Registration in the United States Selective Service System is a critical element of our national security and defense, it’s important to communities and it is critical to all young men living in the country. Simply put, registration is a law, a civic duty, and assures that men can apply for federal college loans, access federal job training programs and be eligible for all federal and postal jobs, as well as many municipal and contractor positions throughout the country.
Selective Service is a small independent federal agency charged with registering young men for a possible military draft. No one has been drafted since 1975, but President Carter reinstated registration in 1980 after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Since then, men born after 1959 are required to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Doing so ensures a young man remains eligible for benefits tied to the registration requirement.
The agency sends reminder notices informing men of their responsibility and can accept registration up until a man turns 26, at which time the door to many benefits tied to registration closes permanently.
Despite the agency’s efforts to educate men, too many fail to register, which negatively impacts their future. Men 18-25 must register, including immigrants and U.S. citizens living overseas, and can do so online (www.sss.gov) or at their local post office (www.usps.com).
May God bless America.
Jim Mello
Steubenville, Ohio
The writer is a volunteer for the Selective Service System and currently serving as a local board member.