Young American men may soon be automatically registered for the military draft, ending decades of self-registration.
The proposal, submitted by the Selective Service System (SSS) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on 30 March, would see men registered through federal data integration rather than having to sign up themselves within 30 days of turning 18.
According to reports, supporters argue the change will save millions in government spending on reminders and outreach campaigns.
Congress approved the measure in December as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, with Pennsylvania Democrat Chrissy Houlahan saying it would allow resources to be redirected towards military readiness.
Currently, men aged 18 to 25 must register or risk penalties including loss of access to federal student aid, jobs, and citizenship for non-citizens.
While most states already link registration to driver’s licence applications, compliance fell to 81 per cent in 2024.
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The move has triggered questions among some Americans who fear it could pave the way for conscription if conflict escalates.
The US last drafted troops in 1973 during the Vietnam War, a policy abandoned after widespread opposition.
Registration was reinstated in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, but the military has remained all-volunteer since.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently stressed that a draft is not currently planned, though she revealed the president “wisely keeps his options on the table” in safeguarding national security.
If approved, the automatic registration system could be in place by December.