Currently, the system requires self-registration for almost all male US citizens and immigrants aged 18 through 25 within 30 days of their 18th birthday, with late registration available until an individual turns 26.

"If you are a military veteran or a military reservist, you are still required to register. However, if you served in the Armed Forces and are 26 or older, but failed to register, your DD Form 214 is evidence that your failure to register was not knowing and willful."

Males that have never self-registered into SSS.gov have been prohibited from state-based aid in 31 states, federal employment, security clearances, and access to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity programs.

The draft ended in the waning days of the costly and wasteful Vietnam War on 27 January 1973.

"Congress allowed automatic draft registration in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2025 to streamline the registration process for the military draft and reduce administrative costs."

Israel and Russia have military conscription and they draft thousands of men a year for war, the way the US did for Vietnam.

Thanks, Congress!