The Selective Service

Benefits & Downsides

Due to the help provided to the government, young men who register can expect to see countless benefits as a bonus, as well as some downsides that come with enlistment. As stated by the Selective Service System, “By registering, a young man stays eligible for jobs, college loans and grants, job training, driver’s license in most states, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men…men who fail to register with Selective Service may be ineligible for opportunities that may be important to their future.” Seeing how many more opportunities are presented by registering for the military, it is evident why people do not think twice when signing up. In most cases, they will not need to go to war and risk their lives, so most young males commit. While there are many positives regarding registration for the draft, there are also a few negatives. The Selective Service System voices, “In addition to potential criminal penalties, failure to register may make a man permanently ineligible for the benefits listed above.” The urgency and necessity to register can negatively affect families, as it develops a sense of fear for what will happen if one does not sign up for the draft. This fear is magnified by the potential effects of being drafted; Oxford Academic remarks that several Vietnam veterans experience many negative long-term effects. This includes but is not limited to chronic illnesses, respiratory issues, and most importantly, mental health consequences like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). War’s effect on retired soldiers changes the rest of their lives, and many do not consider this when entering possible enlistment. Both sides of the argument, enrolling or not, are supported by each of their own pros and cons.

How to Register

No matter the pros and cons of signing up with the Selective Service, most 18-year-olds must register, and some may wonder how to do it. As stated by USA.gov, “There are consequences if you fail to register with Selective Service. It is a federal felony, punishable by fines or a prison sentence. And you may not be eligible for federal jobs, citizenship, or state-funded student financial aid.” Seeing that it is a crime not to register, many will want to sign up but do not know the steps to take; the process itself is quite streamlined. The first, most common, registration method is simply completing an online application directly on the Selective Service System’s website. One must gather certain information: A full name, home address, and social security number are all required. The order proceeds as follows; a person needs to provide their sex, first & middle name, last name, suffix (if existing), street or PO box or RFD, city, state, zip code, social security number, date of birth, email address, phone number, and the reason for how they learned about the registration. The other option, which is not as customary, is to print out a form and physically mail it. It is most convenient for people who have trouble registering online or people who do not have a social security number. However, there are a few cases when people may be exempt from conscription. The regulations are quite strict; if a man is hospitalized or is in a similar situation, he must not be able to have breaks from institutionalization for over 30 days. Otherwise, he will be required to register with the Selective Service. 

Summary

 All in all, understanding the Selective Service System is crucial for young men in the United States. Through benefits and limitations, steps for registration, and learning the history behind the system, these youthful adults are enabled to make decisions about signing up; it promotes civic engagement by giving individuals a more informed perspective regarding the military draft. In turn, the system can produce a sense of involvement and responsibility for the nation’s male citizens and a healthier, overall relationship between the people and the government. Ultimately, both average taxpayers and the nation’s well-being can benefit as a result of the Selective Service System. 

References

“Why Is Selective Service Important?” Selective Service System, www.sss.gov/register/why-is-selective-service-important/. ‌ 

“Benefits & Penalties.” Selective Service System, www.sss.gov/register/benefits-and-penalties/. ‌ 

Brooks, Matthew S., et al. “Long-Term Effects of Military Service on Mental Health among Veterans of the Vietnam War Era.” Military Medicine, vol. 173, no. 6, June 2008, pp. 570–575, https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed.173.6.570. ‌ 

“Register for Selective Service (the Draft) | USAGov.” Www.usa.gov, www.usa.gov/register-selective-service#:~:text=There%20are%20consequences%20if%20you. ‌ 

“Register.” Selective Service System, www.sss.gov/register/#section1. 

“Printable Forms.” Selective Service System, www.sss.gov/forms/. 

Balkansky, Arlene. “The Draft in World War I: America “Volunteered Its Mass” | Headlines and Heroes.” Blogs.loc.gov, 19 June 2018, blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2018/06/wwi-draft/#:~:text=The%20reason%20for%20the%20Selective. ‌