Enlisted vs. Drafted — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Enlisted soldiers voluntarily join the military, choosing their service branch and often their job specialty; drafted individuals are compelled to serve, typically with less choice in assignments.
Difference Between Enlisted and Drafted
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enlisted individuals voluntarily sign up to join a specific branch of the military, which allows them some degree of choice regarding their career path and location. On the other hand, those who are drafted are selected through a lottery system and are assigned roles and locations by the military without preference.
Enlistment involves a recruitment process where individuals meet with a recruiter, discuss their options, and often have the opportunity to negotiate terms such as bonuses or educational benefits. Whereas, drafting is a more abrupt process, typically activated during national emergencies, requiring individuals to serve regardless of their personal plans.
Enlisted service members can often take advantage of military benefits like education and training immediately, which can be tailored to their chosen career paths within the armed forces. Conversely, draftees are thrust into service, usually for a set period, with limited choices and typically focus solely on fulfilling basic obligations to their country.
Enlistment allows for a commitment that can vary from a few years to a career spanning decades, with opportunities for advancement and long-term benefits. In contrast, drafted individuals serve for the duration required by the government, which can vary depending on national needs but generally has a predetermined end.
The psychological impact on enlisted individuals can differ significantly from those who are drafted, as enlistees have made a conscious decision to serve, which can affect their morale and dedication. On the other hand, draftees, having been compelled, might not hold the same level of commitment or morale, potentially influencing their performance and outlook on service.
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Comparison Chart
Voluntariness
Voluntary commitment
Compulsory service
Choice in service
Choices in branch and job specialty
Limited or no choice in assignments
Recruitment process
Involves negotiation and planning
Abrupt and non-negotiable
Duration and commitment
Varies, from several years to career
Set period, usually shorter term
Benefits and opportunities
Access to education, training, benefits
Basic service benefits, limited options
Compare with Definitions
Enlisted
Joining the military voluntarily.
She enlisted in the Air Force right after high school.
Drafted
Being involuntarily enlisted into military duties.
She was drafted despite her initial reluctance.
Enlisted
Committing to military service through a recruitment process.
After enlisting, she received bonuses for choosing a critical role.
Drafted
Being selected for compulsory military service.
He was drafted during the Vietnam War.
Enlisted
Accepting military duties voluntarily.
He enlisted with the intention of serving overseas.
Drafted
Having no choice but to fulfill national service obligations.
He was drafted and had to leave college.
Enlisted
Signing up for service.
He enlisted and chose to become a medic.
Drafted
Compelled to join the military through a lottery.
His number was called up when he was drafted.
Enlisted
Engaging in military life by choice.
They enlisted together as friends.
Drafted
Serving due to government mandate.
During the draft, he was required to serve for two years.
Enlisted
Of, relating to, or being a member of a military rank below a commissioned officer or warrant officer.
Drafted
A current of air in an enclosed area.
Enlisted
Simple past tense and past participle of enlist
Drafted
A device that regulates the flow or circulation of air.
Enlisted
Belonging to the military, but not as a commissioned officer.
Drafted
The act of pulling loads; traction.
Enlisted
Those individuals who have enlisted in the military and who are not commissioned officers.
Drafted
Something that is pulled or drawn; a load.
Enlisted
Designating to those members of the armed forces not commissioned as an officer; as, an enlisted man.
Drafted
A team of animals used to pull loads.
Enlisted
Of someone who has joined the military;
An enlisted man
Drafted
(Nautical)The depth of a vessel's keel below the water line, especially when loaded
A river vessel of shallow draft.
Drafted
A heavy demand on resources.
Drafted
A written order directing the payment of money from an account or fund.
Drafted
A gulp, swallow, or inhalation.
Drafted
The amount taken in by a single act of drinking or inhaling.
Drafted
A measured portion; a dose.
Drafted
The drawing of a liquid, as from a cask or keg.
Drafted
An amount drawn
Ordered two drafts of ale.
Drafted
The process or method of selecting one or more individuals from a group, as for a service or duty
A candidate who did not pursue the nomination, but accepted a draft by the party convention.
Drafted
Compulsory enrollment in the armed forces; conscription.
Drafted
A body of people selected or conscripted.
Drafted
(Sports)A system in which the exclusive rights to new players are distributed among professional teams.
Drafted
The act of drawing in a fishing net.
Drafted
The quantity of fish caught.
Drafted
Any of various stages in the development of a plan, document, or picture
A preliminary draft of a report.
The final draft of a paper.
Drafted
A representation of something to be constructed.
Drafted
A narrow line chiseled on a stone to guide a stonecutter in leveling its surface.
Drafted
A slight taper given a die to facilitate the removal of a casting.
Drafted
An allowance made for loss in weight of merchandise.
Drafted
To select from a group for some usually compulsory service
Drafted into the army.
Drafted
To select from a group for placement on a sports team.
Drafted
To draw up a preliminary version of or plan for.
Drafted
To create by thinking and writing; compose
Draft a speech.
Drafted
To work as a drafter.
Drafted
To move, ride, or drive close behind a fast-moving object so as to take advantage of the slipstream, especially in a race.
Drafted
Suited for or used for drawing heavy loads
Oxen and other draft animals.
Drafted
Drawn from a cask or tap
Draft beer.
Drafted
Simple past tense and past participle of draft
Drafted
(nautical) of a certain depth required to float (said of a vessel); used comparatively with shallow, deep, etc.
A johnboat is a shallow drafted boat favored by fishermen.
Drafted
(US) conscripted
Common Curiosities
Can drafted individuals choose their military branch?
Generally, no; drafted individuals have little to no choice regarding which branch they serve in.
How long do drafted individuals typically serve?
The duration can vary, but historically, drafted service during major conflicts has lasted for the duration of the conflict or a set number of years.
Do enlisted individuals have more benefits than those who are drafted?
Yes, enlisted individuals usually have access to more comprehensive benefits and choices in service terms.
Is there a draft in the United States currently?
As of now, the U.S. does not actively draft individuals but maintains a selective service system as a contingency.
Can someone who is drafted refuse to serve?
Typically, refusal to serve when drafted is illegal and can result in penalties, although there are provisions for conscientious objection.
What motivates individuals to enlist?
Motivations can include career training, educational benefits, a sense of patriotism, or personal development.
What is the main difference between being enlisted and being drafted?
Enlistment is voluntary with choices in career paths, while drafting is compulsory with limited options.
Are there age limits for being enlisted or drafted?
Yes, both have minimum and maximum age limits, which vary by military branch and national legislation.
What happens to enlisted individuals after their service ends?
They often have access to veteran benefits, including educational and career resources.
How are individuals chosen for the draft?
If activated, individuals would be chosen through a lottery system based on their birth date.
What rights do drafted individuals have if they disagree with the draft?
They can seek conscientious objector status or legal advice, but outright refusal can be penalized.
Can women be drafted?
Currently, in the U.S., only men are required to register for the draft, though this has been a topic of legal and political debate.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
