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When the Ukraine-Russia conflict became a war there was a lot of discourse among youths across the internet. Talks around gender equality when it comes to drafting and many young men wondering if there’s a way out where it ever to come to their nation.

Are you one of such men? Or perhaps you’re concerned about a man in your life, even if you’re just being a curious cat, you’ve come to the right place. 

There’s a vernacular saying in my nation “Abeg, follow who no road”

It’s simply an admonishment to follow the lead of those who have been or are going where you’d like to go. There are various ways people have been exempted from the draft over the years and we’ll explore what excuses YOU  from the draft.

What Is The Draft?

In the context of the military, “draft” refers to conscription or compulsory enlistment of individuals into the armed forces of a country. It is a legal mechanism by which a government can compel its citizens (typically males of a certain age) to serve in the military for a specified period.

Historically, it’s been  during times of war or national emergency when voluntary enlistment may not meet military needs. The draft ensures a sufficient number of troops to maintain national security and defense readiness.

 It’s a controversial topic, often debated for its implications on personal freedom and national defense strategies.

How Does One Get Caught Up In The Draft?

Israel, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey are some countries that currently have active conscription.

In the United States of America and over 100 other countries, however, there is no mandatory conscription.

In the US, The Selective Service System (SSS) an independent government agency maintains a database of male U.S. citizens and residents who might have to join the military if there’s ever a draft. 

Though the military is currently all-volunteer, all males aged 18-25 must register in case a draft is needed. There are 2 types

• General Draft: For all males aged 18-25.
• Special-Skills Draft: For people with specific healthcare skills.

If a draft happens, the SSS sends out notices, handles requests to avoid the draft, and assigns people who don’t want to fight to other jobs. Males must register within 30 days of turning 18 and update any changes to their information within 10 days. The SSS is a backup plan for the shortage of manpower when needed.

Can Women Be Drafted?

Although exempt from the general draft, women who possess required skill set can be under the special skills draft. As nurses, doctors, etc.

However, there’s the looming debate regarding women being eligible for the general draft, not just among citizens online but officials on several occasions.

There were attempts to pass it into law in 2021, 2022, and possibly 2024.

To be clear, currently, the U.S. acknowledges only biological sex for this determination.

A trans man that is a woman transitioned to a man wouldn’t be required for the general draft and they’re registered as female.

Draft evasion: What Excuses You From The Draft?

Conscription evasion, or draft evasion, is when someone successfully avoids being forced to serve in the military. This can mean not following the draft laws. Every major military conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries has had people trying to avoid it.

Draft evasion practices can be legal or illegal. People who avoid the draft without breaking the law are sometimes called draft avoiders, that’s hopefully how you’ll choose to go.

The goal of the draft is to acquire people who are competent and qualified to properly defend the nation. We’ll be exploring things that could disqualify one in a bid to get out. Let’s start!

1. Health Problems

One of the most common reasons people get out of the draft is due to health problems. If you have a medical condition that makes it impossible or dangerous for you to serve, you’re likely to be exempt. Here are some examples:

• Obesity: If your weight is significantly higher than the military’s standards, you won’t make the cut. Even height
• Serious Illnesses: Conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or severe asthma can disqualify you. These conditions can interfere with your ability to perform military duties and can be dangerous in high-stress environments
• Mental Health: Disorders such as severe anxiety, depression, or PTSD can also be grounds for exemption. The military needs individuals who are mentally fit to handle the pressures of service.

Here’s a list of some specific health problems that can get you exempted from the draft:

• Chronic Alcoholism: Habitual, confirmed intemperance, or other severe habits that weaken the body.
• Loss of Penis or Testicles: Complete atrophy or severe conditions of testicles like sarcocele
• Jaw, teeth, or tongue Deformities: Conditions that impede eating or speaking significantly.
• Dumbness: Total or significant loss of voice. Extreme stammerring even
• Deafness: This must be confirmed by medical evidence and be severe enough to prevent service.
• Chest and Spine Deformities: Severe deformities preventing carrying arms and equipment.
• Feebleness or Chest Size: Extreme weakness or a very small chest can disqualify someone.
• Skull Injuries: Severe skull injuries that impair mental faculties or cause epilepsy.

• Severe Organ Diseases: Acute or chronic diseases of the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, or bladder that severely impair health can exempt you.

• Epilepsy: To be exempt, this condition must be confirmed by a doctor who has treated the person within the last six months.
• Severe Rheumatism: If it causes significant physical changes or impairment.
• Deformity or Loss of Limbs, fingers or toes: Including conditions like club foot
• Severe Varicose Veins: Accompanied by chronic swelling or ulcers.

• Severe Pain: Pain that is accompanied by clear physical symptoms or severe health issues.
• Manifest Imbecility: This is a severe lack of mental ability that makes it impossible to serve.
• Cancer and Aneurysms: Cancer and large artery aneurysms are disqualifying.
• Severe Skin Diseases: Diseases that significantly impair efficiency as a soldier.
• Severe Nose Deformities: Loss or severe deformity of the nose that impairs breathing.
• Severe Ulcers or Scars: Conditions significantly impairing efficiency.
• Severe Rectal Issues: Conditions like fistula or severe hemorrhoids.
• Severe Joint or Bone Issues: Conditions preventing normal movement.
• Severe Urinary Issues: Conditions like a urinary fistula or severe stricture.
• Paralysis: General paralysis, paralysis of a limb, or chorea (a movement disorder) can disqualify someone.

• Neck Issues: Tumors, wounds, or other issues that impede breathing or swallowing.
• Consumption: A.K.A Tuberculosis. Only advanced stages exempt you; early stages do not.
• Insanity: This includes well-established recent insanity, with a high chance of recurrence.
• Partial or Total Blindness: Total loss of sight or severe impairment of vision.

This category works if you have any of these issues and/or can provide proof to that effect.

2. Educational Requirements

Back in the day, being in school could keep you from getting drafted. While this isn’t as common now, it’s worth mentioning College and Graduate Students. There was a time being enrolled in college full-time or pursuing advanced degrees could grant you a deferment.

Today, the main focus is educational level as a requirement. The U.S. military wants its soldiers to have at least a high school education or something similar. This isn’t just about knowing basic things; it also shows that a person can finish organized programs, including study and fitness routines.

If you don’t have proof of such qualifications you should be good to go.

3. Criminal Records

Having a criminal record can also be a reason you might not be drafted. The military has strict standards for who can serve, and certain offenses can disqualify you:

• Felonies: If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you might be out of the running.
• Serious Misdemeanors: Even some serious misdemeanors can affect your eligibility.

Illicit Drug use deserves a mention here.

4. Conscientious Objections

This is a big one for those with strong personal or religious beliefs against war. If you can prove that your beliefs are sincere and deeply held, you might be exempt:

• Religious Beliefs: If your faith opposes all forms of war and violence, you might qualify.
• Moral and Ethical Beliefs: Even if you’re not religious, strong moral or ethical convictions against war can be a reason.

5. Occupation Exemptions

Certain jobs are considered essential, and those who hold them might be exempt from the draft:

• Ministers and Clergy: Religious leaders often receive exemptions.
• Certain Elected Officials: As long as they’re in office, they might be exempt.
• Essential Workers: In times of crisis, some jobs are deemed crucial for society to function, and those workers might be exempt.

6. Miscellaneous Reasons

There are a few other less common reasons someone might be exempt:

• Veterans: If you’ve already served in the military, you might not have to go again.
• Family Situations: Sole surviving sons or those with significant family responsibilities might be exempt.

Some Tips

Here are things to take into account while trying to evade the draft:

Don’t register with the Selective Service System.

They can’t get you if you’re not on their list. This has it’s consequences as you’re exempt from certain social benefits and even jobs when you don’t register.

Don’t update your address with Selective Service when you move.

Can’t get you if they don’t know where to find you. This like the preceding one has it’s consequences.

You could get lucky in the draft lottery.

Sometimes it all comes down to luck, there are folks who never get selected though they signed up. So don’t take any drastic measures unless you have to.

Show up and fail the physical.

If you get drafted, you’ll get a letter giving you ten days to report for a medical exam. If you show up, pass the physical, and submit to induction, they’ll put you on a bus to basic training the same day.

Not much to say except  if you prove to be woefully incompetent, they’re unlikely to risk it. It helps if you already suck at running, jumps and other tests they perform.

Alternative service.

This is an option after successfully convinced the board you’re a conscientious objector

Leave the country or go into hiding permanently.

This is the kind of drastic action I was talking about. While it sounds a little silly this might be the last option if you really scared of the draft and all else has failed.

Conclusion

Understanding what excuses you from the draft can be a bit complex, but hopefully, this gives you a clearer picture. Whether it’s due to health issues, educational requirements, criminal records, personal beliefs, or specific jobs, there are various ways people can be exempted from military service. Remember, each case is unique, and it’s always best to check with official sources or legal experts if you find yourself in this situation.

Stay informed and stay safe!