By Sam Bell
Opinion Editor
Considering the recent conflicts between the United States and Iraq, the discussion about a military draft has become a frequent discussion topic.
After President Trump ordered a military strike on Iran military leader Qasem Soleimani on Jan. 3 that resulted in his death, there have been waves of controversy among young people regarding the possibility of a military draft, according to the New York Times.
The likelihood of such a draft ever occurring is low; Congress would have to pass a law in order to reinstate the draft, which would require widespread political support, according to the New York Times. However, remnants of the draft’s past within the United States still prevail among males aged 18-25, and women should be included in these considerations in order to promote equality.
The Selective Service requires all male U.S. citizens through ages 18-25, documented or undocumented, including immigrants, to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. The draft is conducted by the Selective Service System, reinstated by Congress and the President, and conducts a National Draft Lottery focusing on young males between the ages of 20-25, according to the Selective Service System. Women are not required to register with the SSS.
Despite the fact that registration with the SSS is a practice that does not serve the same purpose as it used to, requiring women to register in the same way that men are required to could still be a step in the right direction. The U.S. military is currently consists of all volunteers, according to the New York Times, but including women’s registrations as part of the SSS could serve as a symbol toward the U.S.’ commitment to eliminating disparities in gender equality. Females have been increasingly taking over jobs that were previously deemed unconventional for women, especially in the military. As of 2010, women composed 47% of the labor force, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Requiring women to be included in registration with the SSS would be following suit in the progress made in efforts to secure the idea of equality in the United States. Considering that compulsory registration with the SSS still exists, women should be given the same responsibility to be added to the SSS in case a draft should ever become a reality.
As 2020 begins, the fight for women’s rights is visible in the progress that has been made. Although a change in the guidelines for SSS registration would be difficult to obtain, it is an important step to take toward gender equality in the United States.
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