draft due to various reasons, including:
• Students: Students who are attending a college or university on a full-time basis and are not taking a leave of absence are exempt from draft.
• Homemakers: Homemakers who are caring for a family member or disabled person are exempt from draft.
• Ministers: Ministers of religion are exempt from draft, provided they are performing their religious duties.
• People with mental or physical disabilities: Individuals with mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from performing military service are exempt from draft.
• People with certain medical conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, epilepsy, or hearing loss, may be exempt from draft.
• People who are conscientiously opposed to war: Individuals who are conscientiously opposed to war and are not willing to serve in the military are exempt from draft.
Women
**Women in the Military**
Women are not required to register with the Selective Service System, and as a result, they are not eligible to be drafted into the U.S. military. However, women are eligible to serve in the military and many have chosen to do so.
Other Individuals
**Other Individuals Who Can’t Be Drafted**
In addition to those who are exempt from draft, there are other individuals who cannot be drafted into the U.S. military, including:
• Illegal immigrants: Illegal immigrants are not eligible to be drafted into the U.S. military, as they are not legal residents of the United States.
• Individuals with a history of violent crime: Individuals who have a history of violent crime may be exempt from draft, as they may be deemed a threat to public safety.
• Individuals who are mentally incompetent: Individuals who are mentally incompetent may be exempt from draft, as they may be unable to make informed decisions about their military service.
• Individuals who are not physically qualified: Individuals who are not physically qualified to serve in the military may be exempt from draft, as they may not be able to perform the duties required of military personnel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not everyone is eligible to be drafted into the U.S. military. The criteria for who can and can’t be drafted are set by the U.S. government and are designed to ensure that the military gets the best and brightest. Those who are exempt from draft include students, homemakers, ministers, people with mental or physical disabilities, people with certain medical conditions, and people who are conscientiously opposed to war. Additionally, women are not required to register with the Selective Service System and are not eligible to be drafted into the U.S. military. Other individuals who cannot be drafted include illegal immigrants, individuals with a history of violent crime, individuals who are mentally incompetent, and individuals who are not physically qualified.
Table: Exemptions from Draft
| Category | Reasons for Exemption |
|---|---|
| Students | Attending college or university on a full-time basis |
| Homemakers | Caring for a family member or disabled person |
| Ministers | Performing religious duties |
| People with mental or physical disabilities | Prevents them from performing military service |
| People with certain medical conditions | Hypertension, epilepsy, or hearing loss |
| People who are conscientiously opposed to war | Not willing to serve in the military |
References
- Selective Service System. (n.d.). Who Must Register? Retrieved from https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Who-Must-Register
- National Archives. (n.d.). The Selective Service System. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/selective-service-system
- U.S. Department of Defense. (n.d.). Women in the Military. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Explore/People/Women-in-the-Military
