Military service is one of the noblest things a person can do, and it’s an important part of our country’s history. In order to maintain a strong military, the united states government requires all males aged 18-25 to register for the Selective Service.
The Selective Service System (SSS) is a United States federal agency that manages the draft registration for the U.S. military. All male U.S. citizens and male permanent resident aliens, ages 18 through 25, are required to register with the SSS. In the event of a national emergency, the President of the United States can order males between the ages of 18 and 45 to report for duty.
Want to learn more about the Selective Service System and the job roles of army men? Just visit the US army Basic and read the article.
What Is The Selective Service System?
The Selective Service System is a little-known but highly relevant government agency. Every man between the ages of 18-26 must register with the service, and those who don’t may face penalties such as losing federal benefits or federal student aid/loans! Although there are some changes in how you have to serve in case of emergency like during the Vietnam War or how to act during calamity like covid 19 and what are the rules of that very time. However, it still remains an important part of our country’s defense because any able-bodied person needs to be registered if called upon by President Obama when needed most.
What is the Selective Service Repeal Act
The Selective Service Repeal Act was a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives during the 115th United States Congress. The bill repealed the Military Selective Service Act, which required men to register for the draft. The bill was never passed into law.
The Selective Service Repeal Act was first introduced in January of 2017. The bill was sponsored by Representative Jackie Speier, who is a Democrat from California. If the bill had been passed into law, it would have repealed the Military Selective Service Act. This act required all men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five to register for the draft.
Although the bill had bi-partisan support, it never made it out of committee and was never brought up for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill is now considered dead. However, given the current political climate, it’s possible that legislation like this could be reintroduced in the future.
Who Is Required To Register
In general, all males currently in the United States, which includes both citizens and immigrants, are required to register for Selective Service once they turn 18 years old. However lets us provide you with a clear description of the selective service registration requirement and eligibility,
- US-born citizens: All male US citizens are required to register for the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday.
- Naturalized citizens: Naturalized citizens are people who have become United States citizens through the process of naturalization. This typically happens after they have been granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States. All male citizens who naturalize after age 26 must register with the Selective Service.
- Permanent residents: All male permanent residents (green card holders) are required to register for the Selective Service once they turn 18 years old.
- Undocumented and documented immigrants: An undocumented immigrant is someone who has entered the United States illegally, while a documented immigrant has been granted legal status in the country. Both groups are required to register for Selective Service, though it’s important to note that the process and requirements are not the same for everyone.
- Parolees, asylees, and refugees: Parolees are people who have been released from prison before the end of their sentence, usually on the condition that they will obey certain laws or conditions. Asylees and refugees are people who have fled their home country because they are persecuted or fear persecution. All male parolees, asylees, and refugees are required to register for the Selective Service once they turn 18 years old.
- Any male with a US immigrant visa: All male immigrants who have a US immigrant visa are required to register for the Selective Service once they turn 18 years old.
Which Males Are Exempt From Registering?
Here are the categories of males who are exempt from registering:
Non-citizens Who Are First-Timers To The US
If you are not a US citizen but this is your first time in the country, you are not required to register.
Non-citizen With A Valid Non-Immigrant Visa
If you have a valid non-immigrant visa, such as a student visa, you are not required to register. Non-immigrant means that your intention is to return to your home country once your visa expires.
Children Of Diplomats
If your parent is a diplomat, you are not required to register. This exemption only applies if your parent has diplomatic immunity.
Veterans
If you have served in the military, you are not required to register. Secondly, If you have been honorably discharged from the military and have a service-related disability, you are not required to register.
Males Born Prior To 1960
If you were born before January 1, 1960, you are not required to register. The age will range depending on when the national emergency is declared.
Males With A Serious Medical Condition
If you have a medical condition that would make military service impossible, you are not required to register. You will need to provide a letter from your doctor explaining your condition.
What It Means To Register With The Selective Service
When you turn 18, you are required to register with the Selective Service. This can be done online, or by filling out a paper form and mailing it in. When you register, you will provide the SSS with your basic information, including your contact details and your addresses. You will also need to provide your social security number and date of birth.
It is important to keep your registration up-to-date, especially if you move or change your contact information. If you do not register or update your information, you may face penalties such as a loss of federal benefits or student loans. It is also important to remember that the Selective Service can draft you into military service in the event of a national emergency.
What would happen if there was a national emergency and the President needed to draft soldiers? The Selective Service System would use the list of registered men to draft soldiers. This process is known as conscription, and it is how the military maintains a pool of soldiers who are ready to serve in times of need. The last time the United States drafted soldiers was during the Vietnam War, but the system is still in place if it is needed.
What happens if I don’t register to the selective system
If you are required to register and you do not, you may be penalized. The penalties for not registering are:
- A loss of eligibility for student loans: You will not be able to get federal student loans if you do not register with the Selective Service.
- A loss of eligibility for federal job training: You will not be able to participate in certain federal job training programs.
- Ineligibility for citizenship: If you are not a US citizen, you may be ineligible for citizenship if you do
- Ineligibility for security clearance: You may not be able to get a security clearance for certain jobs.
- Ineligibility for U.S. citizenship: You will not be able to become a U.S. citizen if you do not register.
- Penalties under the Military Selective Service Act: You may be fined up to $250,000 and imprisoned for up to five years.
- Possible civil suit: The government may sue you to collect the fine.
How to register to a selective system
There are three ways that you can register with the Selective Service:
Online
You can register online at www.sss.gov. The steps are,
- Click on the “Register Now” button.
- Enter your information into the registration form.
- Submit the form.
By Mail
You can get a registration form from your local post office or library, or you can request one by calling 1-888-655-1825. Once you have the form, you will need to fill it out and mail it to the Selective Service given address on the website www.sss.gov.
In Person
You can visit your local post office or library and ask for a registration form. You will need to fill out the form and either mail it in or take it to your local Selective Service office. Steps are,
- Visit your local post office or library.
- Ask for a registration form.
- Fill out the form and either mail it in or take it to your local Selective Service office.
It is important to keep your registration up-to-date, especially if you move or change your contact information. If you do not register or update your information, you may face penalties. Update your information with the Selective Service Online. Steps are,
Click on “Update Registration” from within the login screen or window; enter any missing personal details such as name(s), address change if needed (that will be asked for when submitting the request), birthdate now updated with yesterday’s date instead – making sure both fields have been filled out correctly before hitting submit button so there won’t be an error.
Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a message that says, “Your registration has been updated.” You can also print out the confirmation page for your records.
Things To Know About The Selective Service System
Here is what you should know about the current Selective Service registration process draft and selective service law against the reiteration and non registration:
Registration Does Not Automatically Mean You Will Be Drafted
Just because you are registered with the Selective Service System does not mean that you will automatically be drafted into military service. The draft has not been used since the Vietnam War, and it is unlikely that it will be used in the future.
Women Are Not Required To Register
The Selective Service System only applies to men. Women are not required to register, and they cannot be drafted into military service.
The main reason women are not required to register with the Selective Service is that they are not eligible for combat roles in the U.S. military. The Pentagon has said that its policy on women in combat is based on “the reality of the threats we face, the demands of our military operations, and the capabilities of our soldiers.”
A Conscientious Objector Must Still Register
Even if you are a conscientious objector, you are still required to register with the Selective Service System. A conscientious objector is someone who objects to serving in the military on religious or moral grounds. If you are a conscientious objector, you will be given the opportunity to explain your objection when you are drafted.
There Are Penalties For Failing To Register
If you are required to register with the Selective Service System and you do not, you may face penalties such as a loss of federal benefits or student loans. You may also be fined or imprisoned.
Final Thoughts
That’s a lot of questions, and we can help you answer all of them. In fact, Selective Service is so important that we have an entire website devoted to it. Check out the US army basic for more information about the Selective Service System and the pay scales in the military, how to register, what exemptions are available, and more. And remember, registering with Selective Service doesn’t mean you have to serve in the military – it just means you’re eligible if needed.
Being a part of the armed forces that serves your country in a time of need should be one of the prestigious moments of your life. So be a part of it and make yourself, your family, and your country proud. Thanks for reading and stay safe!