<P> The projected active duty end strength in the armed forces for fiscal year 2017 was 1,281,900 servicemembers , 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 us troops does the united states have
1,281,900 servicemembers , with an additional 801,200 people in the seven reserve components