For a lot of the students in Smoky Hill’s senior class of 2023, registering for selective service is something they must do within 30 days of turning 18 years old. Not everyone is aware of how they can go about doing this, though.  If you are a male senior and need to register for selective services, but are confused about how to do it, let this article be a guide for you.

What is the Selective Service System?

The first thing you need to know before you register is what the Selective Service System is and how it works. The Selective Service System (SSS) is a Government Program Founded in 1917 that requires all young men ages 18-25 to register to be drafted into the armed forces in the event of a war. The director of the Selective Service System reports directly to the president, giving them inside information on who has and has not registered for the draft.

In the event of a war, the president and congress will authorize a draft, which then starts to draft men based on their birthdays. If drafted, you are required to go to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where you will undergo a physical, moral, and mental evaluation to see if you are fit to be drafted into the armed forces. After the examination, you will wait until your name and classification is posted on a local message board, which will determine whether you’re exempt from the draft or not.

How do I register?

Generally, there are two ways for a young man to register for selective service. The first is by printing out an informational document, filling it out, and mailing it to the selective service headquarters at a local post office. However, the newer, more popular way is to go to https://www.sss.gov/register and digitally fill out the information needed to register.

The information needed will include your full name, address, zip code, social security number, email, and phone number. However, the SSS website clearly states not to email them your social security number. This means that you either have to fill out the form or call them Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST at 847-688-6888 or 888-655-1825 if you want to talk with them regarding your social security number.

One more thing to note is that people in the past who were aware of these requirements but did not complete them were given five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Nobody likes getting in trouble with the law, so doing this is very important.  I hope that this article has been helpful to everyone who needs to register for selective service and that the registration process is less confusing now.