If the term Selective Service System doesn’t resonate with you, it might be because you’re a woman or perhaps you have only daughters. For American males, however, “Selective Service” translates to “the draft,” and yes, they still need to register.
As a woman myself, the draft shouldn’t cause me sleepless nights. Yet, I have three sons approaching adulthood all too quickly, and the loss of their choice in this matter weighs heavily on my mind, especially considering both my father and husband served in the military.
The surprising truth is that few people discuss Selective Service—many aren’t even aware it exists. Allow me to shed some light on it. The draft officially ended in January 1973, but in 1980, amidst Cold War tensions, President Jimmy Carter reinstated the requirement for all American men aged 18 to 25 to register. They must do this within 30 days of turning 18, or face penalties that could include up to five years in prison or a hefty fine of $250,000.
Yes, you read that right: your son—and potentially even you for helping him—could end up in jail if he fails to register promptly. Moreover, if he doesn’t comply, he can’t apply for government jobs or receive financial aid for college.
If you’re feeling bewildered by the existence of such a law in the U.S., you’re not alone. President Ronald Reagan himself was against Selective Service, famously stating during a 1979 debate that the law implied “your kids belong to the state.” This notion, he argued, was reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not your daughters who are considered the state’s responsibility; it’s just your sons. Despite women earning the right to serve in all military roles, they are exempt from registering with Selective Service.
I can’t help but imagine government officials breathing a sigh of relief that the Selective Service System and its website, www.sss.gov, remain largely unnoticed. If it received more attention, many would likely be disturbed by the outdated language used. For instance, the website proclaims, “Registration: It’s What a Man’s Got to Do.”
The site also navigates around the topic of women and registration, clarifying its stance on transgender individuals: those assigned female at birth who transition to male do not need to register, while those assigned male at birth who transition to female must register.
What if you have just one son, the last heir to your family name? Not to worry, the SSS has you covered: “Only sons,” “sole surviving sons,” and “the last son to carry the family name” are still required to register and can be drafted. Yes, they can be drafted.
But don’t fret—your daughters are still safe. They have the choice to serve if they wish. Even if your son has a disability, he must register. But healthy daughters are not compelled to do so.
Some argue that women should not be eligible for the draft because society needs them to remain safe at home for procreation. Others claim not every woman desires military service. Yet, couldn’t those same arguments apply to men? Is it fair to selectively choose who qualifies for equality?
By chance, I have three boys. As they transition into adulthood, our government asserts its right to draft them into service—perhaps even into dangerous situations. Meanwhile, my friends with daughters can rest easy knowing their girls aren’t subject to the draft, while still having the opportunity to serve if they choose.
If we truly believe women can do anything men can, isn’t it time for girls to register too? If we shy away from including women, then it’s clear that the Selective Service’s draft will never be “fair and equitable.”
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Summary
The Selective Service System mandates that American males must register for the draft upon turning 18, while women are exempt. This raises questions about equality and fairness, especially as women now serve in all military roles. If we advocate for gender equality, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the draft’s regulations to include women as well.