Five jobs that could potentially stop you from being drafted if WW3 broke out amid fears
Amid global tensions, some Americans are concerned about the potential return of military conscription, absent since 1973. While President Trump has called the idea “ridiculous,” public anxiety persists, with nearly half believing a world war is possible within a decade.
Currently, the U.S. military remains an all-volunteer force. Formal efforts to reinstate a draft do not exist, and Congress has taken no action. The Department of Defense continues to support the volunteer model.
A draft would likely only be triggered by an extreme scenario. This could include a global conflict like World War III, a major domestic emergency, or a severe drop in volunteer enlistment numbers.
If conscription were reinstated, certain roles might receive exemptions due to their vital national importance. These could include ministers, some elected officials, and certain healthcare, education, and infrastructure workers.
Engineering is another field that may be considered for exemption. However, the Selective Service System does not guarantee blanket job exemptions, meaning even critical workers could potentially be drafted.
Conscientious objectors—those with sincere moral opposition to war—may perform alternative civilian service. This service, lasting typically 24 months, can involve work in healthcare, conservation, or education.
Ultimately, while debate continues, there is no active move to revive the draft. The prospect remains a hypothetical response to a catastrophic national security crisis.
