Can you go to jail for not going to war?
Asked by: Prof. Kadin Littel PhD | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)
Yes, you can go to jail for not going to war, either by refusing to register for a potential draft (a felony with jail time, though prosecutions are rare) or, if you're already in the military, by disobeying orders, going AWOL, or deserting, which can lead to military prison or confinement, especially during wartime. Penalties vary from fines and loss of benefits to significant jail time, dishonorable discharge, and in extreme cases of desertion during wartime, even the death penalty.
How long do you go to jail if you don't go to war?
In contrast, an unauthorized absence for more than 30 days can result in a dishonorable discharge, total forfeitures, and confinement for 1 year. Desertion terminated by apprehension carries up to 3 years confinement or, in time of war, death.
Do you go to jail if you refuse to go to war?
It is a federal felony, punishable by fines or a prison sentence. And you may not be eligible for federal jobs, citizenship, or state-funded student financial aid.
What is the penalty for not going to war?
If you're tried and convicted of failing to comply with the Military Selective Service Act, you will be guilty of a felony offense. You could be subject to a fine of up to a quarter of a million dollars, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
Can you be forced to go to war in the USA?
This results from a provision of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Although it has not been applied in recent American history, U.S. federal law continues to allow for compulsory conscription for militia service under emergency or extraordinary security conditions.
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Do they give you $10,000 if you join the army?
Yes, the U.S. Army offers enlistment bonuses, including potential payments around $10,000 or more, for joining certain jobs (MOS) or for shipping out quickly, but it's not guaranteed for everyone and depends on critical needs and specific qualifications. You can get bonuses for specific high-demand roles like Infantry, Cyber Ops, or Mechanics, or quick-ship bonuses for reporting fast, with some incentives reaching higher amounts for longer commitments or specific skills.
Who can't be drafted?
In the U.S., exemptions from a potential military draft (Selective Service) primarily apply to women, men already on active military duty, certain non-immigrant visa holders (like students/tourists), some individuals with documented physical/mental disabilities, and those in specific roles like clergy or certain government officials, though most men aged 18-25 must register and can apply for deferments or exemptions like conscientious objector (CO) status based on moral/religious beliefs or essential roles during wartime.
Can I refuse to fight in war?
In 1991, The Peace Abbey established the National Registry for Conscientious Objection where people can publicly state their refusal to participate in armed conflict.
How much is army pay per month?
U.S. Army salaries vary greatly by rank and time in service, but generally, a new enlisted soldier (E-1) starts around $2,400/month in basic pay, while senior enlisted (E-6) with 10+ years can earn over $4,700/month, and new officers (O-1) start around $4,100/month, with generals earning significantly more. Pay increases with rank, experience, and can be supplemented by housing allowances (BAH), subsistence (BAS), and special pays, with total compensation packages (RMC) providing more than just basic pay.
Who would be drafted if WWIII started?
If a US draft were enacted for World War 3, it would likely start with a televised lottery prioritizing young men turning 20 that year, then progressing to ages 21-25, with potential expansion to 18-19 year olds, exempting those with disabilities, dependents, or essential jobs (healthcare, infrastructure), and conscientiously objecting individuals who perform alternative service, though modern warfare's tech focus might change needs.
What age get drafted first?
The first men drafted would be those turning age 20 during the calendar year of the lottery. For example, if a draft were held in 2020, those men born in 2000 would be considered first.
What is the rule 13 in the Army?
2018 in terms of Army Rule 13 (3) III (iv) of the Army ...is that the respondents have discharged applicant by following due procedure as per Army Rules, 1954 and there is no provision for reinstating a person in Army who has given application to proceed on... interest of justice.
Is refusing to go to war a felony?
a person who refuses to serve in the military due to religious or strong philosophical views against war or killing. Refusing to answer a draft call is a federal felony, but when a person's religious beliefs are long-standing and consistent (as with the Quakers) then the objection to service is excused.
What are the 5 laws of war?
The five core principles of the Law of War (or International Humanitarian Law) are Military Necessity, Humanity, Distinction, Proportionality, and Honor, guiding conduct in conflict by balancing military goals with human protection, requiring attacks only on valid targets, forbidding unnecessary suffering, and ensuring humane treatment for everyone not participating in hostilities.
Is it illegal to quit the military?
You have to sign a contract, so your position is a contractual one and you have to honor that document. This means that you have to serve the term that you agreed to serve, at which point you can decide if you want to stop or sign up for another term. There are ways that you can quit, such as asking for a discharge.
What does God say about military killing?
Although God clearly states in the Bible, is strict prohibition of committing murder; this does not mean He forbids his people to enter the military or the armed forces. Fighting for one's country is not the same as simply murdering someone.
Can you refuse to go to war in the USA?
Those who can prove a religious, ethical or moral opposition to all wars may apply for a discharge or transfer to a non-combat job as a conscientious objector.
Can I say no to being drafted?
Yes, you can refuse to be drafted in the U.S., but it's illegal and carries serious penalties, though prosecution isn't guaranteed; the established legal path for exemption is claiming Conscientious Objector status based on deeply held moral or religious beliefs against war, requiring you to register and apply for this status if a draft starts. Refusing registration or induction without a valid exemption can lead to prison and fines, but some people evade the draft by leaving the country, hiding, or claiming other deferments like medical or educational, though this often involves risk or legal maneuvering.
Can I get drafted if I have anxiety?
Current or a history of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute reactions to stress, and posttraumatic disorder are disqualifying conditions.
Can the only son be drafted?
Yes, an only son can be drafted in the U.S., as being an "only child" doesn't grant automatic exemption; however, a specific sole surviving son provision offers a peacetime deferment if a parent or sibling died in military service, but this exemption does not apply in wartime or a Congressionally declared national emergency, which overrides the old "only son" myth. All eligible males must still register with the Selective Service System, regardless of family situation, as the current draft system is inactive, but registration is required if it were to resume.
Will there be a draft in 2026?
No, there will not be a military draft in 2026 unless Congress and the President enact new legislation for it; however, changes are coming to registration, with men aged 18-26 being automatically registered via other federal databases starting late 2026, replacing the current requirement for self-registration, but this is a shift in process, not an activation of conscription itself. A draft remains possible under U.S. law for extreme national emergencies, but the existing Selective Service system is not currently prepared to conduct one, and current proposals focus on registration, not immediate conscription.
Does the military pay you for life?
Defined Benefit: Monthly retired pay for life after at least 20 years of service (so if you retire at 20 years of service, you will get 40% of your highest 36 months of base pay). Retired pay will be calculated as follows: (Years of creditable service x 2.0%) x average of highest 36 months basic pay.
Can you make $100,000 in the military?
Yes, you can make $100,000 in the military, especially as an officer or in high-demand fields like aviation, cyber, or medicine, when factoring in base pay, allowances (like BAH/BAS for housing/food), bonuses, and benefits, though it's harder as an enlisted member without significant rank or special skills; officers reach six figures faster through rank progression, while enlisted personnel often achieve it through advanced training, bonuses, and smart financial habits, with civilian job opportunities post-service providing another path to high earnings.
What is the biggest Army bonus?
Active Army Enlistment Bonus:
Qualified active duty recruits may be eligible for a combination of bonuses totaling up to $50,000. The maximum bonus for a three, four, five, or six-year contract is based on periodic updates and is subject to change. Recruiters will have the most up to date bonus information.