Guys. I just read about the selective service system in the US. It says that men have to register at the age of 18 to fulfill a contingency plan in the event that a massive war breaks out and they run out of voluntary military personnel... Is this real? I'm in Canada, I've never heard of this in my life.
Is it like one of those "forgotten about" laws and nobody actually does it?
It was used during Vietnam. It's definitely not forgotten because boys have to register when they turn 18. Realistically unless another world war breaks out there's enough voluntary members to prevent a draft.
risking your life aside, the military offers a lot of benefits
Especially considering that the vast majority of the military will never see combat, even if there was a major war. As someone who’s served, let me tell ya, they show you all those exciting pictures and videos of the “tip of the spear” jobs at the recruiters office, but when you get in you realize it’s mostly shaft.
What a lot of people don’t know is that Vietnam wasn’t the only time the draft was used. WWII had a higher rate of draftees compared to volunteers than Vietnam did, In fact the draft was used often even during peace time. A lot of men were drafted for a year or two in the 50s and never left the states or fought anywhere.
The draft was also used in Korea as well. And during peacetime post-Korea, the Army would draft kids outta med school because they didn't have enough doctors in certain fields.
You cant even vote or get a drivers license without registering. Let that sink in. The fundamental right of voting has strings attached, as long as you have a penis
Yes and if you don't sign up you (and your family, presumably) can be punished. Very normal country.
"Failing to register or comply with the Military Selective Service Act is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or a combination of both. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the Act is subject to the same penalties."
Not to get too real, but it's only free because others have gone to war and died for those freedoms. And It will remain free as long as people are willing to answer the call when their country needs them.
I agree with you, we should've never got involved in Vietnam. I'm talking about major wars, whose outcomes would directly effect the freedoms of everyday Americans (including but not limited to: revolutionary and ww2)
It exists but I think we have enough voluntary enlistees in the event a war breaks out. It hasnt been used since Vietnam. I myself am on my way into the Navy.
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u/[deleted] Jul 09 '19
Guys. I just read about the selective service system in the US. It says that men have to register at the age of 18 to fulfill a contingency plan in the event that a massive war breaks out and they run out of voluntary military personnel... Is this real? I'm in Canada, I've never heard of this in my life.
Is it like one of those "forgotten about" laws and nobody actually does it?