Selective Service System
The Selective Service is a U.S. federal government agency that requires all male U.S. citizens and immigrants between ages 18 and 25 to register their names in a system to ensure operational military readiness. There is currently no draft for the U.S. military and there hasn’t been one in nearly fifty years. If the President and Congress did authorize a draft, the selective service agency would equitably pull names for the Department of Defense. They would also have an Alternative Service Program for those who conscientiously object. As a note, signing up for selective service is not signing up for the U.S. Armed Services and it is not part of the Department of Defense.
With very few exceptions, all immigrant males between ages 18 and 25 are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) within 30 days of arriving in the United States. This includes naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and all males with visas more than 30 days expired. Once you turn 26 or if you arrive after turning 26, you do not need to register. It is important to register because failing to do so can affect your citizenship application.
Registering for Selective Service is an IRC core service and your caseworker will help you register or will register on your behalf.
A few things to remember about Selective Service Registration:
It is required for all men ages 18 and 25.
Your caseworker must help you register.
It does not mean you are signed up for the Armed Service.
There has not been a mandatory draft since the 1970s.