the event of a return to conscription, the Selective Service
System would expand significantly. Its Reserve Forces Officers
would be called to active duty to establish State Headquarters
and Area Offices at predetermined locations, and at the same
time approximately 2,000 Local and Appeal Boards would be
activated throughout the nation, staffed by 11,000 volunteers.
Computer links between all Agency locations would be activated.
Current planning is based on the Department of Defense requirement
which requires the first inductees about six months after
notification. Selective Service is also capable of providing
inductees with special skills, such as health care personnel,
after authorizing legislation is passed by Congress and a
draft is ordered by the President.
early step in the resumption of the inductions process would
be to hold a lottery, sequencing dates of birth by random
drawing, to determine the order in which registrants of prime
draft age would be called for processing for induction. For
a conventional draft of "untrained" manpower, a
man is in the first priority group for a possible draft during
the calendar year of his 20th birthday. Beginning January
1 of the year he turns 21 he would drop into the second priority
category, and men born the year after he was born would move
into the first priority group. Each succeeding year, a draft
eligible man drops into the next lower priority group until
he has reached his 26th birthday, at which time he is over
the age of liability for the draft.
facing possible induction would first be ordered to report
for examination to establish their acceptability for military
service. Those found acceptable will have the opportunity
to file a claim for postponement, deferment, or exemption
from military service prior to receiving an induction order.
The Agency would also administer an Alternative Service Program
for men classified as conscientious objectors who are required
to perform such service in lieu of serving in the military.
plans are frequently tested, evaluated, and revised as necessary.
If implemented, they will guide the Selective Service System
in making a smooth transition from current reduced readiness
levels to full conscription within six months.