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U.S. to auto-register eligible men for Selective Service by Dec 2026

newsApr 10, 202611284

The U.S. will automatically register men aged 18 to 26 with the Selective Service by December 2026. The policy automates a longstanding registration requirement; it does not immediately reinstate a military draft. Automatic registration preserves the government's ability to conscript if Congress and the president authorize a draft. The change affects millions of men and has sparked political and civil rights debate about fairness and voter registration.

Key Highlights

Automatic registration will cover men aged 18 to 26 by December 2026.
The policy does not reinstate a draft now, it preserves conscription capability.
The change affects millions and has triggered political and civil rights debate.
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