Military expert confirms first U.S. citizens who will be drafted if World War 3 breaks out

The world seems quite tense at the moment, with the US leading the charge as it seems to be eyeing up various countries across the globe.The sudden escalation, ordered by President

, has left the international community stunned.In a bold move, Trump directed the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country - and it seems as if Greenland is next on his list.As tensions heat up, one question is on everyone's mind: Are we headed toward another military draft?Military Expert Speaks OutVeteran Red Beard on YouTube, a former combat medic, has given his thoughts on who would be drafted should a World War break out.The veteran, who served two terms in Iraq, has downplayed concerns that we are heading towards an all-out war.However, he noted that should the day come, they will target 18 to 25-year-old men first.It's when they get desperate that people should start "worrying", the veteran warns, noting that even if you're overweight and don't pass the fitness tests, you could still get called up.He continues saying that even those with felonies and no high school diploma won't be safe.One thing that will make you exempt is if you've already served eight years, but it doesn't seem like a great time to join the military right now.Mandatory Registration: What You Need to Know About the Selective ServiceIf the U.S. does find itself drawn into a long-term war, there's already a legal mechanism in place that could bring back the draft. It all starts with the Selective Service System, a little-known but legally binding requirement for almost every man in America.Right now, U.S. law requires nearly all male citizens and male immigrants to register for Selective Service by age 18.This law doesn't discriminate based on citizenship status—even undocumented immigrants must register.And skipping this step? That’s not just a technicality. It’s a serious offense.According to the Selective Service website, "A fine of up to $250,000 and/or five years in prison" could be handed down to anyone who fails to register on time. That’s just the beginning. Not registering also makes individuals:Ineligible for state-based student loans and grants in 31 statesBarred from federal job training programsDisqualified from many federal—and even some state and local—jobsSubject to a five-year delay in U.S. citizenship proceedings for immigrantsHow the Draft Would Actually WorkIf Congress and the White House decide to revive the draft, the Selective Service System would spring into action following a strict four-step process.Step 1: Congress Has to Make the CallFirst, the U.S. Congress must amend the Military Selective Service Act to allow the president to induct individuals into the military. Without that legal change, a draft cannot legally happen.Only once Congress gives the green light can the Selective Service system activate.Step 2: The Selective Service Gets RollingOnce authorized, the system moves fast. Registrants would be ordered to report, and Area Offices would open across the country to handle claims and appeals.During this phase, individuals can apply for postponements, deferments, or exemptions - for example, by proving they’re conscientious objectors or demonstrating financial hardship.Anti war protests are happening in the US. Credit: David McNew/GettyStep 3: The National Draft LotteryIf you're between 18 and 25, this is where things get real. A national lottery would be held—a public, live-streamed event watched across the country. During this process, birthdays and numbers are drawn at random to determine the order of induction.According to Selective Service guidelines, "The first to receive induction orders are those whose 20th birthday falls during the year of the lottery."If more personnel are needed, the draft expands - starting with 21-year-olds, then 22, and so on up to age 25. After that, 19- and 18.5-year-olds would be next.Step 4: Final Evaluations Before InductionThose called up won’t immediately head to boot camp. First, they report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for medical, mental, and moral evaluations.Each registrant must pass a comprehensive screening to determine if they’re fit to serve. Those who meet the criteria will be inducted. Those who don’t are sent home.Under federal rules, the government must deliver the first wave of inducted soldiers to the military within 193 days of draft authorization.Featured image credit: Stocktrek Images/Getty