National Commission Multi-Year Study Affirms the Nation Needs to Maintain the Selective Service

On the morning of Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service released its final report.  The 255-page document containing 49 recommendations recapped the Commission’s efforts from the past two and a half-year analysis studying the Selective Service, registration, and methods of generating greater interest in military, national and public service.  The Commission stated that “the nation needs the Selective Service System (SSS) to remain a viable U.S. national security institution.”  The report further asserts that the Selective Service serves as a hedge against military personnel shortages during a national security emergency and is a symbol of U.S. national resolve.

“We congratulate the National Commission on the successful completion of their report and are pleased to have their endorsement,” said U.S. Selective Service Director Donald M. Benton.  “Their thorough, multi-year study reaffirms the necessity for a strong Selective Service System.”

The Commission affirmed that registration remains a civic duty and should continue. It also recommended that registration be expanded to include women.  However, the law would first have to be changed should Congress decide to adopt any of the Commission’s recommendations pertaining to Selective Service.

Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. At 26, a man becomes too old to register.  Those who do not comply become ineligible for many federal and state benefits such as student financial aid, job training, government employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants.

Media inquiries should be directed to PublicAffairs@sss.gov

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