Camilla Jessen
Who gets spared? Jobs protected in past conscriptions
Growing warnings of conflict and renewed talk of conscription have prompted fresh questions about who might be exempt if a global war breaks out.
Statements from world leaders, including Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russia is “ready” for war with Europe, have only intensified public concern. This was reported by CNBC.
Although President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of compulsory service as “a ridiculous idea,” fears persist as governments outline new national-security plans.
Rising global warnings
Putin’s remarks in early December 2025 signaled that Moscow believes it can respond immediately if Europe engages in conflict.
UK officials have echoed those concerns.
In its latest National Security Strategy, the government warned of the need to prepare for the “possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat.”
Afghanistan veteran and MP Mike Martin told the Express that if a major war with Russia erupted, “we’ll be conscripting the population – there’s no question about that.”
Who was exempt in WWII
Conscription during the Second World War offers a rough guide to how exemptions were applied.
According to UK parliamentary records, those deemed medically unfit were excused, alongside workers in essential roles such as farming, medicine, engineering, food supply and some religious posts.
In the U.S., the National WWII Museum notes that by late 1942 “all men aged 18 to 64 were required to register.”
A lottery system selected those called up.
U.S. draft rules today
America has not used the draft since 1973, but the Selective Service System remains active.
All men aged 18 to 25 must register, with few exemptions. The SSS warns that failing to do so is a felony carrying up to a $250,000 fine or five years in prison.
Unlike the UK’s historic exemptions, the U.S. currently offers no occupational shields. Even clergymen must register.
Only non-immigrant visa holders, active-duty personnel, and certain military college students are exempt from registering.
Conscientious objections
Men who oppose combat on moral or religious grounds can still seek recognition as “Conscientious Objectors.”
They must register but may be assigned to non-combat duties, such as healthcare or community support.
Five roles likely to be prioritised
Based on past UK exemptions, the occupations most likely to be protected in a modern draft include:
- Doctors and nurses
- Engineers in critical infrastructure
- Farmers and food-supply workers
- Religious ministers
- Specialist technical roles essential to national security
Sources: CNBC; UK Parliament; Express; CNN; SSS.
