As tensions with Iran heat up, the threat of war draws closer. The thought that remains is potential drafting and what it could mean for college students everywhere.
War in Iran
On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched military operation, Epic Fury, against Iran. The operation launched nearly 900 strike attacks in 12 hours, targeting Iranian missile defense systems and infrastructure. The U.S. specifically launched dozens of tomahawk missiles from warships and fighter jets.
The Feb. 28 strike was performed with the intention of taking out top Iranian leadership, specifically Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several Iranian Naval bases. According to reports by AP news, the move was done intentionally to add maximum pressure strategy towards Iran in a new nuclear deal or a potential regime change. This strike is what started the conflict between the United States and Iran after months of tension.
Recently, President Donald Trump has set a new goal to join forces with other countries to protect the Strait of Hormuz, which is a river passageway that is used to transport oil to the West. According to a written statement by President Trump, it is important that we have other countries helping us with this to keep cost low.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the [USA], to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump said.
While President Trump has not yet declared an official war, there has been a significant uptick in military activities due to this conflict. Historically, college-age students have been at the forefront of military operations, as military recruitment usually begins around the age of 18.
College and War
While there is no current draft happening, students at Wright State University (WSU) and other college campuses fall under the Military Selective Service System (SSS).
SSS is a system that requires all U.S. citizens that are male and between the ages of 18-25 to sign up in the event of a draft. The system is for emergency circumstances only and can only be evoked by congress or the President himself. It is a federally required program to sign up for and failure to sign up can result in a felony, which means the loss of student aid and certain job positions. The need for these penalties was curbed, however, when in 2024, a bill was passed that made the process automatic.
While this does pertain to every male, there are some caveats to this. People who are already members of a military branch are not included. Additionally, there is deferment for students who are either in college or in high school.
According to the SSS website, students who are in college are eligible for deferment up until the end of the academic semester or graduation if the student is a senior. This means that in the event of a draft, WSU students would not yet have to get involved until the end of the semester in which they are taking classes in.
According to a press release from Craig T. Brown, a Selective Service Active agent, there are currently 100 million men enrolled in the SSS program. They claim that this shows the strength of U.S. men.
“Surpassing 100 million registrants is more than a numerical milestone; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of civic responsibility that defines our nation. That spirit is alive in every person who signs up; a quiet, but profound act of commitment. It reflects something deeper than obligation. It speaks to the shared sense of duty, resilience and belief in something bigger than ourselves," Brown said. "These are the principles that have carried America forward through every challenge: a willingness to stand up, a trust in one another and a deep respect for the freedoms we protect. Every registration strengthens not just our preparedness, but the invisible threads of solidarity that hold this country together."
The last time that SSS was invoked was during the Vietnam War. At the time, there were protests across several college campuses, including WSU, due to the draft. According to Vietnam Veteran Author, Doug C. McChristian, emotions were heavy for those who were drafted.
“I was scared when I got the letter. I was worried for my family, my mother. Angry at God, we all were. I prayed every night I was there. I will never forget what I saw. The people I lost to the war," McChristian said.
McChristian affirmed that despite his feelings at the time, he is proud of his service.
“I thank God that I stand here today. I thank him for my wife and kids, the grandchildren he gave. I am proud of my service ultimately because I got to defend the country I love," McChristian said.
At this time, in the event of a draft, WSU students will need to give their SSS numbers to the Bursar office, as if not there could be changes to their bill. For more information, visit the enrollment website.
