If the term “Selective Service System” doesn’t resonate with you, it could be because you’re a woman, or perhaps you’re raising daughters. However, for American boys and young men, “Selective Service” translates to “the draft,” and yes, they are still required to enlist.
As a woman, I shouldn’t lose sleep over this issue, but I have three sons who are rapidly approaching adulthood. The thought of them being compelled into service is something I’ve spent many restless nights pondering, particularly since both my father and husband chose to serve.
The Selective Service System Explained
Here’s the catch: the topic of Selective Service is hardly ever discussed. Most people are completely unaware of its existence. So, let me break it down for you.
The draft was abolished in January 1973, but seven years later, amid the Cold War, President Jimmy Carter reinstated the requirement for all American males aged 18 to 25 to register for Selective Service. This registration must occur within 30 days of turning 18, ensuring that the government knows where to locate these young men should a draft be necessary again. Failing to register can result in up to five years in prison or a hefty fine of $250,000.
Yes, you read that right: Your son—or even you, for helping him evade this obligation—could face jail time if he neglects to register with the Selective Service within that critical 30-day window. Even if this worst-case scenario doesn’t come to pass, he won’t be eligible for government jobs or financial aid for college unless he’s registered.
Historical Context and Current Implications
If you’re wondering how this law still exists in the United States, it’s worth noting that President Ronald Reagan expressed opposition to Selective Service, famously stating during a 1979 presidential debate that the law implies “your kids belong to the state.”
But here’s the kicker: it’s not your “kids” who belong to the state; it’s only your sons. While women have fought for and gained the right to serve in combat roles within the U.S. military, they are not compelled to register for Selective Service.
I can only imagine the relief felt by government officials that the Selective Service System and its website, www.sss.gov, lack public scrutiny. If they did, people would likely be outraged by the outdated terminology and implications of this system. The website even features phrases like “Registration: It’s What a Man’s Got to Do,” which feels straight out of the 1950s.
The site also avoids addressing the fact that women are not required to register. It does, however, outline its stance on transgender individuals: if you were assigned female at birth and later identified as male, you don’t need to register. On the flip side, if you were born male and transitioned to female, you are still required to register.
Implications for Families
And what about families with only one son, who may face the prospect of being drafted? The SSS has an answer 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.” Read that again: “they can be drafted.”
Don’t fret; your daughters remain safe. They have the choice to serve or not. In fact, even if your son is disabled, he must still register, while healthy daughters are exempt.
Some argue that women shouldn’t be eligible for the draft because their role is to stay home and procreate. Others contend that not every woman aspires to join the military. But couldn’t similar arguments apply to men? Can we truly pick and choose who deserves equal treatment?
A Call for Equality
By chance, I am the mother of three boys. As they transition into adulthood, our government asserts the authority to compel them into service—and potentially sacrifice—for our nation. Meanwhile, friends with daughters can take comfort in the fact that their girls are not subject to the draft, yet they have the option to enlist if they choose.
If we genuinely believe that women can do anything men can, it’s high time we require girls to register as well. Otherwise, the Selective Service System’s draft can never be termed “fair and equitable.”
In summary, the current system disproportionately impacts our sons while allowing our daughters the freedom to decide. It’s a conversation worth having, especially as we consider the implications of equality in our society. For more insights on similar topics, check out this in-depth blog post. If you’re looking for reliable resources for at-home insemination, consider visiting here. Additionally, you might find this guide useful for pregnancy and home insemination.
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