<P> The projected active duty end strength in the armed forces for FY 2017 was 1,281,900 people , with an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components . It is an all - volunteer military , but conscription through the Selective Service System can be enacted at the President 's request and Congress ' approval . All males ages 18 through 25 who are living in the United States are required to register with the Selective Service for a potential future draft . </P>
<P> The projected active duty end strength in the armed forces for FY 2017 was 1,281,900 people , with an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components . It is an all - volunteer military , but conscription through the Selective Service System can be enacted at the President 's request and Congress ' approval . All males ages 18 through 25 who are living in the United States are required to register with the Selective Service for a potential future draft . </P>
how many service members are there in the us military
how many service members are there in the us military
1,281,900 an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components
1,281,900 an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components