What disqualifies you from a draft?

Draft disqualifications generally fall into medical/physical (severe conditions, mental health issues like psychosis/severe ADHD/eating disorders, substance abuse) and legal/status categories (non-citizens, certain criminal records, conscientious objectors, ministers, sole surviving sons in wartime). While specific rules evolve, grounds for exemption or waiver include severe impairments, sincere religious/ethical objections (conscientious objector status), or specific legal statuses like student deferments or sole surviving son exemptions.

What exempts you from the draft?

You can be exempted from the U.S. draft through categories like Conscientious Objector status, severe medical conditions, being the sole surviving son, or holding certain critical civilian jobs; younger men can also get temporary postponements for education, while exemptions from registration itself exist for those continuously institutionalized or homebound from birth. Exemptions are based on deeply held moral/religious beliefs (CO), proven physical/mental unfitness, or family hardship, requiring official claims with the Selective Service.
 

At what point can you not be drafted?

You are generally no longer eligible for the U.S. military draft once you turn 26, as this is the age when Selective Service registration ends, making men over this age exempt from current draft requirements, though historical precedents and extreme circumstances could alter this, and failure to register by 26 can block federal benefits. 

How to avoid being drafted legally?

To legally avoid a draft in the U.S. (if one were activated), you'd claim legitimate exemptions like being a Conscientious Objector (CO) based on deeply held beliefs, having a qualifying medical/psychological condition, being a sole surviving son, or holding essential jobs, or you could defer service as a student or essential worker, but the most direct legal methods involve demonstrating eligibility for deferments, exemptions, or alternative service through the Selective Service System's established processes, like applying for CO status or hardship deferments. 

Can I get drafted if I have anxiety?

Current or a history of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute reactions to stress, and posttraumatic disorder are disqualifying conditions.

What Happens to YOU If US Restarts the Draft

What mental illness can't be drafted?

Mental illnesses like psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety/PTSD/OCD, and most eating/conduct disorders typically disqualify you from the military draft/enlistment, but specific criteria depend on severity, treatment, and time since symptoms, with ADHD requiring no accommodations after age 14 and depression needing a significant period (e.g., 36 months) of stability without treatment or severe symptoms for potential waivers, though severe or psychotic issues are usually absolute blocks. 

Who will be drafted if WW3 starts?

“The first to receive induction orders are those whose 20th birthday falls during the year of the lottery,” states the sequence of events for the Selective Service. If additional lotteries were needed the sequence would begin with those who during that year turn 21 and then go progressively higher in age until 25.

Can I refuse if I get drafted?

Virtually all men must register with Selective Service, even those who believe they'll be exempt from serving. In the event of a draft, men called for induction would be able to make a claim for deferments, postponements, or exemption from serving.

What ages get first priority in the draft?

The first men drafted would be those turning age 20 during the calendar year of the lottery.

How much do you have to weigh to be drafted?

Height: 58 – 80 in. Weight: 119 – 227 lb. If you enlist to become a Soldier and don't meet the physical requirements at MEPS, you may be eligible for the fitness track of a program called the Future Soldier Preparatory Course.

How long does the average draft last?

Most drafts are normally completed within 60-120 minutes (one to two hours).

Will there be a draft in 2026?

Yes, there will absolutely be an NFL Draft in 2026, scheduled for April 23-25 (or 26) in Pittsburgh, focusing on college players, but there are also discussions around automatic military draft registration for young men stemming from recent defense legislation, adding another layer to "the draft" in 2026. 

Is ADHD exempt from draft?

Yes, you can potentially be drafted or enlist with ADHD, but it's often disqualifying unless you've been off medication for at least 12-24 months, had no IEP/504 plans after age 14, and show good performance without accommodations, though waivers are possible and depend on the specific military branch's rules, making it more complex but not impossible. 

Can your only son be drafted?

Yes, an only son can be drafted in the U.S. because being an "only child" doesn't grant an automatic exemption; however, a "sole surviving son" (one whose parent or sibling died in U.S. military service) may qualify for a peacetime deferment, but this specific exemption doesn't apply during a Congressionally declared war or national emergency. Draft laws focus on family members lost to military service, not just the number of children. 

Who doesn't get drafted to war?

In a U.S. military draft, people who can't be drafted include those with serious physical or mental health conditions, some ministers/clergy, certain elected officials, active-duty service members, non-immigrant visa holders, and potentially sole surviving sons or those in long-term institutional care, though exemptions are complex and generally require proof of eligibility through the Selective Service System. Medical issues like severe disabilities, certain learning disorders (ADHD, autism), psychosis, or ongoing substance abuse are disqualifying, as are some legal statuses and specific life circumstances. 

How to legally avoid getting drafted?

To legally avoid a draft in the U.S. (if one were activated), you'd claim legitimate exemptions like being a Conscientious Objector (CO) based on deeply held beliefs, having a qualifying medical/psychological condition, being a sole surviving son, or holding essential jobs, or you could defer service as a student or essential worker, but the most direct legal methods involve demonstrating eligibility for deferments, exemptions, or alternative service through the Selective Service System's established processes, like applying for CO status or hardship deferments. 

Do you get paid if you're drafted?

Generally the opportunity sacrificed here is a civilian job, with a value equal to the salary he could expect to receive. The President's Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force estimated that the military pay for draftees is only half that which they could receive in civilian work.

Is 77% unfit to serve?

Nationwide, 77% of youth between the ages of 17 and 24 cannot qualify for the military service.” Mission: Readiness Retired admirals and generals strengthening national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble.

At what age can you no longer be drafted into war?

Each succeeding year, a draft eligible man drops into the next lower priority group until he has reached his 26th birthday, at which time he is over the age of liability for the draft.

Where is the safest place to be if WW3 starts?

Countries often considered the safest in the event of World War III include New Zealand, Bhutan, Iceland, Indonesia, and Switzerland, as well as certain parts of South America. These countries are known for being politically neutral, geographically isolated, self- sufficient, and having stable societies.

Who is the no. 1 powerful country?

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World 2025

• United States. The U.S. continues to dominate as the world's most powerful military. ...
• Russia. ...
• China. ...
• India. ...
• South Korea. ...
• United Kingdom. ...
• France. ...
• Japan.

What is the #1 most diagnosed mental disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): One of the most common mental disorders, GAD is characterized by excessive worry about issues and situations that individuals experience every day.

What prevents people from being drafted?

You can be exempted from the U.S. draft through categories like Conscientious Objector status, severe medical conditions, being the sole surviving son, or holding certain critical civilian jobs; younger men can also get temporary postponements for education, while exemptions from registration itself exist for those continuously institutionalized or homebound from birth. Exemptions are based on deeply held moral/religious beliefs (CO), proven physical/mental unfitness, or family hardship, requiring official claims with the Selective Service.
 

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

Below are some of the most common medical conditions that can disqualify individuals from service.

• Chronic Health Conditions. ...
• Heart, Blood, and Vascular Disorders. ...
• Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. ...
• Musculoskeletal Disorders. ...
• Vision and Hearing Impairments. ...
• Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Disorders.