What Is the Draft?

After a U.S. attack on Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Americans fear war in the Middle East and a return to the draft.

Demonstrators protest in New York City as tensions between the U.S. and Iran hit a new high. (ERIK MCGREGOR/LIGHTROCKET VIA GETTY IMAGES)

FEARS OF WAR BROKE OUT in the U.S. and the phrase "World War III" started trending on Twitter following a U.S. attack in Iraq last Friday that resulted in the death of top Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani.

So many Americans visited the website of the government agency responsible for the military draft that it crashed.

The Selective Service System registers men for the draft and maintains a system that "rapidly provides personnel in a fair and equitable manner" should the president and Congress determine that "a return to the draft is required."

The agency tweeted on Friday that it was "conducting business as usual" and a draft was not imminent. If a national emergency required a draft, Congress and the president would need to pass legislation to authorize it.

Shortly after the tweet, the SSS said its website was "experiencing high traffic volumes" due to the "spread of misinformation." It advised people attempting to register or verify registration to check back later.

There hasn't been a draft since 1973, when it was abolished after opposition to the Vietnam War. In order for it to be reinstated, Congress would have to pass a law and President Donald Trump would have to sign it.

Who Must Register for the Draft?

While there is no active draft – the U.S. military is an all-volunteer force – certain men must still register with the SSS. All male U.S. citizens and immigrants from 18 to 25 years old are required to register, though they will not automatically be called to service.

There are few exceptions to registering, and even non U.S. citizens must sign up within 30 days of arriving in the country. Eligible men include naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and men with visas of any kind that expired more than 30 days ago.

If an American man holds dual citizenship and is living in another country, he must still register. Men in all U.S. territories are also required to sign up for the draft.

Those exempt from registering and serving include transgender males, men confined to a residence, hospital or mental institution and workers in the U.S. on seasonal agricultural visas.

Men who oppose war for ethical or religious reasons must still register and will be considered for "alternative service." These conscientious objectors may be drafted to noncombatant positions or jobs in education, health care and environmental work.

Women, except transgender women, are not required to register for the draft, though lawsuits have been attempting to challenge that notion.

A 1981 Supreme Court ruling stated that excluding women from the draft was not unconstitutional. However, a Texas judge ruled in February that excluding women does violate the Constitution because women are now allowed in all military positions, including combat roles.

The National Commission on Military, National and Public Service is considering opening the draft to women and a report on its findings is expected in March.

How Do You Register for the Draft?

Men can register online through the SSS website, at a post office, through their high school's appointed Selective Service Registrar, while applying for financial aid through the FAFSA form or by filling out a reminder card that the agency sends when males turn 18.

If drafted through the lottery system, men will undergo physical, mental and moral evaluations and must serve at least two years.

What Happens If You Don't Register?

Failure to register is a felony offense and if men between the ages of 18 to 25 do not sign up they could be fined up to $250,000 and imprisoned for up to five years.

For men 26 and older who have never registered, it is too late. They may not be prosecuted but could be denied student financial assistance, federal job training and most federal employment. Immigrants could face up to a five year delay of U.S. citizenship proceedings.