Register for the Selective Service contributes to generating a database of men available to serve in the U.S. This is only for military recruitment and receiving certain benefits.
For this reason, it is necessary to understand the requirements, entry methods, consequences of not registering, and more. Therefore, here we will explain, in a clear way, all the details that you need to know.
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What are the requirements to register for the Selective Service?
Ci sono two basic requirements to register for the Selective Service. These are the following:
- Being permanently living in the United States;
- Being between 18 and 26 years of age.
The immigration status of the people who must register for the Selective Service System (SSS) does not matter. Therefore, the following men are included:
- People with dual nationality;
- Legalized citizens in the USA;
- Undocumented immigrants, refugees, and legal permanent residents who have their residence in the United States (before reaching 26 years of age);
- People on parole;
- Asylum seekers;
- Men with visas of any kind that have expired more than 30 days ago;
- Disabled men.
It is also essential to consider that immigrants must register 30 days after entering the United States.
Requirements to apply for the services of the program
On the other hand, there are also some essential requirements that you must consider when applying for some of the services offered by this program. In that case, you must have the following documents on hand:
- Service registration card;
- Program registration confirmation letter;
- Registration receipt;
- Disengagement report form (used when a veteran is discharged after turning 26 years of age);
- Screenshot showing the Selective Services verification web page;
- Verification form.
Other essential data is related to the non-registration of men over 26 who want to be part of a program service. Namely:
- Documents showing that registration was not necessary;
- Document showing that non-compliance was not intentional.
From Insiderbits, we determined that these two requirements can help determine the reason for the citizen’s non-compliance, which is vital given that this process is mandatory.
Who is exempt from registration?
You should be aware of some exemptions to register for the Selective Service. In that case, you should pay attention to this information:
- People with valid nonimmigrant visas, as long as they have a document of this type valid until they turn 26;
- A national or citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands who entered the United States as a student to study full-time (and maintain that status);
- People who are incarcerated or hospitalized (if you prove that status from 30 days before turning 18 until 25 years of age);
- National or citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands who resides in the USA as a federal employee of their country of origin;
- People not from the United States have entered this territory for the first time after turning 26.
These usually represent the most common exemptions. However, it is essential to present documents that support this status so that it can be verified without problems.
How to register: online and offline options
There are three methods to register for the Selective Service: online, by mail, and by requesting a FAFSA.
Online procedure
You can register from the official website. In any case, you must complete the registration form with updated information and keep in mind the following:
- Address of the place of residence;
- Full name;
- Date of birth;
- Email;
- Social Security number.
Next, ensure you read the Privacy Act Statement. Afterward, press “Submit registration.”
The home address will serve as a reference for sending the registration acknowledgment letter. It will also be helpful to receive the registration number.
Registering by mail
This form of registration is helpful for all those people who do not have a Social Security number. In that case, you can visit your local post office, pick up a form (or print one out), and then mail it to the following address:
Selective Service System P.O. Box 94739
Palatine, IL 60094-4739
After doing this, you must wait for the admission response. This can take between one and three months. If this time passes and you do not receive anything, you must call the customer service center (see the section “What if I have questions?”).
Including the correct postage on the envelope you are sending is indispensable. You must also write the return address correctly, which you must locate in the upper left corner.
Registering when applying for FAFSA
Il Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a document that helps students access specific financial aid. This applies to higher education studies and includes scholarships, loans, etc.
To participate in any of the financial aid, you must be registered. You can complete this process by filling out the FAFSA registration form.
The registration procedure is simple: You just have to check the registration box on the FAFSA form, and that’s it. Afterward, Insiderbits noticed that the Department of Education would pass this information on to SSS.
Register for the Selective Service and enjoy the benefits
This registration offers a series of benefits you can take advantage of while in the United States. The most notable are the following:
Federal job training
According to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, registration is required for programs capable of training young men. However, this applies only to those born after December 31, 1959.
Federal Jobs
To be part of the United States Postal Service or participate in the executive branch of the government, you must be registered. However, it is only mandatory for men born after December 31, 1959.
Citizenship
This registration is a mandatory requirement for obtaining American citizenship, and it applies only to those who arrive in the US for the first time before turning 26 years old.
What happens after you register for selective service?
It is important to note that even if a person is registered, they are not automatically admitted to the military. In the event of a crisis, the sequence of events would be as follows:
Authorization Bill
Congress can amend the Selective Military Service Act if the emergency exceeds the Department of Defense’s capacity. In that case, the president will have the power to incorporate personnel into the Armed Forces.
Activation of the general system
The next step is activating this system, through which all personnel are organized to report to their duties. Therefore, retired military personnel and Reserve Force officers would activate the offices.
Lottery
A public lottery is held, televised, and broadcast live. This process selects candidates for military service. During this process, random data is obtained from the year of birth and the lottery number.
This establishes the order in which people can receive training. However, if necessary, additional draws are held.
Informing the MEPS
In this process step, those chosen are notified to appear for induction. In addition, people can claim exemptions or deferments here.
In any case, those chosen must appear at a Military Entry Processing Station. There, they will receive a moral, physical, and mental evaluation and will know whether or not they are suitable.
Activation of Local Boards
In this step, the Local Boards receive the activation order to begin to process the claims of those chosen. This is done to categorize them as conscientious objectors and carry out other activities.
Induction
Now, the current requirements of the United States Department of Defense are followed to train personnel. However, at the latest, they must be ready within 193 days after the beginning of the crisis.
How do I find my Selective Service number?
You can find your confirmation number to verify that you registered. If so, you can check your registration card that was mailed to you along with your acknowledgment letter.
The registration verification page also has a numero di registrazione. If you need one, you can download an acknowledgment letter there.
One important thing to note is that you cannot replace your Selective Service card if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. However, you can always get your proof of registration online.
If any information is incorrect, you must correct it as soon as possible by calling the agency at 1-847-688-6888 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
How do I get my status information letter?
The status information letter is a resource that demonstrates the reasons for not having registered. It is even helpful when you register but do not complete the process due to a lack of documents.
You can obtain this letter through the forms available on the SSS website. Afterward, you must describe in detail the reasons that prevented you from registering, such as hospitalization.
You also have to demonstrate your reasons with the necessary official documents, such as certificates of hospitalization or incarceration. In any case, these documents must be precise in context and dates.
What happens if I have questions?
If you have questions, you can call the phone number 888-655-1825. Then, from Insiberbits, we note that you must press the number in your language.
You can also write a note and send it to DMCEspanol@sss.gov to receive support as soon as possible. That way, you can eliminate doubts before continuing the registration process.
What happens if I cannot register?
There is always the possibility that, for some reason or another, it will be impossible for you to register with the SSS. However, if you are not among the exempt people, you must assume the consequences.
Not registering is a crime. Therefore, this action is punishable by a sentence of up to five years in prison, or you can receive a fine of $250,000. And if you advise or instigate another to not comply, you will receive the same punishment.
How long does the process to register for the Selective Service take?
This process usually takes approximately two months. This is because evaluating the application and reviewing the necessary documents takes time. Therefore, it is essential to start the registration before you turn 18 years old.
After successfully registering, you must wait for the government’s response by mail. If you do not receive it, you must contact the SSS immediately.
Can I be called for service if I register?
This possibility only exists if mandatory military service is declared. However, it should be noted that the United States has not called for this process since 1973. The reason? The country must be in a severe crisis.
Register and fulfill your obligations as a citizen
Anche se registering for the Selective Service does not indicate that you are automatically selected to learn how to join the military in the US, it is a mandatory process. If you want to know more about this or other topics, please check out our website.
