US Government to register eligible men for Selective Service this year

UNITED STATES, (WINK) — Millions of young men across the country will now be automatically registered for the Selective Service, the system used for a potential military draft.

Under federal law, most men between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register for the Selective Service. That's the system the government would use if a military draft were ever reinstated.

But under a new rule passed by Congress last year, that process is changing. Instead of requiring men to sign up on their own, the government will now automatically register eligible men using existing records.

Officials say the goal is to simplify the system and improve compliance. Failing to register can impact access to federal benefits like student aid and job opportunities.

It's important to note this does not mean a draft is happening. The U.S. has relied on an all-volunteer military since 1973, after the Vietnam War.

Any future draft would still require approval from both Congress and the president.

According to the Selective Service System, automatic registration will be in place by this December. This is only for men, as the Selective Service System does not accept voluntary registrations from women.