Tennessee
New Automatic Selective Service law fuels military draft fears in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new federal law tied to Selective Service registration is stirring up concern online, with some young men wondering whether the U.S. could be moving closer to a military draft.
But a retired Army recruiting official in Tennessee says that is not what this law does.
The change, set to take effect in December, would automatically register eligible men for Selective Service instead of relying on them to sign up themselves.
The Selective Service System (SSS), which maintains the database of men eligible for a draft, states on its website that under the new, “streamlined” registration process, responsibility for registering will shift “from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources.”
Almost all male citizens and male immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 are required by federal law to register with the SSS within 30 days of either marking their18th birthday or entering the U.S.
Men who fail to register can become ineligible for state financial aid, state and federal employment, and—in the case of male immigrants—U.S. citizenship.
A new federal law tied to Selective Service registration is stirring up concern online, with some young men wondering whether the U.S. could be moving closer to a military draft. (Photo: WZTV)
The 2026 NDAA amends the Military Selective Service Act to include language stating that men between the ages of 18 and 26 “shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System.”
Men will be automatically registered within 30 days of their 18th birthday under the new policy, the same period during which eligible men are currently required to self-register.
They will then receive written notice that they have been registered, per the NDAA—and be notified of the process for contesting their registration, if they fall into the select groups who are exempt from the requirements.
The proposed rule will not change who is required to register.
That distinction is getting lost online.
“I’ve heard that there’s like a possibility like 18- to 25-year-olds have to enter into the draft pool by like December or something,” said Zach Rutter, a 22-year-old Vanderbilt senior. “But that’s all I really know.”
Rutter said the idea of “automatic registration” does raise concern.
“It does make me a little more concerned that it’s like a possibility. It could happen,” he said. “But it seems like kind of far in the future if it does.”
Even after learning the law does not create a draft and instead automatically handles a process already required, Rudder said the change still makes some people wonder why it is happening now.
“It just does kind of make me think there’s a possibility that, you know, they’re kind of thinking in the back of their heads, they might need a draft,” he said. “So that’s like my bigger concern, I guess.”
That fear is exactly what Lee Elder says many people are getting wrong.
Elder is a retired civilian employee for Army Recruiting Command, where he worked for 27 years, and a retired Tennessee National Guard officer who served in Desert Storm, Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“No, I don’t see it happening,” Elder said when asked whether the U.S. is headed toward a military draft.
He said bringing back a draft would take far more than automatic registration.
“For one thing, it would take congressional approval to do that,” Elder said. “The American public, they love the all-volunteer Army. You say the draft or the D word and people get upset.”
Elder said people are confusing two very different things.
“Enrolling a person is one thing. Putting them in the military service is something totally different,” he said.
He described the new law as more of an administrative change than a signal that a draft is imminent.
“If you’re a male and you reach your 18th birthday, then you need to sign up for Selective Service. You have to do this anyway,” Elder said. “So like I said, I just see it more as a convenience for the government.”
Elder also said even in a worst-case scenario, a draft would not happen overnight.
“It would take weeks, if not months, just to sort out from the list who is qualified and who is not,” he said.
He noted that only a fraction of the population would even meet military qualifications, and said the armed forces already have other options before anything like a draft would be considered, including active-duty troops, reserves and National Guard members.
“A full-scale mobilization simply isn’t in the picture,” Elder said. “It would take a while to pass Congress. It would take a while to get funded. It would take a while to be implemented. It would take months to get draftees into uniform and train them and prepare them for a combat mission.”
Elder said the type of event that would likely be needed to trigger a draft would be much more severe than current world tensions.
“I think you’d have to have several things happen,” he said. “First of all, there’d have to be a threat to our territory, to our homeland. And with anything else we do in our form of government; you’ve got to have a majority of people who support it. And neither of those conditions seem to be in play right now.”
He said he believes much of the panic is being driven by misunderstanding and alarmist posts online.
“I think there’s a lot of people who like to sound the alarm for threats that really aren’t that substantial,” Elder said. “But again, I just don’t see it as a realistic possibility at this point.”
For young men like Rutter, that explanation may calm some fears, but not all of them.
While he said he is not entirely opposed to automatic registration since Selective Service is already required, he also understands why people his age are uneasy.
The law may not start a draft, but as debate over global conflict continues online, the word “draft” alone is enough to get attention.
At the behest of President Donald Trump, Tennessee’s Republican supermajority is returning to Nashville next week to redraw the state’s congressional maps, carving Memphis into multiple safe-Republican seats.
The session is made possible by the Supreme Court’s decision ending protections in the Voting Rights Act, made April 29.
Gov. Bill Lee issued a call for a special legislative session to approve new redistricting maps on the evening of May 1, one day after Trump announced on social media that Lee had promised to do so.
Lawmakers will return to Nashville on May 5.
“We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” Lee said.“After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible.”
Once in Nashville, the Republican supermajority legislature will have the votes to crack Memphis and draw nine new safe-Republican congressional seats in Tennessee and eliminate the last remaining Democrat-held seat.
Candidates are already campaigning in the 9th Congressional District — which will likely be redrawn during the special session. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, and state Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, have both gathered and filed qualifying signatures and have been actively campaigning.
Redrawing maps would suspend those campaigns and require candidates in every congressional district to gather new signatures and re-qualify for their races.
“Donald Trump wants an extra seat. And he wants to get it by directing how the districts are drawn and to say they should not be drawn as they are now — they should be drawn the way he wants to draw them to give him the vote,” Cohen said on May 1.
“Civil rights are being attacked through this Supreme Court case. It’s taking away potentially a goodly half of African American and African American-chosen representation in the United States Congress,” Cohen said, pledging to launch a legal fight.
Lee’s call came hours after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called a special session to redraw the maps there, as predominantly Republican Southern states begin to take political advantage of the Supreme Court’s decision to roll back protections for Black voters in the Voting Rights Act.
Electric Avenue robot parade brings silly fun to East Nashville
Dozens of robots of various shapes and sizes took over East Nashville on April 11 as part of the annual Electric Avenue Robot Parade.
Planning to head to the 40th annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival? Here’s what you should know before going.
Hours of operation
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Volunteer State’s blast into the 16th century will be held every Saturday and Sunday during May. Adult tickets purchased in advance start at $28.
Parking
Parking waits can build up at the renaissance fair, where parking is free with admission. Peak traffic times are expected between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., according to the event’s website tnrenfest.com.
Located in a “grassy field,” parking lots operate on a first come, first serve basis and open at 8 a.m. each day. No RVs or trailers are allowed.
Sheriff’s deputies and parking attendants will be on the grounds to help patrons park “as quickly and safely as possible,” the event states.
What if it rains?
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will operate rain or shine, but some of the experiences may be limited during inclement weather.
“Depending on weather patterns, festival operations may be suspended, and patrons may be asked to shelter in place in their personal vehicle in the parking lot until weather conditions improve and the grounds are cleared to resume operations,” the website states.
Join the safety notification system by texting TNRENFEST to 888-777.
Are weapons allowed?
While firearms and prop guns are prohibited, all swords, daggers, bows and arrows, maces and other weapons are allowed but must be peace-tied.
Additionally, patrons purchasing or bringing bladed weapons must always have the sword sheathed and secured with a cable. Arrows are required to have their tips removed and be secured within a quiver or a case.
Will there be alcohol?
There will not be alcohol sold at this event.
Be prepared for spotty cell service
Due to the remote location of the festival, cell service may be limited, according to the website. The festival’s administrators recommend downloading, screenshotting or printing your ticket, or adding it to your e-wallet.
Best TSSAA wrestling state championship highlights from Division I boys finals
See our best TSSAA wrestling state championship highlights from the Division I boys finals.
The Tennessee high school boys and girls wrestling produced over four dozen individual TSSAA state champions through 14 weight classes in Class A, AA, Division II and girls competition in February.
Here are the 2026 Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state girls and boys wrestling teams across the state.
Boys Wrestling
Class A
106 pounds: Germain Velasquez, Seymour, Sr.; Phillip Steelman, Signal Mountain, So.; Wesley Sudderth, Montgomery Central, Fr.; Jaime Sanginez, Springfield, Sr.
113 pounds: Nate Graham, Station Camp, Sr.; Luke Myhan, Soddy-Daisy, Jr.; CJ Weaver, Tullahoma, Fr.; Luke Higdon, Signal Mountain, Sr.
120 pounds: Jacob Stinnett, Upperman, So.; Jay Hill, Station Camp, Sr.; Carter Hostetler, Spring Hill, Jr.; Harold Ward, Greenbrier, Sr.
126 pounds: Ian McCallie, Signal Mountain, 8th grade; Kyle Nielsen, Spring Hill, Sr.; Brylan Rhodes, Greeneville, So.; Matthew Pennington, Eagleville, Sr.
132 pounds: JoJo Uhorchuk, Signal Mountain, Sr.; Tyson Flavin, Soddy-Daisy, Sr.; Tristen Fowler, Alcoa, So.; Kiivon Butler, Tullahoma, Jr.
138 pounds: Zedediah Hulet, Anderson County, Jr.; Noah Eller, Gibbs, Jr.; Elving Vera, Spring Hill, Sr.; Derrick Bolden, Millington, Jr.
144 pounds: Christian Davis, Signal Mountain, So.; Ayden Jenkins, Soddy-Daisy, Jr.; Lukas Pratt, Pigeon Forge, Sr.; Hayden Harrell, Anderson County, Sr.
150 pounds: Colin Bull, Soddy-Daisy, Sr.; Tamarion Johnson, Montgomery Central, Sr.; Austin Glass, Volunteer, Sr.; Max Cable, Pigeon Forge, Jr.
157 pounds: Braylan Cosper, Hixson, Sr.; Jake Laxton, Soddy-Daisy, So.; Vincent Ward, Greenbrier, Jr.; Duke Delozier, Seymour, Jr.
165 pounds: Ayden Hood, Pigeon Forge, Sr.; Nathan Highland, Spring Hill, Sr.; Lincoln Rich, Station Camp, Sr.; Kaden Weitzel, Livingston Academy, Sr.
175 pounds: Deamion Leavell, Anderson County, Sr.; Cole Neal, Fairview, Jr.; Landon Shaw, Livingston Academy, Sr.; Thomas Solomon, Eagleville, Sr.
190 pounds: Trevor Burney, Chattanooga Central, Sr.; Evan Prewitt, Anderson County, Sr.; Logan Rawlinson, Soddy-Daisy, Sr.; Hayden Moore, Greeneville, Jr.
215 pounds: Houston Retting, Eagleville, Sr.; Darius Sudderth, Alcoa, Jr.; Pete Laxton, Soddy-Daisy, Sr.; Elijah Whitby, Millington, Sr.
285 pounds: Tyson Click, Samuel Everett, Sr.; Rogelio Gonzalez, Cheatham County, Sr.; Christopher Graver, Marion County, Jr.; Mathew Fowler, Red Bank
Class AA
106 pounds: Gabriel Nettleton, Arlington, So.; Carson Gambill, Page, Fr.; Q Dyer, Bradley Central, So.; Logan Raske, Cleveland, Fr.
113 pounds: Noah Watkins, Dobyns Bennett, So.; Emanuel Claybrooks, McGavock, Sr.; Boone Maughon, Cleveland, Fr.; Joseph Marcin, Arlington, Sr.
120 pounds: Jose Cordero, Cleveland, Sr.; Andrew Workman, Blackman, Jr.; Brooks Ryan, Dobyns Bennett, Fr.; Blaise Masi, Summit, Sr.
126 pounds: Dominic Cordero, Cleveland, So.; Devin Corbin, Collierville, Jr.; Chase Smalling, Science Hill, Sr.; Nolan Barton, Nolensville, Sr.
132 pounds: Mason Jakob, Dobyns Bennett, Sr.; Colt Maughon, Cleveland, Sr.; Aiden Rowe, Clarksville, Jr.; Damian Aponte, Germantown Houston, Sr.
138 pounds: Reed Loeffel, Brentwood, Sr.; Tristan Collier, Green Hill, So.; Kendall Lewis, Science Hill, Fr.; Logan Woodard, Clarksville Northeast, Sr.
144 pounds: JD Longley, Ravenwood, Jr.; Landon McLean, Blackman, Sr.; Trapper Lippincott, Nolensville, Jr.; Kaden Clopton, Science Hill, Jr.
150 pounds: Kellen Sanders, Cleveland, So.; Ryan Dietrick, Ravenwood, Jr.; Brandon Harris, Bradley Central, Jr.; Eli Goodin, Blackman, So.
157 pounds: Zachery Little, Summit, Sr.; Luke Louzensky, Kirkwood, Jr.; Maddox Eskew, Ravenwood, Sr.; Trevor Sexton, Knox Halls, Sr.
165 pounds: Jonah Little, Germantown Houston, Sr.; Matthew Anderson, Ravenwood, Sr.; Gary High, Cleveland, So.; Leo Roberts, Independence, Jr.
175 pounds: Brodie Melzoni, Nolensville, Sr.; Barrett Whaley, Knox Halls, Sr.; Braylon Pulley, Cleveland, Fr.; Elijah Reams, Riverdale, Sr.
190 pounds: Yamil Rashid, Stewarts Creek, Sr.; Wiley Suskawicz, Bradley Central, Sr.; Syre Jones, Bartlett, Sr.; Peter Wilson, Kirkwood, So.
215 pounds: Joshua Pulley, Cleveland, So.; Ahmed Shahin, Knox West, Sr.; Jake Sentell, Nolensville, Jr.; Henry Drazek, Brentwood, Sr.
285 pounds: Gabe Moore, Cleveland, Sr.; Dewantae McMillion, Bradley Central, So.; Haiden Cox, Science Hill, Sr.; Charlie Wilson, Dobyns Bennett, So.
Division II
106 pounds: Colten Calvin, Father Ryan, So.; Dominic Simpson, Montgomery Bell Academy, 8th grade; Triston Mouton, Baylor School, Jr.; Jonathan Comes, Lakeway Christian, Fr.
113 pounds: Tanner Tran, Father Ryan, Sr.; Riley Alcantar, Baylor School, Fr.; Cash Waymire, Brentwood Academy, Sr.; Knox Ritchie, McCallie School, Fr.
120 pounds: Gabe Swann, Baylor School, Sr.; Payne Walker, Christian Brothers, Fr.; Ryley Correll, Brentwood Academy, Fr.; Brody Connell, McCallie School, Sr.
126 pounds: Samuel Comes, Lakeway Christian, Sr.; Axel Ritchie, McCallie School, Sr.; Christopher Phillips, Baylor School, Jr.; Joseph Drewry, Christian Brothers, Jr.
132 pounds: Jaxon Lane, McCallie School, So.; Braxton Eason, Father Ryan, Jr.; Cayden Fowler, Friendship Christian, So.; Carlton King, Montgomery Bell Academy, So.
138 pounds: Malachi Puckett, Baylor School, Jr.; Cooper Mariakis, McCallie School, 8th grade; Trenton Casto, Lakeway Christian, Jr.; Joseph Kennedy, Chattanooga Christian, Fr.
144 pounds: George Emendorfer, Baylor School, Sr.; William Hamilton, McCallie School, Jr.; Jack Quigley, Knox Webb, Sr.; Jax Crolley, Father Ryan, Jr.
150 pounds: Dylan Villers, McCallie School, So.; Kohlton Vargas, Christian Brothers, Jr.; Nick Toth, Father Ryan, Jr.; Brooks Kopp, Pope John Paul II, Sr.
157 pounds: Oliver Phillips, Baylor School, Sr.; Cainan Williams, McCallie School, So.; Ruger Pennington, Montgomery Bell Academy, 8th grade; Kaden Dressell, Lakeway Christian, Jr.
165 pounds: Titus Norman, Baylor School, Sr.; Jon Cross, McCallie School, Jr.; Leland Hardcastle, Montgomery Bell Academy, Sr.; Kyler Cook, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Sr.
175 pounds: Findley Smout, Christian Brothers, Sr.; Zaydan Morgan, McCallie School, Jr.; Donnis Boochie, Chattanooga Christian, Jr.; Noah Anliker, Grace Christian Academy-Franklin, Jr.
190 pounds: Dylan Reel, Baylor School, Sr.; Brody Belville, Brentwood Academy, Sr.; Jordan Crouch, Pope John Paul II, Sr.; Cooper Ledbetter, McCallie School, So.
215 pounds: Cooper Gentle, McCallie School, Sr.; Tyre Brown, Chattanooga Christian, Jr.; Rock Shurette, Baylor School, So.; Kai Slater, Father Ryan, Sr.
285 pounds: Ryder Smith, Chattanooga Christian, Sr.; Deantowan Malone, Father Ryan, Sr.; Cannon Voiles, McCallie School, Jr.; Luke Skelton, Brentwood Academy, Jr.
Girls Wrestling
100 pounds: Easton Dadiomoff, Cleveland, So.; Alexandra Erb, Clarksville, Fr.; Ella McKeown, Kirkwood, So.; Bailey Leatherwood, Stratford, So.
107 pounds: Cora Finstad, Gibbs, Jr.; Evelyn Norman, Dobyns Bennett, Fr.; Johanna Pantojas, Riverdale, Sr.; Doria Hamlet, Independence, So.
114 pounds: Senna Grassman, Cleveland, Sr.; Tatiana Pena-Corona, Clarksville, Sr.; Gracie Voorhies, Seymour, Sr.; Jenna Ladd, Ooltewah, So.
120 pounds: Nataleigh Shane, Bradley Central, Sr.; Kailee Miller, Cleveland, Fr.; Ellen Anderson, Bartlett, So.; Kayleigh Angona, White Station, Sr.
126 pounds: Nevada Wildheart, Rossview, Jr.; Audreyona Perkins, Cleveland, Sr.; Mya Bundy, Stewarts Creek, Jr.; Gabbie Newton, Jefferson County, Sr.
132 pounds: Carolline Hilton, Cleveland, So.; Emery Wilson, Ravenwood, Jr.; Lexi Dean, West Creek, Jr.; Lily Lentz, Maryville, Sr.
138 pounds: Mariana Bowen, West Creek, Sr.; Delilah Queen, Maryville, Jr.; Adsila Holman, Rockvale, Sr.; Alice Gizzi, Independence, Fr.
145 pounds: Trinity Roberts, Heritage, Sr.; Ava Johnson, Clarksville, Jr.; Laura Gupton, Independence, Sr.; Shelby Williams, Gibbs, Sr.
152 pounds: Sawyer Ward, Science Hill, Sr.; Audrey Levendusky, Montgomery Central, Sr.; Emma Husser, Clarksville, Sr. Maria Parra, Bartlett, Fr.
165 pounds: Sally Johnson, Clarksville, Sr.; Irelynn Laurin, West Creek, Sr.; Samarah Tafiti, East Ridge, Sr.; Ellysia Jennings, Coffee County, Jr.
185 pounds: Lakeria Kelly, Pearl-Cohn, Jr.; Jonna Patterson, Blackman, Sr.; Aiden Pilarowski, Cleveland, Fr.; Josephine Fisher, Riverdale, Jr.
235 pounds: Julia Parrish, Knox Halls, Jr.; Samantha O’Leary, Summit, Sr.; Anjolina Rosario, Clarksville Northwest, Sr.; Shilo Bryan, Moore County, Sr.
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