The United States government will implement an automatic registration system for mandatory military service starting in December, a measure that seeks to simplify the registration process and reduce administrative costs, according to a proposal under review by federal authorities.

The change affects most men between the ages of 18 and 25, who are currently They are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS), but must do so individually.

With the new regulations, registration will be done automatically through federal databases, eliminating the need for self-registration.

A change to simplify the process and reduce costs

The Selective Service System (SSS), the government agency that maintains a database of men who must be called to service in the event of a national emergency, submitted a proposed regulation to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30, according to the office's website.

Currently, men must register within 30 days of turning 18 years, with the possibility of registering later until age 26. However, in recent years registration rates have declined, partly due to the elimination of automatic mechanisms linked to processes such as student loans.

With the new system, the responsibility for registration will fall directly to the federal government, which will integrate information from different agencies to complete the process without individual intervention.

Legislators who championed the measure, such as Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan,They have indicated that the change will allow funds to be redirected toward military preparation and mobilization, instead of being used for information campaigns to encourage registration.

No active draft, but penalties in place

The United States has not activated the draft since 1973, during the Vietnam War, and since then the Armed Forces have operated with volunteer personnel. However, registration in the Selective Service System remains a legal requirement should Congress authorize a draft in a national emergency.

Although the president can raise the need for a draft, implementing a draft requires congressional approval to amend existing legislation.

Failure to register in the system remains a federal crime. Penalties include fines of up to $250,000, prison sentences of up to five years, and the loss of access to benefits such as student financial aid, federal jobs, and job training programs.

In the case of immigrants, non-compliance can affect naturalization processes. The regulations stipulate that men will be automatically registered within 30 days of turning 18. In contrast, women remain exempt from this obligation, although in recent years some legislators have attempted to include them in the system, without success in Congress. The announcement comes in an international context marked by tensions, including the recent conflict with Iran, which has reignited public debate about the possibility of eventual military conscription, although the White House has indicated that it is not part of current plans.federal jobs and job training programs. In the case of immigrants, noncompliance can affect naturalization processes.

The regulations stipulate that men will be automatically registered within 30 days of turning 18. In contrast, women remain exempt from this obligation, although in recent years some legislators have attempted to include them in the system, without success in Congress.

The announcement comes in an international context marked by tensions, including the recent conflict with Iran, which has reignited public debate about the possibility of eventual military conscription, although the White House has indicated that it is not part of current plans.