Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Last December, Trump, a five-time draft dodger, signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will automatically register men and people assigned male at birth into selective service beginning this December. This will apply to those who are 18-26 years, and non-immigrant visa holders are exempt.  

The Selective Service System stated these changes will create a “streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment.” Not registering for selective service may result in a felony charge, leading to prison time of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Washington state already requires all men to sign up for selective service within 30 days of their 18th birthday, according to its Attorney General’s Office (AGO). 

“After you have registered you would only be called to serve during a national crisis or war. It takes Congress and the President to activate the draft. The only time that the draft would go into effect, however, is during a crisis in which there are too few troops in the regular volunteer military. When this happens the lottery is begun and men are called up based on their birth date, starting with the oldest,” according to the AGO. “Males would learn of their selection through the mail or by phone. As soon as the 20-25 age group has been drafted, the draft will call the 18-19 year old group. When your name is called you are to report to a doctor for a mental, physical, and moral evaluation. If you pass these exams you move on to the military and start your service.” 

On March 20, Army Regulation 601-210 changes were published, which increased the maximum enlistment age for the regular Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard to 42 for non-prior service applicants and those with previous military experience. 

The maximum age for enlistment in the Army in 2006 was temporarily raised from 40 to 42 as a result of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with the need to fill ranks and positions. In 2016, the enlistment age was dropped back to 35. 

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST YOU WATCH!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Easter Sunday. 

Trump himself dodged the Vietnam War draft five times: Once for “bone spurs” and four times for education. With the IOF by its side, Trump has launched a vicious war against Iran and said on April 7 that “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” 

In recent months, some activists have called on his youngest son, Barron, to be sent to fight in his father’s war. 

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