n [ sing ] ( AmE )
the US government’s Selective Service system, in which young people were required by law to serve in the armed forces. It was replaced in 1973 by a system in which people may join the forces only if they wish to. However, young men must still add their names to the draft list when they are 18, in case of a future military emergency. People who tried to avoid the draft, especially during the Vietnam War , were known as draft dodgers . ➡ note at national service .