Palantir Technologies, a defense and data analytics company valued at $350 billion, is pushing for universal national service in a recent manifesto. This call comes as the Selective Service System prepares to implement automatic registration for all eligible men ages 18 to 26, marking the most significant change since self-registration began in 1980.
The Proposal
In a 22-point manifesto published on its X account, Palantir cofounder and CEO Alex Karp expressed the need for a departure from an all-volunteer force. 'National service should be a universal duty. We should, as a society, seriously consider moving away from an all-volunteer force and only fight the next war if everyone shares in the risk and the cost,' the post read.
Historical Context
The U.S. last implemented the draft during the Vietnam War, with the final draft call issued on December 7, 1972. The Selective Service System, established in 1980, maintains a list of eligible names in case the draft is ever revived. The National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Donald Trump, includes a provision to shift Selective Service from voluntary to automatic registration, effective December 18, 2026.
'National service should be a universal duty.'—Palantir Technologies
Palantir's Role
Palantir holds a $10 billion contract with the U.S. Army to improve software and data analytics. The company’s platforms also power Project Maven, the Pentagon’s AI-driven targeting and surveillance program. Despite reporting $1.5 billion in U.S. income in 2025, Palantir paid zero in federal income taxes, utilizing a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that allows for the deduction of research expenses.
Palantir has not responded to requests for comment.