The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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Dirty Little Secrets
Do You Want to be On a Draft Board?
by James Dunnigan
December 5, 2004
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
The American conscription system still exists, with males turning 18 required,
by law, to register with the Selective Service System. But that’s as far as it
goes. The draft is basically in hibernation, to be activated only if Congress
passes a law making it so. However, the local draft boards still exist. There
are 2,000 of them, with five members each. The draft boards hear appeals from
local men who want to be deferred, or exempted, from the draft. This system has
worked well through several major wars, which is why it still exists. Anyone can
apply to be a member of a draft board. If accepted, you can serve for up to
twenty years. You don’t get paid, and have to attend one meeting, and receive
four hours of refresher training, a year. There’s also eight hours of initial
training.
To apply, you must meet the following criteria;
Must be
18 years old or older
Must be a citizen of the United States
Men
must have registered with the Selective Service, except those born from March
29, 1957 through December 31, 1959.
Must not be an employee of any law
enforcement organization
Must not be an active or retired member of the
Armed Forces
Must not have been convicted of any criminal
offense.
Boards often contain veterans. The average member is just a
public spirited citizen who likes to do a little public service. However, if
there were a major war, board members would be making life or death decisions.
Board members can resign any time they want. Currently, about ten percent of the
board positions are vacant, and being filled. If you would like to apply, go to
http://www4.sss.gov/localboardmembers/bminquiry.asp and fill out the form.
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