Amid Military Recruitment Challenges, Congress Debates Changes to the Draft

The United States military has not activated a draft in more than 50 years, but Congress is considering proposals to update mandatory conscription, including by expanding it to women for the first time and automatically registering those eligible to be called up.

The proposals currently under discussion in the House and Senate have a slim chance of becoming law and would not immediately reinstate the draft. However, the debate highlights how lawmakers are reassessing the draft in light of readiness issues and recruitment challenges faced by the Pentagon amidst various risks and conflicts worldwide.

The House recently passed an annual defense policy bill that includes a bipartisan proposal to make draft registration automatic and expand the age limit from 25 to 26. Simultaneously, a Senate committee approved a version of the Pentagon policy bill that would extend the registration requirement to women. Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island and the committee chairman, has been a strong advocate for draft parity.

Currently, most men between 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service, which maintains a database of potential military conscripts in the event of a draft. Failure to register is considered a crime with various penalties.

At least 46 states and territories have laws that automatically register men for Selective Service when they obtain a driver’s license or apply for college, resulting in a high compliance rate. In 2023, over 15 million men registered, representing about 84% of eligible individuals.

The number of young Americans volunteering for military service has declined, with less than 1% of adults serving in active duty combat roles. A panel of military experts suggested in 2020 that including women in the draft would be beneficial for national security.

While the proposal to add women to draft registration has some bipartisan support, it has faced opposition from conservative Republicans. Some critics argue that it reflects a broader trend of progressiveness in the military.

The idea of automatic draft registration has garnered less controversy, with supporters claiming it would improve efficiency and save costs for the Selective Service.

Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat from Pennsylvania and Air Force veteran, emphasized that the proposed change would streamline government processes and save taxpayer money. Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican and Air Force veteran, praised the proposal as “outstanding.”

However, there is some misunderstanding surrounding the measure, with some mistakenly believing it signals a reinstatement of the draft itself.

Famed rapper Cardi B expressed skepticism about the readiness of the current generation of young American men to be called into combat.

“These new kids? You want to send these new kids to fight these wars?” Cardi B questioned in a social media video.

“All I want to say to America is: Good luck with that.”