File:Selective Service System- Our Mission.webm

English: The Selective Service System is an independent federal agency that has been a distinguished part of America’s history for over a century, spanning throughout eras of conflict and peacetime.

The agency has enjoyed the support of Presidential administrations since its formal establishment as an independent agency in 1940, which built on its initial formation in 1917 during World War I as part of the Department of War.

After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, SSS entered a state of “deep standby” until 1980, when Presidential Proclamation 4771 was signed to reinstate the SSS registration requirement in support of the all-volunteer military. It remains in effect today.

To this day, the readiness and capabilities provided by our nation’s exceptional all-volunteer military protect our freedoms and way of life. In the event of a national emergency, the Selective Service provides an additional tier of support to the brave men and women serving our nation. The agency remains ready as an enduring partner to the U.S. Department of Defense.

At all times, as a central part of the Selective Service’s mission, the agency stands ready to support the Department of Defense’s efforts to maintain the military end-strength necessary for “backstopping diplomacy, confronting aggression, deterring conflict, projecting strength, and protecting the American people,” as articulated in the National Security Strategy and emphasized by the National Defense Strategy. A top priority of the agency is to register males, ages 18-25, to help ensure a fair and equitable draft lottery should the country mobilize in response to a national emergency. Registration is required by law, and today, there are 15 million males, currently registered, representing about 84 percent of all men required to register nationwide.

Men who fail to register may lose their eligibility for student loans and grant programs for college, federal employment, employment with many state and local governments, and federally funded job training. Immigrant males living in the U.S. who fail to register will not be eligible for U.S. Citizenship until age 31.

No one knows what tomorrow will bring or what exactly will test our national resolve. As a readiness organization, the Selective Service is committed to building enduring partnerships across America, modernizing its capabilities, and continually improving upon its performance so that it can remain prepared to always support the defense of our nation.

This mission starts with all men, ages 18-25, registering with the Selective Service. To register with the Selective Service, please visit sss.gov and register today. Our nation is counting on you.