Civil Air Patrol Members Registering for The Selective Service System

[RADIOMAN015]

See:  http://www.sss.gov/PDFs/WhoMustRegisterChart.pdf
Looks like if you are a CAP male member, age 18 thru 25 years old, ya better register.

Hmm kind of strange that they would have to put it in "Who Must Register" Chart under category "Civil Air Patrol Members".

I would imagine that perhaps some CAP members were confused as to their required status in the selective service system :angel:
RM   

[DC]

I don't see anything wrong with the clarification. I would never assume that CAP members would be exempt from registering, but hey, now I know for sure.

Nothing to see here...

[Eclipse]

Who would be confused?

[SARDOC]

I like the fact that Illegal Immigrants have to register for the draft too...interesting

[jimmydeanno]

There are many of our members who confuse our role as part of the whole force structure of the Air Force.  This may lead members that are in the age range to be confused as to whether or not they have to register for the draft if they are already "serving."

[JC004]

Why is this a topic?  This isn't news.  We (Selective Service System) have had this on the list for many years.  Almost all males must register unless the military already has you, you're locked up, you're in a hospital/institution, or you're here for a short time on your visa. 

It's there for clarification with other military-related things.  I talked about its appearance on the list with my SSS region people when I received my initial training, since CAP was on my application.  It's nothing exciting.  Really.

This sounds like bait for a wannabes thread.

[JeffDG]

I like the fact that Illegal Immigrants have to register for the draft too...interesting

Well...

All males residing in the US, except for those on temporary status (like F1, L1, H1b, TN1) must register.  That leaves citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and illegal aliens needing to register.

[Eclipse]

Why is this a topic?

It's raining in the NE...

[RiverAux]

I also think that it is interesting that Civil Air Patrol members are listed, but not Coast Guard Auxiliary or State Defense Force members.  SDFs members in particular, probably should be listed as I think that would be a much more fertile area for confusion than CAP. 

I wonder if this is something that we should have a checkbox on the CAP application for? 

[JeffDG]

I also think that it is interesting that Civil Air Patrol members are listed, but not Coast Guard Auxiliary or State Defense Force members.  SDFs members in particular, probably should be listed as I think that would be a much more fertile area for confusion than CAP. 

I wonder if this is something that we should have a checkbox on the CAP application for?

And what, exactly, would that checkbox say?

[sarmed1]

Firstly I have to wonder if the was perhaps a point where CAP members didnt have to register, hence why it was added to the list.
Of more interest; a member of the Reserve or National Guard has to be registered..... I can see it now.  "No sir I wont be able to deploy with the rest of the reserve squadron next month as it seems I have been drafted into the US Army for Active Duty.  Yes I will be reporting to basic training, no I assume I will still be and E5......"


mk

[RiverAux]

And what, exactly, would that checkbox say?

Have you registered for selective service?

Or something similar.  I've seen it on many employment applications over the years.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Firstly I have to wonder if the was perhaps a point where CAP members didnt have to register, hence why it was added to the list.
Of more interest; a member of the Reserve or National Guard has to be registered..... I can see it now.  "No sir I wont be able to deploy with the rest of the reserve squadron next month as it seems I have been drafted into the US Army for Active Duty.  Yes I will be reporting to basic training, no I assume I will still be and E5......"


mk

That would make a great news story!

[RADIOMAN015]

Why is this a topic?  This isn't news.  We (Selective Service System) have had this on the list for many years.  Almost all males must register unless the military already has you, you're locked up, you're in a hospital/institution, or you're here for a short time on your visa. 

It's there for clarification with other military-related things.  I talked about its appearance on the list with my SSS region people when I received my initial training, since CAP was on my application.  It's nothing exciting.  Really.

This sounds like bait for a wannabes thread.

Trust me I wasn't even researching this for any angle on CAP members, happen to be on a former joint command website that I was assigned to and they had a link, so frankly I was wondering how this system was operating since there's no longer is a draft and I got my answer.   

It still is strangely interesting that CAP would be specifically listed.
RM 

[JC004]

Firstly I have to wonder if the was perhaps a point where CAP members didnt have to register, hence why it was added to the list.
Of more interest; a member of the Reserve or National Guard has to be registered..... I can see it now.  "No sir I wont be able to deploy with the rest of the reserve squadron next month as it seems I have been drafted into the US Army for Active Duty.  Yes I will be reporting to basic training, no I assume I will still be and E5......"


mk

It has to do with the classification of having completed ACTIVE DUTY (which I believe is a 4-A classification) service, therefore meeting your service obligation and having a legitimate claim to exemption.  Being in the National Guard, for instance, doesn't qualify you for an exemption from being drafted UNLESS you served on active duty.  Interestingly, service on active duty to certain other countries qualifies.  This was a matter of some debate at my Selective Service training, but it is law.  Congress can amend things related to this, though.

Something that may be interesting, which I learned about in my training:  There is a system called the Healthcare Personnel Delivery System.  It allows for the drafting of men and women in certain medical specialties.  If this were implemented, women would need to march themselves down to the post office if they fell into those specialties.

[JeffDG]

And what, exactly, would that checkbox say?

Have you registered for selective service?

Or something similar.  I've seen it on many employment applications over the years.

And what of those who have never registered, and were never required (or even able) to register?

[RiverAux]

And what, exactly, would that checkbox say?

Have you registered for selective service?

Or something similar.  I've seen it on many employment applications over the years.

And what of those who have never registered, and were never required (or even able) to register?

Well, if they haven't registered and are required to do so we tell them to come back when they are.  If they aren't then a simple
"not applicable" box could be provided.  Keep in mind that if they are required to register and they haven't then they've broken the law and given this law's relevance to the military services that CAP supports, I think it is a reasonable thing to address.  I think that at least at one time this was a standard question on federal job applications, but its been a while since I've filled one out (it may have been on the paperwork you fill out after being hired).

[JC004]

It is on federal job applications because you can't get a federal job if you are not in compliance with this law. 

I don't know that CAP really needs to be involved with the application process.  Compliance is good already.  Maybe cadets can get a friendly e-mail reminder or something when they're almost to their 18th birthday because it could haunt their lives if they don't.

[Майор Хаткевич]

It is on federal job applications because you can't get a federal job if you are not in compliance with this law. 

I don't know that CAP really needs to be involved with the application process.  Compliance is good already.  Maybe cadets can get a friendly e-mail reminder or something when they're almost to their 18th birthday because it could haunt their lives if they don't.

I'm actually surprised how BAD the reminders are. IIRC, you could register online 3 months before turning 18. I tried, and the system didn't have ANY information on me.

I was finally able to get it done 3 months AFTER turning 18.

I had friends who did not have it done, AND got to vote in the 2008 election with out it. In fact, some of those friends, STILL don't have the card...even having voted and changed driver's licenses.

[Daniel]

I just recently turned 18.

Although I registered when I was 17 1/2. That form was sooooo short.. I was like "Is that it?" I don't know why anyone wouldn't register..

[Майор Хаткевич]

I just recently turned 18.

Although I registered when I was 17 1/2. That form was sooooo short.. I was like "Is that it?" I don't know why anyone wouldn't register..

Because it's not emphasized in school, and the kids just don't know.

[JC004]

It is on federal job applications because you can't get a federal job if you are not in compliance with this law. 

I don't know that CAP really needs to be involved with the application process.  Compliance is good already.  Maybe cadets can get a friendly e-mail reminder or something when they're almost to their 18th birthday because it could haunt their lives if they don't.

I'm actually surprised how BAD the reminders are. IIRC, you could register online 3 months before turning 18. I tried, and the system didn't have ANY information on me.

I was finally able to get it done 3 months AFTER turning 18.

I had friends who did not have it done, AND got to vote in the 2008 election with out it. In fact, some of those friends, STILL don't have the card...even having voted and changed driver's licenses.

What does voting have to do with it?

[AirDX]

I had friends who did not have it done, AND got to vote in the 2008 election with out it. In fact, some of those friends, STILL don't have the card...even having voted and changed driver's licenses.

Voting and driver's licenses are state functions, selective service registration is federal.

[SarDragon]

Registered 1966; 28 20 49 NNN.

First lottery number - 365

Now 4-A, since 1973?

[Al Sayre]

WIWOAD, I started getting notices that I had to register, I just threw them away since I had already been in the Navy for 4 or 5 years.  I figured:   "What are they gonna do?  Draft me?"  Finally I got one that said the FBI would be coming for me, so I Xeroxed my military ID card and mailed it to them.  Two or three rounds of them mailing threats and me mailing back a copy of my ID card it finally stopped.  I guess someone finally figured it out.  Your government at work...

[JeffDG]

And what, exactly, would that checkbox say?

Have you registered for selective service?

Or something similar.  I've seen it on many employment applications over the years.

And what of those who have never registered, and were never required (or even able) to register?

Well, if they haven't registered and are required to do so we tell them to come back when they are.  If they aren't then a simple
"not applicable" box could be provided.  Keep in mind that if they are required to register and they haven't then they've broken the law and given this law's relevance to the military services that CAP supports, I think it is a reasonable thing to address.  I think that at least at one time this was a standard question on federal job applications, but its been a while since I've filled one out (it may have been on the paperwork you fill out after being hired).

OK...over half of your potential membership base is "N/A".  That's every female out there plus people like me...I came to the US at age 34 in temporary status (not required to register, even if I had been in the age bracket), became a lawful permanent resident at age 38.

They DO ask on the application for naturalization, but it seems it's a pretty minor issue to USCIS if you did not:

If you did not register with the Selective Service and you (1) are male, (2) are 26 years old or older, and (3) lived in the United States in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18 and 26, send:

A "Status Information Letter" from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-6888) for more information.

[RiverAux]

Without a doubt this isn't anything critical, but would be more so if we were actually drafting people.  I could also see where CAP would have some interest in knowing how many of its members were subject to the draft as that could have some operational readiness issues, but could also be fairly easily estimated using demographic data already in eservices. 

[JeffDG]

Without a doubt this isn't anything critical, but would be more so if we were actually drafting people.  I could also see where CAP would have some interest in knowing how many of its members were subject to the draft as that could have some operational readiness issues, but could also be fairly easily estimated using demographic data already in eservices.

Code Select Expand

select
MonthsOld=DATEDIFF(M,Birthday,GETDATE())
,*
from
(

select
Birthday = cast(right(left (DOB,len (dob)-1),len(dob)-2) as datetime),*
from member
) a
where
DATEDIFF(M,Birthday,GETDATE()) between 216 and 312
and
gender = '"MALE"'
and
Citizen <> '"WAIVERED"'

[JeffDG]

It would be much simpler, but my script to import CAPWATCH puts quotes in all the fields that need to be stripped before calculating date stuff!

[SARDOC]

Because it's not emphasized in school, and the kids just don't know.

Actually My School called in students during their Birth Month and registered you in school.

[Eclipse]

Because it's not emphasized in school, and the kids just don't know.

Actually My School called in students during their Birth Month and registered you in school.

Man I bet they got some "fun" telephone calls...

[MIKE]

IIRC, the big reminder is that you can't get federal student aid if you aren't registered.  I remember the guidance department had a poster in front of the office, and ads on the radio around college hunting season... way back in 1998/99.

[Майор Хаткевич]

IIRC, the big reminder is that you can't get federal student aid if you aren't registered.  I remember the guidance department had a poster in front of the office, and ads on the radio around college hunting season... way back in 1998/99.

Still says that now, and it doesn't stop anyone from getting aid.

I don't know about other states, but I believe the question regarding the status shows up at both the DMV and Voter Registration card.

[JC004]

IIRC, the big reminder is that you can't get federal student aid if you aren't registered.  I remember the guidance department had a poster in front of the office, and ads on the radio around college hunting season... way back in 1998/99.

Still says that now, and it doesn't stop anyone from getting aid.

I don't know about other states, but I believe the question regarding the status shows up at both the DMV and Voter Registration card.

This is not true.  If you tell them you are registered, and they verify and find out, you will have trouble.  Department of Education and Selective Service System do check.  The reason people who weren't previously registered can get everything processed smoothly is because you can have Department of Education register you on your behalf.  Many people are registered through agreements with Department of Education and with states.

You do not want to tell people that they will be fine getting whatever without complying with the law.  Federal benefits are tied to this, but also an increasing number of state AND LOCAL benefits.

[lordmonar]

WIWOAD, I started getting notices that I had to register, I just threw them away since I had already been in the Navy for 4 or 5 years.  I figured:   "What are they gonna do?  Draft me?"  Finally I got one that said the FBI would be coming for me, so I Xeroxed my military ID card and mailed it to them.  Two or three rounds of them mailing threats and me mailing back a copy of my ID card it finally stopped.  I guess someone finally figured it out.  Your government at work...

And if you had simply gone to the post office and filled out the card....then you would have saved everyone a lot of time.

[Al Sayre]

WIWOAD, I started getting notices that I had to register, I just threw them away since I had already been in the Navy for 4 or 5 years.  I figured:   "What are they gonna do?  Draft me?"  Finally I got one that said the FBI would be coming for me, so I Xeroxed my military ID card and mailed it to them.  Two or three rounds of them mailing threats and me mailing back a copy of my ID card it finally stopped.  I guess someone finally figured it out.  Your government at work...

And if you had simply gone to the post office and filled out the card....then you would have saved everyone a lot of time.

Or they could have checked their mailing list against the DOD payroll...

The letters they sent didn't have a check box for already serving and IIRC the fine print said if you were already serving you were exempt, and as I said, they couldn't draft me...  I thought it was just junk mail they were sending to everyone at the time.

[JeffDG]

Or they could have checked their mailing list against the DOD payroll...

The letters they sent didn't have a check box for already serving and IIRC the fine print said if you were already serving you were exempt, and as I said, they couldn't draft me...  I thought it was just junk mail they were sending to everyone at the time.

Would have been interesting to go to your CO and say "Sir, I need to get off the ship, I've been drafted into the Army."

[JC004]

WIWOAD, I started getting notices that I had to register, I just threw them away since I had already been in the Navy for 4 or 5 years.  I figured:   "What are they gonna do?  Draft me?"  Finally I got one that said the FBI would be coming for me, so I Xeroxed my military ID card and mailed it to them.  Two or three rounds of them mailing threats and me mailing back a copy of my ID card it finally stopped.  I guess someone finally figured it out.  Your government at work...

And if you had simply gone to the post office and filled out the card....then you would have saved everyone a lot of time.

Or they could have checked their mailing list against the DOD payroll...

The letters they sent didn't have a check box for already serving and IIRC the fine print said if you were already serving you were exempt, and as I said, they couldn't draft me...  I thought it was just junk mail they were sending to everyone at the time.

Our IT capabilities have vastly improved and there is a lot of information that goes into the system now.  The system also feeds the services' mailing lists.

[lordmonar]

WIWOAD, I started getting notices that I had to register, I just threw them away since I had already been in the Navy for 4 or 5 years.  I figured:   "What are they gonna do?  Draft me?"  Finally I got one that said the FBI would be coming for me, so I Xeroxed my military ID card and mailed it to them.  Two or three rounds of them mailing threats and me mailing back a copy of my ID card it finally stopped.  I guess someone finally figured it out.  Your government at work...

And if you had simply gone to the post office and filled out the card....then you would have saved everyone a lot of time.

Or they could have checked their mailing list against the DOD payroll...

The letters they sent didn't have a check box for already serving and IIRC the fine print said if you were already serving you were exempt, and as I said, they couldn't draft me...  I thought it was just junk mail they were sending to everyone at the time.

Well....now you run into the Privacy Act and other Government Bureaucracy.........they can't share that information.

[a2capt]

In the mid 80's, I don't remember anything about selective service and school with regards to budgets. What I do remember is them calling it a "federal survey card" and they were adamant about them. To the point of denying report cards, grades at the end of the semester, aside from the usual threats of no extracurricular activity participation.

As for SS, they just reminded people about it, like registering to vote, to those who were in the area of 18 and still in school.

[SARDOC]

Because it's not emphasized in school, and the kids just don't know.

Actually My School called in students during their Birth Month and registered you in school.

Man I bet they got some "fun" telephone calls...

I'm not sure if they did or not.   They also registered you to vote at the same time.  Especially for those students who were applying to colleges

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

I turned 18 in January, 1984.

I still have my paperwork SSS sent me acknowledging that.

Why they finger CAP, I don't know...I smell another RM "this shows we are CIVILIANS!" thread.  Big deal.  SDF's are only military within their state boundaries.  Guard and Reserve have to register too.

If you don't register you shut yourself off from a lot of things: student loans, Pell grants, access to Federal and most State jobs...not to mention that you're breaking the law.

And, should you decide to enlist - active, Guard, Reserve - they do ask you if you're registered.

I never saw the big deal in registering...a draft can only take place through an act of Congress, and like my dad told me in 1984, "I registered, had to go to the draft board, and then ended up doing two years active and two years National Guard.  You're no better than I am.  Get your *** down to the Post Office and register."  I did.

[SarDragon]

I found my last draft card a while back, the one where I was classified 4-A. It's in my stuff somewhere.

[flyboy53]

I found my last draft card a while back, the one where I was classified 4-A. It's in my stuff somewhere.

The last card I got was 1H. Then I went into the Air Force and, although I never got a card, I saw a records rip that classified me as 1C.

Its really sort of a right of passage for young men. These days, though, if you don't it really messes up opportunities for student loans and things like that.