Congress Considers Updating Draft Laws to Include Women for the First Time
The United States military has not activated a draft in over 50 years, but Congress is currently considering proposals to update mandatory conscription, including expanding it to women for the first time and automatically registering those eligible to be called up.
The proposals, which are making their way through the House and Senate, have a slim chance of becoming law immediately. However, the debate over potential changes reflects how lawmakers are reevaluating the draft at a time when readiness issues have become more prominent, and the Pentagon is facing recruitment challenges amidst various risks and conflicts around the world.
The House recently passed an annual defense policy bill that includes a bipartisan proposal to make registering for the draft automatic and expand the maximum age from 25 to 26 years old. Additionally, a Senate committee approved a version of the Pentagon policy bill that would extend the registration requirement to women. Senator Jack Reed, the chairman of the panel, has been a strong advocate for this draft parity proposal.
Currently, most men between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service, the agency that maintains a database of potential military conscripts. Failure to register is considered a crime and can result in various punishments.
The number of young Americans volunteering for military service has declined, with less than 1 percent of adults in the United States serving in active duty combat roles. A panel of military experts suggested to Congress in 2020 that including women in the draft would be in the national security interest of the United States.
While there is some bipartisan support for including women in the draft, the idea has faced opposition from conservative Republicans. Some have criticized the proposal as a progressive decision imposed on the military, while others argue that women should not be forced to serve if they do not want to.
The proposal for automatic registration has generated less controversy, with proponents arguing that it would streamline the process and save money for the government agency responsible for reminding citizens of their registration requirement.
Overall, the debate over updating draft laws to include women for the first time reflects a broader reevaluation of the draft system in the United States and its role in national security.
