Selective Service Clarifies: ‘Trans-Women’ Are Not Exempt from the Military Draft
The Selective Service requires trans-women (also known as men) to register for the draft, but leaves out women who transitioned to male. This is not a new policy, however news outlets are only now picking up on the story, since the Selective Service Twitter account somewhat awkwardly pointed out that all males need to register. The post prompted parents to follow the link to the Selective Service website for more information about who is required by law to sign up.
The tweet angered some users, who felt it was a harsh reminder that the government can conscript their children at any time to give their life for any cause the government deems necessary.
“US citizens or immigrants who are born male and changed their gender to female are still required to register. Individuals who are born female and changed their gender to male are not required to register.”
Selective Service official website
As it stands currently, the United States requires all males to register for the Selective Service 30 days after turning 18. Failure to register could result in possible fines, imprisonment, rejection of federal employment and/or denial of acquiring student loans. Adult males are eligible for conscription until the age of 26, at which time they are no longer within the age range to be selected. Though registration remains active, the draft has not been used since 1973, near the end of the Vietnam War.
There has been a significant push in recent years to include females in the draft, requiring all women ages 18-26 to register, the same as their male counterparts, a policy that the White House is in favor of.
“The policy pre-dates the Biden administration, but the White House expressed support for all people to be included in the draft last year.“
“The administration supports section 513 and the registration requirement for all citizens, which further ensures a military selective system that is fair and just.”
Fox News, The White House regarding the NDAA
That being said, the Selective Service may be the only government agency that recognizes the fact that “trans-women” are still men, and possess the biological attributes and advantages of males.
Males have a clear physical advantage over females, and are better suited for combat positions. For multiple years, the military tried to pretend that the biological differences wouldn’t be a problem, and that men and women could pass the same physical fitness test without a hitch. This however, was incorrect, and making a gender-neutral test created an environment where either fitness standards were lowered, or fewer females passed the test.
“After three years of complaints and debate, the Army has scrapped its move to have a physical fitness test that is gender- and age-neutral, and will now allow women and older soldiers to pass while meeting some reduced standards.”
“The RAND research organization confirmed that men were passing the new six-event fitness test at a much higher rate than women.”
U.S. News
In 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that allows “all qualified Americans” to serve in the military, specifically siting transgender individuals. The executive order states, “there is substantial evidence that allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military does not have any meaningful negative impact on the Armed Forces.”
The Selective Service explains that of those who are registered, if randomly drafted, individuals are “examined for mental, physical, and moral fitness by the military” prior to being accepted into the Armed Forces. But the President’s executive order claims that transgender individuals, people who suffer from gender dysphoria — a mental illness, are a great addition to the military. After all, “diversity is our strength,” right?
The military talks a big game on inclusivity, even forcing service members to watch trainings on proper pronoun use, but at the end of the day, they are aware that transgender women are still biological men. They feel comfortable casting a wide net to make sure that everyone is included in their mandatory programs.
