As World War III threats continue to worry US citizens, people are debating whether the military draft could be brought back. If it was passed into law by Congress, then there are several careers that would likely be exempt.
Eight decades on from World War II, and the prospect of another global conflict continues to loom.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in June that he was worried the world was heading to war again, mentioning his country’s fight with Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Three months later, US President Donald Trump, who previously tried to negotiate a peace treaty between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claimed that the Russia-Ukraine War was no longer ‘heading to a third world war’.
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He also said that the idea of bringing back the draft to combat a potential global dispute was a ‘ridiculous idea’.
However, the Republican’s declaration has not eased everyone’s minds, with 45 percent of American citizens believing WWIII is likely to occur in the next decade, as per YouGov.
If you’re worried about being drafted, then there are some job roles that you can apply for that may see you exempt from fighting.
Will the United States bring conscription back?
Compulsory enlistment for state service, also known as the draft, has not been a US requirement since 1973.
The US military currently operates as an all-volunteer force, but conscription could be deemed mandatory again if Congress and the current sitting president rule it such.
As of June 2025, the US had no active efforts or legislation in place to reinstate the draft, according to Military.com.
There have been no formal moves by Congress to bring it back either, the site stated.
The power added that the government’s Department of Defense has ‘consistently expressed strong support for the volunteer model without the need for compulsory service’.
The draft could return if…
Military.com stated that there are various scenarios that would likely trigger the return of compulsory enlistment.
These include World War III, which would require a big increase in troop numbers, a domestic national emergency, and a dramatic fall in voluntary enlistment numbers.
Five jobs that may not have to fight in WWIII
If World War III was to engulf the globe, then there are five careers that may see US citizens exempt from possible conscription.
This is because these particular jobs are deemed ‘too vital’ to national security to allow workers to fight on the front lines.
According to the US Selective Service System, the first people who would possibly not travel to fight are ministers, some elected officials in office, and previous war veterans.
The Mirror also reported that people who work in healthcare, education, and essential infrastructure could avoid being placed on the frontline.
The final job role that may see you excluded from compact is engineering.
However, it’s important to note that the Selective Service System does not provide blanket job exemptions from the draft.
This may mean that even though you are a college lecturer or a biomechanical engineer, you may still be eligible for the draft.
Other people who may be exempt from WWIII conscription
It’s not just jobs that can stop people from heading into war.
Religious objectors who morally oppose war may be required to perform an alternative civilian service instead of military duty.
These people, called Conscientious Objectors (CO), are required to register with the Selective Service System and must provide written documentation on how they arrived at their beliefs, and how their beliefs have had an impact on how they live their lives.
Alternative service jobs can include caring for the very young or very old, education, healthcare, and conservation.
The length of service in the program will equal the amount of time someone would have served in the military, usually 24 months, as per the notice.
Ella Scott