Selective Service System

The Selective Service System is the U. S. government agency which operates "the draft," the process for selecting and conscripting citizens into the military. The Selective Service System was created in 1917. The draft itself was suspended in 1973, when the U. S. moved to an "all-volunteer military." However, citizens are still required to register with the system, and the Selective Service System remains in a state of readiness to resume the draft if ordered by Congress and the President.

According to the agency, it is

an independent federal agency operating with permanent authorization under the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 451 et seq.). It is not part of the Department of Defense; however, it exists to serve the emergency manpower needs of the Military by conscripting untrained manpower, or personnel with professional health care skills, if directed by Congress and the President in a national crisis. Its statutory missions also include being ready to administer an alternative service program, in lieu of military service for men classified as conscientious objectors.

Today, the Selective Service System continues to satisfy its statutory obligations while providing the only time-tested mechanism to backup the all-volunteer military when needed.

In 2007, Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute called reimposing the draft "a major policy shift" that isn't currently needed.