Selective Service Act

Selective Service Act
1. (1917) a national conscription bill passed by Congress on April 28, 1917, after U.S. entry into World War I. It expanded the regular army and allowed for the federalization of the National Guard. It prohibited substitutes and bounties, but allowed for certain deferments. It also included moral reforms prohibiting prostitution and liquor sales to soldiers.

2. (1940) a national conscription act passed by Congress on September 16, 1940, prior to U.S. entry into World War II. The nation's first prewar draft act, it initially obligated draftees to serve for one year but was altered in December 1941 to extend the period and scope of service. Deferments were limited and dissent was reflected in antidraft incidents. The Selective Service drafted a total of 10.1 million men under the act.

3. (1948) a draft law passed in June 1948 in response to escalating Cold War tensions. It required all men between 18 and 26 to register for the draft and that established rules for liability to induction and reserve duty. It also proposed student deferment guidelines for the first time. It required twenty-one months of service for individuals selescted by their local draft boards. A high rate of volunteer enlistments prompted a suspension of the act in March 1949. On June 22, 1950 Congress extended the draft act for the Korean War.