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Charles Rasmussen of Bass Harbor received his draft notice in 1966. He joined the U.S. Navy in an attempt to avoid the rice paddies of Vietnam. He eventually spent nearly two years in Vietnam. He came home in 1970, went to college and joined the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. He has opposed every U.S. war since.
Starting in December, eligible men will be automatically registered for the military draft, ending the decades-old process of self-registration.
This change was approved by Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Donald Trump signed in December 2025.
The stated purpose is to increase efficiency, save money and ensure peak military standards by utilizing existing federal data. It applies to male U.S. citizens and residents aged 18 to 25.
Automatic registration does not mean an active draft has been initiated, but it makes the process of initiating one much faster.
While the Trump administration has maintained there is no “current plan” for a draft, officials have not completely ruled it out during the escalating conflict with Iran, which began earlier this year.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump “wisely keeps his options on the table” regarding troop deployment and potential conscription to ensure the success of military operations, noting that he would not rule it out.
While the U.S. has relied on an all-volunteer military since 1973, officials have hinted at the possibility of a draft if the war necessitates more troops than volunteers can provide.
Note that, as always, draft registration requirements apply only to males and not females. Why is this permissible at a time in U.S. history when sexual discrimination is challenged throughout the government, the military and society in general? Why has this obvious disparity not yet been dealt with regarding the Selective Service. This is truly surprising, given that women have been proven to be effective participants in all branches and levels of the military establishment, including combat.
If it is considered a duty or an honor for male citizens to serve, then why not for female citizens as well? By what criteria are women to be excluded from this obligation?
It seems to me that it should be viewed in the same fundamental way as the civic duty to pay taxes or the privilege to vote. After all, we are all equal, right? If there is a fundamental difference between men and women that gives one a privilege or obligation over the other, what is it exactly?
