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Americans have to register for Selective Service, but there is no mandatory obligation to serve in the Armed Forces.

Technically, Selective Service is a requirement to serve in the military, but one which it is the MILITARY's option to excercise. That is, if the military decides to draft people (which, is what the Selective Service Act codifies), then you MUST serve. There are conditions which the military may grant you either a temporary or permanent waiver from your obligation, but once again, the conditions for such a waiver are set forth in the SSA's text, and are not subject to the individual's decision.

That is, the US currently has a compulsory military service law, for men only, but choses not to currently avail itself of drafting anyone. To be clear, ANY man 18 to 25 currently residing - whether legal or not, and regardless of citizenship - in the United States for a period of one year or more MUST LEGALLY REGISTER for Selective Service. However, the U.S. Military is not currently conducting a draft, so registering does not mean you will automatically be called into service.

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12y ago
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12y ago

yep, everyone who enjoys the benefits of living in this great country should have to put something back, even if its a desk job and they are never deployed they should have to serve at least 2 years or be deported. They should have to go to basic and mos training, if they have a disability we can work with it but they should still serve. Maybe then they would not take it so much for granted.

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12y ago

In colonial times, the Thirteen Colonies used a militia system for defense. Colonial militia laws-and after independence those of the United States and the various states-required able-bodied males to enroll in the militia, to undergo a minimum of military training, and to serve for limited periods of time in war or emergency. This earliest form of conscription involved selective drafts of militiamen for service in particular campaigns. Following this system in its essentials, the Continental Congress in 1778 recommended that the states draft men from their militias for one year's service in the Continental army; this first national conscription was irregularly applied and failed to fill the Continental ranks. One type of draft or "conscription" was in use off and on - when necessary - until 1973 when military service for American was no longer necessary - a 100% volenteer army was to be used.

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14y ago

No, military service is neither mandatory nor compulsory in the United States.

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16y ago

The draft was MANDATORY.

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13y ago

No

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Q: Is military service mandatory in America?
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