Everything you need to know about women, the military draft, and Selective Service registration in 2026.
Under current U.S. law, only men ages 18–25 are required to register with the Selective Service System. Women are exempt from registration and would not be called in a draft under existing rules.
The current male-only registration requirement dates back to the Supreme Court's 1981 decision in Rostker v. Goldberg, which upheld male-only registration largely because women were barred from combat roles at the time.
However, the Department of Defense lifted all combat exclusion policies for women in 2015, meaning women can now serve in any military role, including ground combat. This has renewed the legal and political debate about whether women should also be required to register for the draft.
Yes. Multiple efforts have been made to include women in Selective Service registration:
In 2021, the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service recommended that Congress extend registration to women. A Senate version of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act included a provision to require women to register, but it was ultimately removed from the final bill.
The Selective Service System itself has stated that if the law is changed to include women, "Selective Service is prepared to expand registration."
As of March 2026, no law requiring women to register has been passed. But the debate continues, particularly as the Iran conflict raises broader questions about military readiness and manpower.
Yes. Women have been able to voluntarily enlist in all branches of the U.S. military for decades. Since 2015, all combat roles are open to women who meet the physical and qualification standards. The distinction is between voluntary service (open to all) and involuntary conscription via a draft (currently limited to men).
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Take the Draft Risk Calculator →Under current law, no. Women are not required to register with the Selective Service and would not be subject to a draft. If Congress were to change the law in the future, it would be a significant legislative event with extensive public debate — it would not happen without warning.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. There is no active military draft in the United States. Visit sss.gov for official information.