Posted on Nov 10, 2013
Should women of military age now be required to register for the Selective Service Program (Draft)?
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With the fight for equality in the military and the recent decision by the Army to open combat arms MOS's to women in the Army, being so much in the news and discussion, do you think that women of the required Selective Service age group should be made to register as their male counterparts are?
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Military service
Women in the Military
Military service Women in the Military
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 87
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I believe that it wouldn't harm anyone to do a year or two in the military, male or female. I don't think that the selective service should still be in place, but apparently, the Govt has a view that in time, there will be fewer of "US" who are willing to serve, and more of "THEM" who demand services, rather than doing the serving... shrugging shoulders here...
By all means, if the selective service registration is in place, women should be registering as well.
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This is a great question, something that we were pondering ourselves at the Institute. One of the other questions that came up was what really is the need for Selective Service at all anymore, especially in light of the heavy marketing of the "voluntary" military force? Selective Service requirements and an All Volunteer Force (AVF) are not compatible subjects, as they are theoretically in conflict with one another. Behind the scenes, qualitative research from the 1960's and 1970's clearly defines the AVF movement as a way to curb further dissidence against the military and to avoid protests based on a conscripted military force, yet we kept Selective Service. The AVF concept was quite scary for the military and the feds, and it was protested internally, but was something that came about due to public pressure. And yes, how will this affect female military members? Good discussion.
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TSgt Scott Hurley
The thing about the Selective Service, was the fact that it also helped in getting jobs. Primarily Federal Jobs. That was one reason the system remained in place. Now as to the question if Women should sign up for it. I do not know. On one hand its a good idea. On the other its a bad idea. To many variables
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CSM Jennifer Dehorty
Yes. It will bring equal rights to truly equal. Not all women are suited for the military just as not all men are, but let's decide that at enlistment, not at birth.
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This is just me personally but I am tired of seeing this very question. The reason is because it's a dead question. We have an all volunteer force and have had an all volunteer force for longer than most people serving can even remember. For the draft to even matter there would have to be a World War III type situation to occur and I personally don't see that happening in my lifetime.
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SFC Karen Lassiter
Thank you for being honest but I disagree with you especially with all that's going on in the world. I'm asking because it is now in effect prior to previous talks about making it the rule. I think it became the rule the first of the year. Therefore with it being the rule is feel women should be held to the same standards as the men.
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MSG(P) (Join to see)
Making women register for the draft does nothing for our force as a whole. Even with all that is going on in the world, at is always has, the draft is a last option. Our nation would have to be on its last leg to make citizens its citizens fight for their country.
I personally believe that we have enough people in this country who would volunteer to fight for their freedoms. So we would never have to activate the draft again, for males or females. Our past two conflicts has proven that.
I personally believe that we have enough people in this country who would volunteer to fight for their freedoms. So we would never have to activate the draft again, for males or females. Our past two conflicts has proven that.
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Absolutely. If women expect equal treatment for full MOS/AFSC consideration, women should also expect to comply with the same requirements as men.
That being said, the program is completely archaic, particularly during an era of military downsizing. If a man is offered a Federal civilian position, he is still required to show proof of registraion in the program before he can officially be hired. It's pretty ridiculous, and totally out of date.
That being said, the program is completely archaic, particularly during an era of military downsizing. If a man is offered a Federal civilian position, he is still required to show proof of registraion in the program before he can officially be hired. It's pretty ridiculous, and totally out of date.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree that the program is completely outdated Ma'am, but, until the politicians repeal the law, what can we do but comply and register? If I were to be 100% straight forward, my opinion has been that females should be required to register. The program isn't ran as it once was or as it was intended anyway. With registration should come physicals and the like to "classify" persons into suitable for service or not at the time of registration so that the government knew roughly ( barring accidents or medical conditions that would change a classification) how many "call-ups" they could count on in a time of extreme duress during a wartime situation. That's why it is called the SELECTIVE Service Program. Still, it should go away, or at the very least have the language of the law changed to stipulate that registration would only be required during a time of extreme global conflict which the "normal" increase in enlistments during a wartime situation would not be adequate to fulfill the needs of the DoD or simply during any time period that congress has officially declared war on a readily identifiable enemy not some invisible "war on terrorism" type thing.
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Glad to see this question out here. I was just getting ready to ask the same thing... Whats funny about equal rights is that people don't truly want to be treated equally. They always want to have an advantage over the rest of the populace in some form or fashion. If it's equality someone wants, then they should get the whole shabang. If they continue enforcing selective service registration then YES, females should have to do it too. If they are being given combat arms MOS's, then why not? I see no reason why they shouldn't have to register. The fight is everywhere, females say they are equal, they can do what we do, well how hard is it to fill out a form and submit it. By all means, accept your equality. <br>
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SSG(P) Chris T.
I think it should be a requirement across the board. The bad part is, since it isn't being used anymore (nor do I think it ever will be) it is kind of pointless. I agree with Rachel about not forcing people into the service. It is an all volunteer force now and there are that select few that do not want to conform. Imagine how it would be if they were made to join. Just a thought...
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SSG (Join to see)
I've always thought we should have mandatory service. Look at how the other countries who enforce it are. Germany and Korea for example. Look at their crime rates, look at how much more respectful their people are in general and then look at how fuc*** up our country is. We, as Soldiers, understand how it is to live this life. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone understood? But more importantly than all of that, if those who cry about inequality want equality then enforce their registration. If not, get rid of it. Equal rights mean equal rights, not "just what I want".
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I don't think the Selective Service is really needed anymore, with this being an all volunteer military now a days. I am just not big into people being forced/mandated into military service. From my experience most who volunteered want to be here.
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I believe Selective Service Registration is no longer required, but if it continues to be used, I agree with having women register as well.
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SGM (Join to see)
Absolutely!! Now that females have the opportunity to volunteer to join the Infantry, the next step in gender equality should be to allow them the opportunity to be forced to serve. Just like their male counterparts.
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