NEW BILL REQUIRES WOMEN TO REGISTER FOR SELECTIVE SERVICE
The Selective Service System is an independent agency of the United States government. Their responsibility is to retain information on potential draftees for the military. Since its inception, only male citizens in the United States 18-25 years old have been required to register. Having said that, the military draft for females may likely become a reality. There have been ongoing conversations over the years about including women in the Selective Service System. The draft has become a topic of conversation in recent months due to the House of Representatives passing an updated version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Learn more about who is required to register.
Why Are Women Being Considered for the Military Draft?
It is no surprise that women are being considered for the military draft. One of the primary reasons is to promote gender equality, specifically in military settings. This push began in 2015 when women were no longer restricted from serving in combat roles in the military.
Those in favor of a female military draft contest that women should have the same duties as men regarding the military draft since they are eligible to serve in any military-related role.
Another important factor in this topic heating up is the glaring decline in United States military recruitment. The goal for military recruits last year was missed by around 41,000 recruits. Adding women to the draft could help mitigate a shortage of military personnel, especially in a state of emergency.
Additionally, advocates believe the current draft system is outdated, as it hasn’t been amended in decades. They think it should be enhanced to reflect the time we are in.
Notable Opponents Against Military Drafts for Females
As with any idea or proposal, there are also arguments against including women in the draft. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri stated, “There shouldn't be women in the draft. They shouldn't be forced to serve if they don't want to." Senator Hawley believes this inclusion could ultimately hurt the military more than it could help it.
Rep. Vicky Hartzler stated, “Women are valuable, precious, appreciated, and — most importantly — already equal. Claiming the inclusion of women in the draft would prove 'equality' is ridiculous.” Rep. Hartlez believes that claiming to promote equality through adding women to the draft is a facade.
What Can Be Done Instead of Including Women in the Draft?
It seems that the main reason for the consideration of females in the military draft is low recruitment numbers as of late. Instead of making this amendment to the military draft requirements, better efforts should be made to extend more competitive benefits that are more desirable. This is especially true because many non-military-related jobs offer a competitive benefits package.
For example, upgrading and diversifying educational programs to better aid military personnel can increase military recruit numbers. Offering other career-specific incentives can also have a positive impact. For example, throwing in a sign-on bonus to recruits who are serving in roles with a high demand or level of difficulty.
Another way to increase military recruitment efforts is to address concerns related to work-life balance. The schedule of military personnel and the inability to live as freely as a regular civilian may be enough to deter recruits in this generation. Allowing military staff to have flexible schedules that aren’t too demanding accommodates their time to handle personal and family issues.
Lastly, it would be smart of the military to leverage this generation’s digital presence and increase targeted marketing efforts. This includes leveraging various social media outlets and other digital mediums to reach and engage with the younger generation.
FAQs About the Draft
Do you have to register for the draft if you identify as a woman?
Currently, those who identify as a woman do not have to register for the military draft.
Does the military draft include females?
Currently, the military draft does not include females.
What disqualifies you from being drafted into the military?
There are a few reasons an individual may be disqualified from being drafted into the military. The most obvious would be anyone who doesn’t meet the criteria of being 18-25 years old and being a citizen or permanent resident.
Additionally, any physical health ailments or irreversible conditions affecting the body, sight, or sound can be a means for exclusion.
Lastly, there may be certain hardships that can exempt individuals, as well working in certain essential industries.
When was the last military draft?
The last draft took place on June 13th, 1973.
The Future is Uncertain for Upcoming Military Drafts for Females
For the time being, women are not required to participate in the military draft. With the debate surrounding this topic going on for years, it has picked up traction more recently. Proponents believe this makes sense with women being permitted to perform in combat roles in the military.
In addition, they believe that including women will highlight equality. Opponents aren’t necessarily impressed by this logic, especially with a low number of recruits as of late.
Instead, they believe the focus should be shifted to improving recruitment efforts and eliminating the need for a draft for anyone, male or female.
Ultimately, this conversation is heating up, and is hard to tell which way the coin will land. Either way, it will be interesting to see how conversations surrounding the military draft will continue to develop.
Sources:
- "Induction Statistics", Accessed July 2024.
- "Instead of a female expansion, America should retire our archaic draft once and for all", Accessed July 2024.
- "Women and the Draft", Accessed July 2024.
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