Service in the American army: why are immigrants registered and should they be conscripted

On service in the American army and military accounting for immigrants to the United States told the publication MamaAmerica.

Photo: Shutterstock

The most important thing to know about the US Army is that it is voluntary. If the United States does not have enough military personnel, then mobilization is announced, as it was in the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War, when there were not enough military personnel and volunteers. It is in such cases that the recruitment of soldiers is carried out in the United States. And how is the military accounting in the USA and what do immigrants need to know about it?

If a country needs military personnel, then a lottery is used to recruit soldiers for paid military service. The most recent draft was during the Vietnam War in 1973. Then 646 people were called up. But this does not exempt young people from registering with the American equivalent of the military registration and enlistment office - Selective Service System.

Service in the US Army is a privilege, not a duty. The military is the most protected class of society and people of conscription age are more likely to enlist in the army than vice versa. Since the army gives a lot of bonuses in everyday life.

On the subject: The US Army has restored dozens of previously excluded immigrants in the service.

Who needs to register with the Selective Service

Men (citizens or immigrants) between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service. Citizens must register within 30 days of turning 18, and new immigrants within 30 days of crossing the U.S. border. Holders of a tourist, student or diplomatic visa do not need to register.

How to register with Selective Service

You can choose the most suitable method:

1. Register online by link.
2. Print the registration form, fill out and send to the address indicated in the form.
3. Ask for a registration form at any post office (USPS), fill it out and send it by mail.
4. Fill out a return notification card if you received it by mail on your 18th birthday.
5. Register in parallel with your application for federal student aid.
6. If a US citizen resides overseas, then he can apply to the US Consulate.

Photo: Shutterstock

What will happen after registration with the Selective Service

After registration, a letter is sent by mail with a Selective Service registration card confirming the registration. If a young man filled out a questionnaire by mail, then confirmation usually comes in the interval from 1 to 3 months. When registering on-line - within three weeks.

The maximum period for receiving confirmation is 90 days. If during this time the letter has not arrived, you need to call 1-847-688-6888 and follow the instructions.

How the call is carried out

If Congress and the president approve of the mobilization, the Selective Service will begin recruiting registered men between the ages of 18 and 25. Men will be called in the order of the queue determined by a random lottery number and year of birth. First of all, 20-year-olds and older are called, and then - 18 and 19-year-olds.

This is followed by a check on the subject of mental, physical and moral fitness for military service.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

What happens if you DO NOT register with the Selective Service

1. You will not be eligible for federal student aid.
2. Will be denied work in the federal authorities.
3. They can be prosecuted and sentenced to a fine of up to $ 250 and / or imprisonment for up to five years.
4. May be denied in the future in obtaining citizenship.

If you later provide evidence that the lack of registration was for a good reason, then the above sanctions can be avoided.

What are the privileges of the army in the United States

Free education. Those who have served in the US Army are eligible for free higher education (bachelor's degree) and scholarships throughout the course of their studies.

Housing payment compensation. For military personnel, the army pays housing costs, including rent and all utilities. The military is also eligible for preferential mortgage terms (no down payment and with a reduced interest rate).

Premium health insurance. Full-time military personnel are entitled to free medical care. The military who are part of the reserve and the National Guard receive benefits when paying for health insurance.

High salaries and financial compensation for food and textbooks (for students). A rookie salary starts at $ 1 per month. Senior officers earn from $ 760 per month. In addition to this, the military receives funds to pay for food for the whole family. There is also a compensation for textbook costs for students.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Forbidden tattoos and a private president: 10 interesting facts about the US Army

Older than the country itself: 5 interesting facts about the US Army

US citizenship test: all questions and answers in Russian

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.