Pronunciation: [dɹˈaft kˈɑːd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "draft card" can be broken down phonetically as /dræft kɑrd/. The first syllable "dra-" is pronounced with the short "a" sound, followed by the "f" sound and a "t" sound at the end, resulting in "draft". The second syllable "card" has an "a" sound pronounced like "ah", followed by the "r" sound and ending with a "d" sound. When combined, "draft card" is spelled phonetically as /dræft kɑrd/.
A draft card is an identification document issued by government authorities to individuals of a certain age or eligibility group, usually for the purpose of military conscription or draft registration. It serves as proof of one's registration and qualification for military service during times of war or national emergency when a draft may be implemented.
Typically made of durable and tamper-proof materials, a draft card contains important personal information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, address, and other relevant details necessary for military enlistment. It may also include a photograph and a unique identification number for tracking and verification purposes.
The requirement to possess a draft card arises when a nation's government mandates compulsory military service or considers implementing a draft. In such scenarios, eligible individuals must carry their draft cards at all times, as failure to produce the card when requested by authorities can lead to legal penalties. Additionally, draft cards may be used to categorize conscripts based on factors like age, education, health, and other criteria, which can influence their likelihood of being called upon for military duty.
Over the years, the idea and use of draft cards have varied across different countries and historical periods. The prominence of draft cards has gradually diminished in some nations, while others have shifted to alternative methods of identifying potential conscripts, such as digital databases or selective service registration systems.
The word "draft card" originates from the combination of two distinct etymologies.
1. Draft: The word "draft" traces back to Middle English in the late 14th century, derived from the Old French word "draught" meaning "pulling, drawing", which in turn came from the verb "draughtier" meaning "to draw, to pull". Over time, "draft" came to mean "a pulling, drawing force" or "the act of selecting or enlisting individuals for military service".
2. Card: The word "card" has its roots in the late 14th century, borrowed from the Old French word "carde", which originally described a "carding instrument or comb". It later developed the additional meaning of a "piece of thick, stiff paper or thin pasteboard", which eventually expanded to include various identification documents.
