Hey everyone, I've got this lingering question about the military draft. In case of a draft, do we get placed into any branch of the military indiscriminately, or is there a specific process? Appreciate your thoughts on this!
The draft process is structured but it's important to note that the draft has not been used since the Vietnam War, and it would take an act of Congress to reinstate it. However, if it were to be reinstated, here is what would likely happen based on historic procedures.
First, an individual would receive a notice for a physical, mental, and moral evaluation to determine their fitness for military service. This is conducted by the Selective Service System.
If an individual is deemed fit for service, they would then theoretically receive a draft notice. This notice doesn't specify which branch the individual will serve in.
The branch assignment actually occurs at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). There, induction officers from all branches of the military are present. Come draft day, each branch has a certain quota to fill. As the day progresses, the inductees are directed to whichever branch needs to fill its quota.
It's important to note that during previous drafts, some individuals were given the opportunity to choose their branch if they volunteered for service.
I should again stress that although the draft registration is mandatory for most men aged 18-25 in the U.S., the possibility of a future draft is currently highly unlikely due to the presence of an all-volunteer military force which has been effective for the U.S. military needs to date.
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