In late 1979, a series of revival efforts began in an effort to upgrade the Selective Service System's capability for rapid mobilization in an emergency. In the summer of 1980 the registration requirement was resumed.
The Selective Service System’s structure consists of the National Headquarters, Data Management Center (established in 1981), and three Region Headquarters, with 124 full-time employees authorized. State Directors work part time on projects related to maintaining registration rates in their state. Local and appeal board members are appointed regularly and undergo yearly training, but boards are not in active status.
Men are required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18 th birthday through our website or at U.S. post offices or diplomatic offices.
This was resumed in July 1980 under authority of Presidential Proclamation 4771 and applies to men born in 1960 or later. Mass registration was held in July 1980 for men born in 1960-1961 and in January 1981 for men born in 1962.
The United States of America is protected by our all-volunteer military. There is no conscription at this time.
Registration was suspended in early 1975 and the Selective Service System entered into a "deep standby" position.
Selective Service System operated under planning and training functions only as part of the requirement that it be maintained as a standby organization capable of operation in an emergency. The agency consisted of the National Headquarters and regional offices (a sixth added October 1978). No State Headquarters or local board offices were maintained during this period.
None. Registration was suspended April 1, 1975 by Presidential Proclamation 4360.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, the U.S. presence in Vietnam expanded with increasing intensity. The Selective Service encountered protest about unfair deferments fueled by an anti-war sentiment. The Selective Service provided 20% of the men in uniform during the Vietnam War. Total # inducted: 1,857,304 The last man inducted entered the Army on June 30, 1973.
No changes from World War II.
Selective Service System operated as an independent agency with a Director responsible to the President. Governors were responsible for administering Selective Service laws within their state; functions were then delegated to the State Director. Local boards, composed of citizens in each community, selected men for induction based on individual cases and the needs of the economy and industry. Appeal boards were composed of civilians.
No changes from Korean War.
Men ages 18-26 were required to register. Civilian authorities conducted the registration. Individuals were responsible for their own registration.
Registration suspended April 1, 1975 by Presidential Proclamation 4360.
No changes from Korean War until 1971.
Local boards determined classification in accordance with regulations and guidance issued from the National Headquarters. Deferments were available for students, some fathers, farmers and other occupations which supported the national interest. It was the duty of the registrant to provide information required by local boards to ensure proper classification. However, deferments granted at the time lacked nationwide uniformity.
Conscientious Objectors were required to serve 24 months contributing to the maintenance of the national health, safety, or interest as their local board deemed appropriate. COs could select a suitable alternative service job or be assigned one.
In 1971, deferment policies were established in the Registrants Processing Manual to enforce the uniform application of Selective Service regulations. Student, fatherhood, occupational and agricultural deferments were phased out.
No changes from Korean War until 1971.
The quota system was abolished. Calls for inductees were issued on the basis of random sequence lottery number assigned to a birthdate.
No changes from Korean War until 1971.
Uniform National Call began, where all men with the same lottery number throughout the nation were called. The selection was made from those registered and classified but not deferred or exempt. The first priority selection group was men age 20, rather than the oldest first. Local boards sent registrants to induction stations, where the determination of acceptability and induction was made by the armed forces.
The last induction call was issued on December 1972. Induction authority expired on July 1, 1973.