Do I have to register for Selective Service?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:14:06 -0400

I'm 17 and newly enlisted in the US Army as of July 13th. In my enlistment process there was a little problem in the fact that I wasn't registered for Selective Service as I was under 18 and couldn't. Now that I'm enlisted I was just wondering if I still had to register on my 18th birthday or if it doesn't matter cause I'm already in.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 14 at 2017 11:27 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:27:21 -0400

This may help shed some light: https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Veterans

Veterans

If you failed to register with Selective Service, Section 12(g) of the Military Selective Service Act allows non-registrants to receive benefits under specific conditions. As a veteran, or part-time National Guard or Reservist, you satisfy those conditions with your DD Form 214 showing the dates of your military service, or a current military ID card if still on active duty or a member of the National Guard and Reserves. These documents serve...

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Aug 14 at 2017 12:17 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:17:49 -0400

I didn't -- and things worked out alright

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 12:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:34:05 -0400

yes I believe we all have to do it.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Aug 14 at 2017 12:46 PM

SSgt Holden M. — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:46:21 -0400

I would register anyway just to be safe. When I had to fill out paperwork for a security clearance they ask if you are over 18 and if you are what your selective service number is. Also if they do end up opening up the draft and you get called up you are already serving so I don't see how they could draft somebody that is already in... Just my two cents.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 7:22 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 19:22:59 -0400

I am 74 years old and still have not registered for the draft. I was on active duty when I turned 18 and still so when I turned 32. I entered retirement at age 60.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 14 at 2017 7:43 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 19:43:49 -0400

I would do it, whether you have to or not, because you're already on active duty. It's just a card that you get from the post office and mail it in. You don't want this to come back and bite you in the butt, if you choose to leave military service and attend college. Like, they're really going to "draft" you!

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 14 at 2017 9:50 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 21:50:05 -0400

I would. I didn't because I enlisted prior to turning 18 and figured I didn't have to, however when I was 21 and a Sergeant still serving on active duty and stationed in Germany I received a call from Mom, the authorities had contacted her and Dad and informed them I had failed to register and listed a novella of polly nasty bad things that were going to occur to me for not doing so.
Even though I was on active duty and a Sergeant they managed to make it sound like I was a draft dodging hippy malcontent or something. So I filled out the required documents sent copies of my enlistment and a notarized letter from my commander stating that I was in fact a Soldier in good standing.. The situation was resolved but it was embarrassing and caused my folks extra worry that was un-needed.
My advice is just do it and avoid any stupid shit down the road.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 14 at 2017 11:18 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 23:18:01 -0400

You will need a Selective service number to apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Aug 15 at 2017 12:54 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:54:19 -0400

Yes, as an 18 year old You are still required to register for Selective service, it not an option it is mandatory the exception being if Your already in the Military service then its a non issue. Some how if You already in uniform or have enlisted i don't think You have anything to worry about.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Sep 21 at 2017 7:55 PM

PO1 Chad Alcock — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:55:37 -0400

I would always register my applicants in the Selective Service when we were filling out enlistment paperwork. I didn't register for the Selective Service for much the same reason, joined 2 weeks after I turned 18. At some point I did end up registered but didn't know it until I had spent 2.5 years in the National Guard, 4 Regular Army, and had been in the Navy a year. Only reason I found out then was they needed my number for my security clearance. You can do a Registration Check at http://www.sss.gov, you may already be registered. If not go ahead and do it, won't hurt anything.

Selective Service System Home

“…To furnish manpower to the Defense Department during a national emergency, to manage alternative service for men classified as conscientious objectors, and to register, with only a few exceptions, all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants residing in the United States who are ages 18 through 25...”