and excitement of the school year— classes, friends, sports and other activ- ities—there’s something very important young men should notforget: Within 30 days of their 18th birthday, they must register with the Selective Service. Thereare several reasons. First, it’s the law. Failure to registeris a lot more seriousthan failing a test. You could be fined up to $250,000 or even sent to prison for up to five years—or both. Young men can start the school year off right and demonstrate their sense of responsibility. ting a driver's license (orcitizenship if you've immigratedto the U.S.Ifthat’s the 1. You'll probably get a card in the mail. Simplyfill it out and postit back. Next, notregistering may mean notget- case, you should know theSelective Service System has not now, orin the past, collected or shared any information that would indicate a man’s immigration status, either documented or undocument- ed. Selective Service has no authority to collect such information, has no use for it, andit is irrelevant to the registration requirement.). Not registering can also keep you from getting jobs, job train- ing, scholarships and studentloans. ‘This includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Direct Stafford Loans/ PLUS Loans, National Direct Student Loans, and College Work-Study. What’s more, it’s your civic duty. By registering all eligible men, Selective Service ensures a fair and equitable draft, if ever required, though there hasn’t been onesince 1973. Fortunately, registration is easy. Here are five ways to doso: 2. If not, you can find Selective Service mail-back registration formsat any U.S. post office. Fill one out, affix postage, and mail it to Selective Service. You don't even haveto ask the postal clerk. Menliving overseas mayregister at any U.S. Embassy or consularoffice. 3. If you're applying to college, you can check “Register Me” on Box #22 on the application form for federal student financial aid (FAFSA). The Departmentof Education will furnish Selective Service with the required registration information. 4. If you're in high school, chancesare there's a staff memberor teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar and he or she can guide you throughtheregistration process. 5. Perhaps simplestofall, you can go to wwwssss.gov/Registration/Register-Now/ Registration-Form andfill out the form online. Learn More For further information about registering, so you'll have one less thing to think about during the school year, go to WWW.SSS.QOV.
