Hey guys, I've been doing some research about the military draft notice procedure and it's not entirely clear to me. Does a draft notice go out for a specific branch of the military, or is it more general? If it is specific, how are you assigned to a branch?
The U.S. military draft, also known as conscription, is managed by the Selective Service System. When instituted, it's a general draft and does not signify a particular branch of the military.
If a draft were to take place, draftees would not be immediately assigned to a specific branch. This would only be determined after induction, where the needs of the military come into play. The branch assignment would largely depend on various factors such as the particular needs of the military at the time, the skills of an inductee, and sometimes, an inductee's preference might be considered too.
Post-induction, you'd undergo physical, mental and moral evaluations. Based on these assessments and the needs of the military, you would then be assigned to a specific branch.
It's worth noting that the U.S. has operated as an all-volunteer military force since 1973 and the draft hasn't been in effect since then. Although, if needed, the U.S. could potentially call upon the Selective Service System to institute a draft.
Remember, while currently there is no compulsory military service, almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants aged 18–25 are required to register with the Selective Service System. Not registering is a felony and can lead to several penalties.
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