Growing up, you may have been inspired by stories of family members serving in the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Coast Guard. The decision to serve the United States as a member of the Armed Forces is an honorable decision, but not one that should be made lightly and without being aware of the financial and legal considerations that serving in the military may bring.
What is the difference between enlisting in the military and registering with the Selective Service?
The distinction between Selective Service and Enlisted Service can be analogized to college, university, or trade school:
- Registering with the Selective Service is similar to submitting your application to a waiting list for a college or university. You provide your basic information and express your willingness to be considered for admission (or, in this case, military service) in the future if the spot opens (or, in this case, the need arises). Just as being on a college waiting list doesn’t guarantee that you’ll attend the school, registering with the Selective Service doesn’t guarantee military service. It simply means you’re on standby in case there’s a draft.
- On the other hand, Enlisted Service in the military is like actively enrolling in a college or university of your choice. You make a deliberate decision to become a student (or, in this case, a service member) and commit to a specific institution and program (or, in this case, your Branch and Military Occupational Specialty). Similar to choosing your major and attending classes in college, enlisting involves selecting a branch of the military and actively participating in military service.
Who can enlist in the military?
Enlisting in the military is entirely voluntary. It is a personal choice made by individuals who wish to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. A person may enlist at 17 years old with parental consent, or at 18 years old (or older) without parental consent.
Who must register with the Selective Service?
Unlike enlisting, registering for the Selective Service is a mandatory legal requirement for most males between 18 and 25 years old who live in the U.S. This includes:
- U.S. citizens (U.S. born, dual citizens, and naturalized);
- U.S. citizens who live outside of the country;
- Immigrants (legal permanent residents and undocumented immigrants);
- Refugees and asylum seekers;
- Transgender people who were assigned male at birth; and
- People with disabilities.
At what age may I register?
You may register as early as three months after your 17th birthday. However, if you fall into one of the categories set forth in “Who must register with the Selective Service?” above, you are required to register no later than 30 days after your 18th birthday.
It’s important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military. In a crisis when a draft may be required, men would be called in a sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. They would then be examined for mental and physical fitness by the military before being deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces.
How do I know if I am exempt from registering?
On the U.S. Selective Service System’s website, go to the Who Needs to Register tab to review a list of individuals and groups who are exempt from registering with the Selective Service. You will find additional information explaining the documentation of exemption requirements.
What happens if I don’t register?
There are potential criminal penalties for failing to register with the Selective Service, including up to five years imprisonment. Also, a person who knowingly counsels or aids another person to fail to comply with the registration requirement will be subject to the same penalties.
I’m ready to register! How do I do that?
Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page of the U.S. Selective Service System’s website and click on the Registration button. Alternatively, you can complete an SSS Form 1 at any U.S. Post Office or check the applicable box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for financial assistance for college. You must keep the Selective Service informed of any change of address until your 26th birthday.
Which branches can I register for?
All of them! Note that each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty (see below). Remember, if you are 17, you cannot enlist without parental consent!
- Air Force: 17 – 39
- Army: 17 – 35
- Coast Guard: 17 – 31
- Marine Corps: 17 – 28
- Navy: 17 – 39
- Space Force: 17 – 39
The age limits are different if you join as an officer or join the Guard or Reserve. For more information on enlisting or registering for a particular military branch, you should speak to a local military recruitment office.
Are there any laws that protect me as a member of the military?
Yes! You should always speak with an attorney if you have any questions about the legal and financial protections and considerations while becoming an active member of the military.
If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the resources below:
- Texas Young Lawyers Association, Texas Courts for Texas Veterans (https://tyla.org/resource/texas-courts-for-texas-veterans/)
- Texas Young Lawyers Association, Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (https://tyla.org/resource/texas-lawyers-for-texas-veterans/)
- Texas Young Lawyers Association, Servicemember Civil Relief Act (https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Veterans2&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23611)
- U.S. Selective Service System (www.sss.gov)
