Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Volunteer for the Selective Service?

Folks are needed from our area to represent our community on the Selective Service Local Board.

A Selective Service Local Board is a group of five citizen volunteers whose mission, upon a draft, will be to decide who among the registrants in their community will receive deferments, postponements or exemption from military service based on the individual registrant's circumstances and beliefs.

How Local Board Members are Appointed
Local Board members are appointed by the Director of Selective Service in the name of the President, on recommendations made by their respective state governors or an equivalent public official. If you are interested in serving as a Local Board member, you may apply online for an application package.

Some requirements to be a board member are that they be:
  • U.S. citizens
  • at least 18 years old
  • not a retired or active member of the Armed Forces or any Reserve component
  • live in the area in which the board has jurisdiction
  • be willing to spend enough time at the position
During Peacetime
The Board Member program is one of the primary components of the Selective Service System. Over 11,000 volunteers are currently trained in Selective Service regulations and procedures so that if a draft is reinstated, they will be able to fulfill their obligations fairly and equitably. Board members undergo an initial
5-hour training session and then participate in annual training in which they review sample cases similar to real-life situations.

During a Draft
Registrants with low lottery numbers will be ordered to report for a physical, mental and moral evaluation at a Military Entrance Processing Station to determine whether they are fit for military service. Once a person is notified of the results of the evaluation, the registrant will be given 10 days to file a claim for exemption, postponement or deferment. At that time, board members will begin reviewing and deciding the outcome of the individual registrant's case. They may personally interview the registrant and persons who know the person to gain a better understanding of his situation. A registrant may appeal a Local Board's decision to a Selective Service District Appeal Board.

Their website.  Go here for local board member information and application request.

For more information, contact Edward Medina, (720) 941-1670 ext. 108, Program Analyst, Selective Service System.
 

No comments: