NEW GOVERNMENT INTERNET SERVICE AFFECTS MILLIONS OF YOUNG MEN

On Dec. 2, a "switch" was thrown, giving millions of young men an easier way to fulfill a civic and legal responsibility. As of that moment, 18 through 25-year-old male U.S. citizens everywhere (as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S.) were able to register with the Selective Service System using the Internet.

"This is real, interactive, on-line registration," notes the Honorable Gil Coronado, Director of the Selective Service, who activated the new on-line service.

For nearly two decades men have gone to post offices, completed and mailed a registration form, and waited 60 to 90 days to receive an acknowledgement card. Men can still register by mail, but now there is a better way.

Those with a valid Social Securing number can connect to the Selective Service Web Site at www.sss.gov and link into the Agency's computers. By clicking on the "Register Now" button, young men can type in their registration information, press the "Submit" button and instantly receive their Selective Service number. Additionally, they will still receive an acknowledgement postcard within two weeks.

"We hope that registration via the Internet becomes the primary way of registering," Coronado noted.

The new system will accept on-line registrations between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time weekdays.

Federal law requires virtually all men to register with Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18. About 1.8 million men are required to register each year. Although late registrations are accepted, a man cannot register after reaching age 26. Failure to register is a felony.

Registration is linked to many federal and state benefits. For example, a man must be registered to be eligible for federal student loans and Pell grants, job training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), and federal jobs in the Executive Branch of the government, including jobs with the U.S. Postal Service.

Male immigrants who fail to register as required cannot obtain citizenship. Half of the state have supporting legislation which precludes men who are required to register but who have not done so from receiving many state benefits like state tuition, assistance, eligibility for state jobs, and, in some cases, from enrolling in state post-secondary institutions.

Although the U.S. relies on an all-volunteer military today, the Selective Service System and the registration program help America remain prepared to reinstate a timely and fair draft in a future crisis, should a draft become necessary.