Throughout history, the United States military has been heavily centered and controlled by men. American males have invariably carried the burden of defending their country at all cost without any excuse. By law they are obligated to register for the Selective Service within one month of their 18th birthday and are required to participate in a national draft if needed. The Selective Service act states “it shall be the duty of every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, who is between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, to present himself for and submit to registration” (Section 453 (a), Military Selective Service Act). On the contrary, women have never held the same obligations or responsibilities …show more content…
Solely in the United States, men have been in charge of entering combat and fighting in live warfare. There was a time however when the United States was in need to increase their recruitment and fortify their federal army. This was in the year 1916 during President Wilson’s tenure and in the early stages of World War I. It was evident that the United States lacked enough manpower to be able to compete and fight against other nations militia. For instance, the United States armed forces were significantly smaller compared to the mobilized armies of the European powers. To resolve this issue, they enacted the National Defense Act of 1916 to help further develop and increase personnel. This act at that time would allow the U.S government to create a powerful national army through the compulsory enlistment of men and increase their staff by thousands. This act would also establish a foundation that would later translate and become their mission statement which affirms “to furnish manpower to the Defense Department during a national emergency, to manage alternative service for men classified as conscientious objectors.” Ever since this act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson both Congress and future presidents have understood that having men register for the Selective service while being ready to engage in a draft is pivotal to the …show more content…
For example, according to the Selective Service System, there are 5 other critical facets that men must pay attention to when enrolling. The first facet includes the law which explains how under the current Military Selective Service Act a man’s only duty is to register immediately after they turn 18. The second facet includes the fairness and equity component which ensures a fair and equitable draft for all men if ever needed. The third reason includes the insurance of the nation which can be achieved through a man’s voluntary participations that would help prevent future unforeseen threats both foreign and domestic. The fourth feature includes civic duty which holds men responsible to register and allows them to comply with the law. This is an important reason because it has allowed more than 90% of eligible men to become officially registered. The last factor consists of a protection of eligibility for future benefits. This means men who successfully register will stay eligible for college loans, financial aid, federal jobs, federal job training, driver’s license, and U.S. citizenship for those who are immigrants. This will ultimately prevent them from paying a $250,00 fine and potentially serving a 5-year sentence in prison. All these requirements are necessary for the sole purpose of maintaining a strong, fair, and consistent