On May 18, 1917, Congress passed the Selective Service Act, which authorized the Federal Government to temporarily expand the military through conscription . The act eventually required all men between the ages of 21 to 45 to register for military service.
Why was the Selective Service System created?
Selective Service System, independent federal agency in the United States created to administer the military draft nationwide to conscript troops quickly in the event of war .
What was the Selective Service created to do?
To that end, Congress passed the Selective Service Act, which Wilson signed into law on May 18, 1917. The act required all men in the U.S. between the ages of 21 and 30 to register for military service . Within a few months, some 10 million men across the country had registered in response to the military draft.
Is the Selective Service Act still in effect?
While the draft ended after the Vietnam War when the U.S. moved to the current all-volunteer military, the Selective Service System remains in place if needed to maintain national security . The mandatory registration of all male civilians aged 18 to 25 ensures that the draft can quickly be resumed if needed.
Does the draft still exist in 2020?
The Selective Service System is a direct result of the Selective Service Act of 1917. ... Although the draft doesn't exist in 2020 , all men, whether U.S. citizens or immigrants, between the ages of 18 to 26 are required to register with the Selective Service System.
Who is exempt from Selective Service?
You are exempt from Selective Service registration if you can prove you were continuously institutionalized or confined from 30 days before you turned 18 through age 25 . If you were released for any period longer than 30 days during this window, you were required to register with the Selective Service System.
When did they stop Selective Service?
Registration with the Selective Service System was suspended on April 1, 1975 , and registrant processing was suspended on January 27, 1976. Registration was resumed in July 1980 for men born in 1960 and later, and is in effect to this present time.
Who is exempt from being drafted?
The following instances are eligible for exemptions in the event of a military draft: Ministers . Certain elected officials , exempt so long as they continue to hold office. Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft.
Can you refuse Selective Service?
What Happens If You Don't Register for Selective Service. If you are required to register and you don't, you will not be eligible for federal student aid, federal job training, or a federal job. You may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or jail time of up to five years.
Can you go to jail for not signing up for Selective Service?
Repercussions for Failing to Register
If required to register with Selective Service, failure to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment .
Do females have to register for Selective Service?
As of January 2016, there has been no decision to require females to register with Selective Service , or be subject to a future military draft. Selective Service continues to register only men, ages 18 through 25.
When did World War 3 start?
In April–May 1945 , the British Armed Forces developed Operation Unthinkable, thought to be the first scenario of the Third World War. Its primary goal was “to impose upon Russia the will of the United States and the British Empire”.
Can you be drafted if you are the only son?
the “only son”, “the last son to carry the family name,” and ” sole surviving son” must register with Selective Service . These sons can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.
Can a 30 year old be drafted?
Present – The U.S. currently operates under an all-volunteer armed forces policy. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register for the draft and are liable for training and service until the age of 35.
What are reasons to not be drafted?
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- Criminal Records. ...
- Health Problems. ...
- Drugs. ...
- The Usual Reasons.
Can I get a federal job without Selective Service?
Federal law prohibits men aged 26 or over who did not register with the Selective Service from getting a job in the civil service, unless they can prove that they did not knowingly and willfully avoid signing up for the draft. Men under the age of 26 can register with the Selective Service if they haven't done so.
