A viral TikTok video suggesting women could be drafted into the U.S. military has been making rounds on social media. However, like anything on thie internet, it's important to do your own research.
Key Takeaways:
There is no evidence to support the claim that women will be drafted into the U.S. military.
The U.S. Selective Service program states that only men can register for the draft.
While proposals for female draft registration have been made, none have been enacted into law.
It is crucial to verify claims before sharing them to avoid spreading false information.
The Claim on TikTok
A TikTok video by John Robinson (username: @nationalmechanicsgroup) on October 13, has over 6.8 million views alleging the U.S. military was going to begin drafting women.
However, it is important to note that, as of today, this claim lacks evidence to support its validity. The U.S. government has not made any official announcements regarding the drafting of women into the military.
“Federal law requires nearly all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, 18 through 25, to register with Selective Service.”
While TikTok videos can quickly gain traction and capture public attention, it is crucial to approach such claims with skepticism and verify information from reliable sources.
Facts About Draft Registration
The U.S. Selective Service program is responsible for administering the conscription of citizens, ensuring that the country has a pool of eligible individuals in the event of a draft. Currently, the program states that only men are required to register for the draft, and there is no evidence to suggest that the U.S. government is planning to include women in this requirement.
The draft eligibility criteria for men include being a U.S. citizen or immigrant, aged 18 to 25, and physically and mentally capable of serving in the military. Failure to register can result in fines, loss of federal benefits, and even imprisonment. However, it is important to note that registration does not necessarily mean individuals will be drafted, as the decision to institute a draft rests with Congress.
It is likely Robinson's claims came from the Defense Department recently lifting its remaining bans on women in combat, as reported by NPR, back in 2013.
And, advocates, such as the National Coalition for Men (NCFM), have argued a men-only draft is outdated and unconstitutional. Although there have been proposals introduced to require women to register for the draft, none have been enacted.
“Since volunteering has not produced the number of nurses required, I urge that the Selective Service Act be amended to provide for the induction of nurses into the armed forces....The need is too pressing to await the outcome of further efforts at recruiting.”
And, while 98% of House Democrats and 78% of House Republicans voted to pass the bill, it was never necessary -- as Germany surrendered a few leeks later.
Fun fact: Norway and Sweden are the only two countries that draft men and women on the same formal conditions.
Although these TikTok videos sparked widespread discussion and concern, it is crucial to rely on accurate information and official sources. At present, there are no plans or legal provisions for a female draft in the United States.
Conclusion
The viral TikTok videos that spread this claim lack credible sources and factual basis. According to the U.S. Selective Service program, only men are currently required to register for the draft.
While there have been proposals to require women to register, these proposals have not been enacted into law. As of now, there are no plans to implement a mandatory draft for women in the U.S. military.
It is essential to separate fact from fiction and exercise media responsibility. Through fact-checking and verifying claims before sharing, we can prevent the spread of misinformation. It is worth noting that draft registration requirements may change over time, but as of 2023, women are not obligated to register for the draft in the United States.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0