Rob Schneider has called on the US to reinstate the military draft as he sounded the alarm on American forces.
The actor urged mandatory service for young Americans, arguing that the country needs to rediscover unity and shared sacrifice amid rising tensions across the Middle East.
“We must once again recommit ourselves to one nation under God, indivisible,” Schneider wrote on X. “Therefore, we must restore the military draft for our nation’s young people.
“Each and every American, at 18 years of age, must serve two years of military service. They could also choose to serve part of that time overseas or in country in a volunteer capacity.”
His comments land as the US remains embroiled in a growing conflict with Iran, sparking fresh concerns about troop levels and long-term readiness.
The US hasn’t called a draft since 1972, at the tail end of the Vietnam War, though men between 18 and 25 still have to register with the Selective Service System in case one is ever reinstated.
The “Deuce Bigalow” star argued that America’s “unparalleled freedoms and opportunities” come with a price — and that young people should help pay it.
“By protecting and preserving these freedoms, young people, regardless of race, creed or religion will be united in service to their country and just as importantly, to each other,” he wrote, pointing out that many nations already require military service and the US once did too.
Schneider, who hasn’t served in the military, said his plan would include both men and women, with a focus on discipline and physical training.
“We would have all of our young men and women put into a rigorous physical training course that they could use for the rest of their lives,” he said. “We would always have a standing army ready at all times, including for domestic problems like natural disasters.”
He also took aim at higher education, suggesting military service could instill a stronger sense of patriotism.
“Unlike in today’s universities, our young people will learn how truly great their country is and how unique and incredible are the freedoms that this nation bestows upon them,” he wrote. “Service is a solemn reminder of the men and women before them who ‘paid the last full measure of devotion.’”
And in a swipe at Washington, Schneider floated the idea of making politicians’ families serve too — arguing it could change how leaders think about sending troops into harm’s way.
“We would have in service every segment of our society represented so that our elected officials would be more hesitant and not cavalier about sending their own sons and daughters off to a faraway war unless it was truly in our nation’s interests,” he said. “This discussion and implementation must begin.”
Meanwhile, the White House has kept the door cracked open on the issue. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently said that while a draft is not currently planned, it hasn’t been taken off the table as the conflict with Iran unfolds.
“President Trump wisely does not remove options off of the table,” she said in a Fox News interview. “It’s not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on the table.”
Any move to reinstate the draft would ultimately require an act of Congress.
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