What is the Selective Service System Act?

A draft is the mandatory enrollment of individuals into the armed forces. But an act of Congress could still reinstate the draft in case of a national emergency. The Selective Service System is the agency that registers men and is responsible for running a draft.

What did the Selective Service Act allow for?

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.

What happens if you do not register with Selective Service?

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. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the registration requirement is subject to the same penalties.

Can you decline Selective Service?

On paper, it’s a crime to “knowingly fail or neglect or refuse” to register for the draft. The penalty is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Last year, Selective Service referred 112,051 names and addresses of suspected violators to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.

What is the oldest age you can 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 happens after you register with the Selective Service?

What Happens After You Register with Selective Service Other than receiving your proof of registration, nothing happens unless there’s a situation requiring a draft. If Congress and the president authorize a draft: The Selective Service System will start calling registered men age 18-25 for duty.

Who is exempt from the Selective Service System?

Hospitalized or Incarcerated Men 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.

What was the purpose of the Selective Service?

Selective Service Mission. To register men and maintain a system that, when authorized by the President and Congress, rapidly provides personnel in a fair and equitable manner while managing an alternative service program for conscientious objectors. Volunteer.

How old do you have to be to be called for Selective Service?

The Selective Service System will start calling registered men age 18-25 for duty. The men will be called in a sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. The men will be examined for mental, physical, and moral fitness for military service.