Initially, only men were allowed to join the military. Then women demanded equal rights that included equal access and were ultimately given the opportunity to serve in the United States military.
For many years, their access was severely limited, but they eventually broke through that glass ceiling and had full access to all jobs including those in direct combat roles, which had been a major sticking point for many years.
Full equality still remains elusive, however. For one reason or another, Congress didn’t think it was appropriate that women should also be required to register for the draft.
Congress wanted to appear to champion equal opportunity, but really didn’t want to mandate equal responsibility? Congress wanted to be viewed by their constituents as supporting equal opportunity for women and minorities, but shirked away from demanding equal responsibility.
Bottom line, men and women were never being treated equally by the United States Selective Service System that was established on May 18, 1917.
For over a century, only men have been required to register for the draft. Failing to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday can result hefty fines and/or time in prison.
Americans were deceived that Congress was treating men and women equally. The simple truth is Congress was not treating both males and females equally. It’s that political slight-of-hand, that sneaky shell game that our politicians are famous for.
When Congress doesn’t treat people equally, the only other alternative is to appeal to the courts for a ruling on the matter. That is happening right now.
The National Coalition for Men, (NCFM), a 501(c)3 organization based in San Diego, California, established 1977, decided to address this unequal responsibility issue. Recently, NCFM filed a brief with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The 9th Circuit accepted their brief and may force Congress to address the issue they have avoided for decades.
NCFM’s worldwide membership that encompasses equal numbers of male and female members, has been involved in various forms of litigation for nearly fifteen (15) years in their legal battle to require both males and females to register with the Selective Service when they are legally obligated to do so.
Consider checking out the following link to read NCFM’s 92-page Appellate Brief.
READ HERE: https://ncfm.org/2025/02/news/selective-service/ncfm-v-selective-service-appellants-brief/
You can review many other documents related to NCFM’s effort in this legal case by clicking on the above link and performing a search in the appropriate search box, using the term ‘Selective Service.’
The men, women and volunteers of the National Coalition for Men are to be commended for their dedication and diligent efforts for equal treatment for both men and women in numerous areas of society, our courts and justice systems that include our college campuses and our military.
This is one of the organizations that MilitaryCorruption.com relies on for factual information on a variety of topics related to the military.
NCFM has taken up the cause and has conducted countless advocacy and investigative efforts for numerous servicemembers to include…
Army Major Kit Martin https://militarycorruption.com/kit-martin-part-1/
Army Major Eric Burris https://militarycorruption.com/burris/
Air Force Major Clarence Anderson https://militarycorruption.com/anderson-clarence-3/
It is hoped that NCFM’s efforts will ultimately result in the appropriate legislation that will reflect equality in our Selective Service system.
PRESENTLY, WHO MUST REGISTER?
Under current law, as it pretty much was in 1917 (108 years ago), ONLY MALE U.S. citizens between 18 and 25 (inclusive) years of age are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthdays.
In addition, certain categories of non-U.S. citizen men between 18 and 25 living in the United States must register, particularly permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and illegal immigrants.
Foreign men lawfully present in the United States who are non-immigrants, such as international students, visitors, and diplomats, are not required to register, so long as they remain in that status.
If an alien’s non-immigrant status lapses while he is in the United States and under the age of 26, he will be required to register. Failure to register as required is grounds for denying a petition for U.S. citizenship.
Currently, citizens who are at least 17 years and 3 months old can pre-register so when they are eligible for registration, their information will automatically be added into the system.
SPECIAL NOTE:
We pause to continue our praises for the National Coalition for Men (NCFM), and for their action in this matter. If our government exercised common sense, all of this would not be necessary. Unfortunately, it takes organizations like NCFM to bring the issue to the forefront.
NCFM is one of those great organizations that isn’t on the billion-dollar gravy train from the government like all those NGOs we hear about. With an incredibly tight budget, they spend countless hours on one case after another and doing their very best to ensure everyone is being treated fairly.
They are a wonderful organization comprised of both men and women that works tirelessly to ensure equality for all.
Thank you NCFM for fighting the good fight!
