The Selective Service System (SSS) plays a critical role in the Department of Defense, tasked with maintaining a database of potential military personnel in national emergencies (Haile n.p). SSS mandates male citizens and immigrants to register upon turning 18, but their female counterparts are exempted, resulting in massive debate on women’s inclusion in the system. As a young woman from a long-line military family and a strong believer in fairness and equal rights, I advocate that women should be required to register with the Selective Service System. For one, this requirement is a necessity to facilitate a more comprehensive database of potential defence personnel. Today, the world is filled with numerous unexpected and complicated threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cyber warfare (Geva 171). As such, the military needs a larger pool of personnel at its disposal to deal with national emergencies, meaning they must provide drafting chances for women, too. Moreover, gone are the days when warfare required physical strength; modern warfare requires physical fitness alongside cybersecurity, intelligence, and technology, which women have proven capable of. As such, drafting women ensures the military effectively mobilizes its resources, with women filling these skill gaps, ensuring military preparedness and flexibility essential for emergencies or crises.
Another compelling argument is women should register with the Selective Service System to challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. Men are seen as protectors and providers, and women are society’s nurturers and homemakers meant to be protected (Haile n.p). The military is perceived as a male domain, reinforcing harmful beliefs. However, times have changed, and these narrow gender stereotypes should not be shaping what people can and cannot do, including military service. I hail from a proud lineage of military service, and the idea of serving my country is a badge I would wear with pride. But, saying that I cannot or should not serve solely based on my gender is not just antiquated; it’s unjust, overlooking women’s aspirations. Since the dawn of time, women have fought to be equal with their male counterparts in all fields, employment and domestic settings. We have shown our worth in everything we participate in, and we are more capable and willing to serve our country in times of need. So, why should women be viewed as less valuable or unequal in the military by being denied registration in the SSS?
Thirdly, women should be required to register in the SSS because women’s contributions to society have evolved over time and have become an integral part of the military services. Before World War Two, women did not directly engage in combat, better known as the ‘frontline,’ as they were perceived as vulnerable. Women such as Deborah Simpson, Florence Nightingale and Harriet Tubman served as cooks, nurses, caregivers, and seamstresses (Geva 173). However, in World War II, women became more proactive in combat activities, flying fighter jets and conducting harassing combat missions against the enemy. These women’s resilience and courage have motivated many young, strong women. As such, women’s contributions to politics and science have become more paramount in recent years, amounting to approximately 17% of active-duty troops. This demonstrates our commitment, patriotism, and readiness to defend our nation’s safety and freedom. So, why deny willing people their rightful place in the military to serve for what they believe is right? Why disregard the significant contributions of hundreds of women in our history? More so, the concept of women being vulnerable to active-duty activities is flawed and outdated because, in warfare environments such as Iraq, every soldier is exposed to danger regardless of their roles and gender. Therefore, women should be included in military service because it is a principle and a practical necessity. By including women in the SSS, society is recognizing the capabilities of women, ensuring fairness and equity, affirming their place in the nation’s defence department and ensuring a larger pool of skilful personnel.
Work Cited
Haile, Andrew J. “Redrafting the Selective Service Act: Women and the Military Draft.” UCLA Women’s Law Journal, vol. 28, no. 1, Dec. 2021, https://doi.org/10.5070/l328155788
Geva, Dorith. “Selective Service, the Gender-Ordered Family, and the Rational Informality of the American State.” American Journal of Sociology, vol. 121, no. 1, July 2015, pp. 171–204. https://doi.org/10.1086/681985
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