If the term “Selective Service System” doesn’t resonate with you, it may be due to your gender. For those raising sons, however, “Selective Service” translates to “the draft,” and yes, young men are still required to register.
As a woman, the draft shouldn’t be a source of anxiety for me. However, I have three sons who will turn 18 before I know it, and the lack of choice they face in this matter is something that weighs heavily on my mind, despite both my father and husband having served.
Understanding Selective Service
Here’s the reality: Selective Service is rarely mentioned in conversation. Many individuals are unaware of its existence. Let me clarify:
The draft was abolished in January 1973, but in 1980, amidst the Cold War, President Jimmy Carter mandated that all American males aged 18 to 25 register for the Selective Service. This requirement is enforced within 30 days of a boy’s 18th birthday, ensuring the government can locate him if a draft is ever reinstated. The consequences for failing to register can be as severe as five years in prison or a fine of up to $250,000.
Indeed, your son—and potentially you for assisting him—could face incarceration for not registering within that crucial 30-day period. Additionally, he would be ineligible for federal employment or financial aid for college without this registration.
Public Perception and Opposition
If you’re feeling bewildered about the laws in this country, you’re not alone. Former President Ronald Reagan openly opposed Selective Service, stating during a 1979 debate that the registration requirement implies “your kids belong to the state,” a notion reminiscent of oppressive regimes.
However, this obligation to register applies solely to boys. While women have successfully fought for the right to serve in combat roles within the U.S. military, they are not obligated to register with the Selective Service.
Government’s Stance on Registration
One can only imagine that our government is relieved that the Selective Service System and its website, www.sss.gov, attract minimal scrutiny. If they did, the public would likely be outraged by the outdated language and implications. For instance, the website asserts: “Registration: It’s What a Man’s Got to Do.”
Moreover, the site skirts the issue of women’s registration, clarifying its position on transgender individuals: those assigned female at birth who later transition to male are exempt from registering, while those assigned male must register if they transition to female.
Unique Circumstances
What if you have only one son to carry on your family name? The Selective Service has a response for that too: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘only sons,’ ‘the last son to carry the family name,’ and ‘sole surviving sons’ must still register and can be drafted.”
Yes, they can be drafted. But rest assured, your daughters are still safe. They have the choice to serve or not. Even if your son has a disability, such as being wheelchair-bound, he is still required to register, while capable daughters are not.
Questions of Equality
You may wonder how such a law persists in the United States. The website claims that registering all eligible men guarantees a “fair and equitable draft” should it ever become necessary. However, with women allowed to serve in all military capacities, shouldn’t they also be required to register?
Some argue that women must remain safe at home to bear children, while others insist not all women wish to join the military. Yet, similar arguments could be made for men. Is it justifiable to selectively enforce equality in this manner?
As a mother of boys, I find it disconcerting that the government reserves the right to compel my sons into service—and potentially put their lives at risk—while friends with daughters can take comfort in the fact that their children are exempt from this burden.
If we truly believe in gender equality and women’s capabilities, it’s time to consider requiring girls to register as well. Otherwise, the Selective Service’s draft cannot truly be considered fair or equitable.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the Selective Service System continues to impose registration solely on men, raising questions about gender equality and fairness. As society evolves, it’s imperative to reconsider these regulations to reflect a more equitable approach to military service.