Posted on Jul 15, 2015
Should young women be required to register for the draft?
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"Elizabeth Kyle doesn't consider herself an activist, but she has something she wants to tell the federal government: It's not fair that young men are required to register for the draft, but women are not.
To that end, Kyle and her mother, Allison, of Parsippany, filed a federal lawsuit this month demanding equality. Either have the U.S. Selective Service System require young women to register, or make it voluntary for both sexes, the lawsuit demands.
Elizabeth Kyle, who graduated from high school last month, learned of this disparate treatment when she saw friends who turned 18 were not allowed to proceed on the online registration form when they clicked "female" on the gender identification question.
Under current law, virtually all males 18-25 in the United States must register for the draft, although the draft itself has been mothballed since 1973. Women can enlist, but they cannot register for the draft.
Now that the Pentagon has rolled back most rules excluding women from combat roles, there's no reason young women 18-25 should not be required to register, the Kyles' lawsuit says.
Congress would have to rewrite the law to require women to register for the draft. U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, (D-N.Y.) filed just such a measure in March. The bill was referred to the House Armed Services Committee.
What do you think?
Should women be required to register for the draft?"
To that end, Kyle and her mother, Allison, of Parsippany, filed a federal lawsuit this month demanding equality. Either have the U.S. Selective Service System require young women to register, or make it voluntary for both sexes, the lawsuit demands.
Elizabeth Kyle, who graduated from high school last month, learned of this disparate treatment when she saw friends who turned 18 were not allowed to proceed on the online registration form when they clicked "female" on the gender identification question.
Under current law, virtually all males 18-25 in the United States must register for the draft, although the draft itself has been mothballed since 1973. Women can enlist, but they cannot register for the draft.
Now that the Pentagon has rolled back most rules excluding women from combat roles, there's no reason young women 18-25 should not be required to register, the Kyles' lawsuit says.
Congress would have to rewrite the law to require women to register for the draft. U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, (D-N.Y.) filed just such a measure in March. The bill was referred to the House Armed Services Committee.
What do you think?
Should women be required to register for the draft?"
Equality
Gender
Women in the Military
Posted >1 y ago
This is a duplicate discussion. Click below to see more on this topic.
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?
Responses: 27
SGT William Howell
What a great story.
I think all should have to register and I'll go one step further. All Americans should have to do National Service, whether that is the military, national parks, teaching English in Alabama or working in a nursing home for 18-24 months.
SSG Izzy Abbass
dunno what ya'll yapping about (trying to sound southern but being from Colorado, accents from areas under 5,000 feet in elevation are a bit tough. Yodeling anyone??
LTC James Bozeman
I completely agree that we need some type of compulsory service to help America. This would have the benefit of teaching skills, patriotism, and giving people a broader perspective while helping Americans around the country.
SGT Mary G.
Absolutely. All should register and there should be mandatory national service after graduation (or after age 16 for those who quit school like too many in some states) with at least two years of education provided (mandatory) after service (vocational, college, or apprenticeship).
Maybe instead of ONLY registering everyone should go through basic training and AIT then be in the reserve (like IRR type reserve) unless or until needed. It works for Switzerland. All the men are trained and in the reserve (all the men and women here could be). Switzerland is prepared . . . and Switzerland stays neutral while remaining prepared.
The opportunities for everyone to serve our nation, to have job training, and to pursue an education, . . . . should all make a good difference in reducing the crime rate and over-crowded prisons while leading to a citizenry that takes pride of ownership in our nation and lives accountably in ways that make a good difference for us all.
Maybe instead of ONLY registering everyone should go through basic training and AIT then be in the reserve (like IRR type reserve) unless or until needed. It works for Switzerland. All the men are trained and in the reserve (all the men and women here could be). Switzerland is prepared . . . and Switzerland stays neutral while remaining prepared.
The opportunities for everyone to serve our nation, to have job training, and to pursue an education, . . . . should all make a good difference in reducing the crime rate and over-crowded prisons while leading to a citizenry that takes pride of ownership in our nation and lives accountably in ways that make a good difference for us all.
SPC Sheila Lewis
yes National Service, but not necessarily the Military, because some just aren't cut uot for the Military.
WO1 (Join to see) I have three (3) daughters just in case anybody didn't like my answer and I think when they turned (18) two already and one is at (17) they should and would have to register for the draft. Women play a very important role in almost all of our services and most of the specialties; and soon they will be getting more involved in the combat arms throughout the military. Absolutely yes. This ensures that we can flex up to large numbers if "God forbid" we every needed to. I think women in most cases would welcome that change. TSgt Hunter Logan what are your thoughts? Am I on of off? Please answer that in the context that I provided also LOL!
SGT William Howell
I have 3 daughters and I have told all of them that they will do some type of National Service if they want me to help with college. I want my daughters to understand that service to our country makes use stronger as individuals and as a nation.
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