The age to be drafted in the U.S. military is typically between 18 and 25 years old. All male citizens and immigrants within this age range are required to register with the Selective Service System. While registration is mandatory, actual induction into the military through a draft would only occur if Congress and the President authorize it during a national emergency. Men above the age of 25 are not subject to the draft. To summarize:
- Required to register for draft: Men aged 18 to 25
- Age eligible to be drafted: 18 to 25
- Men over 25 are not drafted
- Women are currently not required to register
Note that joining the military voluntarily has a broader age range (17-34 for enlisted soldiers), but for the compulsory draft, the standard age group is 18 to 25 years old.