Recent Middle East conflicts have increased searches about World War III and U.S. draft rules, Google data shows. Searches for “WWIII” and “US draft age limit” surged after these major international incidents, according to reports. This shows growing concern about how tensions might affect military service requirements, with many Americans wondering who would be drafted if the selective service system were reactivated. Although the US operates without a draft, federal law maintains rules for reactivating the system during emergencies.

Would America Support Conscription for WW3?

This aligns with recent Atlantic Council survey data. Their study found that 65% and 69% of people said major conflicts between big countries could happen within ten years. The United States ended military conscription in January 1973 following the Vietnam War.

Three generations of Americans have grown up without experiencing mandatory military service, making the draft process largely foreign to most citizens. Even so, the government keeps detailed procedures ready for reactivating conscription during national emergencies.