In today’s post, I want to open a debate about whether or not women should have to register for the Selective Service, just like men do. I don’t expect you to agree with everything I say, but I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. After you read the post, feel free to leave a comment below. Just keep it clean and don’t use vulgar or profanity in your comment(s).
The Selective Service was formed on May 8, 1917. It is an independent agency designed to maintain information on people (males) who are potentially eligible to serve in the military. Under the current law, all male U.S. citizens are required to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. In addition, non-U.S.-citizen males between the ages of 18 and 25 (inclusive) living in the United States must register. This includes permanent residents (Green Card), refugees, asylees, and illegal immigrants (source).
Under the current law, women are NOT required to register for the Selective Service.
I’ve always believed that all women should have to register for the Selective Service, just like men do. There are many competent women filling the ranks within the U.S. Army and other military branches. These women perform well during peace time and in combat. They lead troops, get the mission done and serve their country with pride. These women are equal to their male peers and have an important role in the military.
Since I’m a big believer in equal rights, I’ve always wondered why men have to register for the Selective Service when they turn 18, but women do not. After all, if women want equal rights, shouldn’t they have to do the same things men are required to do? Shouldn’t there simply be one standard across the board? Wouldn’t that be the easiest and fairest way to promote equal rights?
In today’s world, we have women pilots, women serving in combat arms, and are even allowing women to attend Ranger School. These women do a GREAT job and are more than capable.
But why have the double standard? How is that fair? Why allow women to do everything that men can do in the military, but make them exempt from the same standards that men have to follow (i.e. the Selective Service)? Just speaking from my own view, I don’t see how that is equal. Do you?
In fact, I can’t think of any reason why women shouldn’t have to register for the Selective Service. It would be one of the quickest ways to show that the Army (and military) treat women and men equally. In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s fair for a woman to want to have the same opportunities as men, but not have to meet the same standard. As I see it, there is nothing equal about that.
What do you think? Do you think women should have to register for the Selective Service? If so, why? If not, why not? I look forward to hearing from you. Just leave a comment below to share your thoughts.