The Draft: How it might work. A Primer.This information is not etched in stone, it can be changed by Congress or affected by rulemaking. 1. Congress must pass legislation to begin reinstate the draft process. The Selective Service System may give as much as 3 months notice (according to current regulations) before it institutes a draft. A student can apply for an exemption to finish his current semester in college. 2. If you are interested in attaining a conscientious objector (CO) status, you should put together a portfolio of letters of support early. The letters need to document a long-held, principled or religious opposition to war of any kind. The Selective Service System does not permit a person to pick and choose a specific war to object to. It should not merely state that wars are not effective strategies. 3. An induction notice will be sent to the address that Selective Service has for you that appears on your Selective Service "Registration Acknowledgement Card." To change that address you can use the "Change of Information Form" attached to the card, or you can do it online at: http://www.sss.gov. If it does not reach you because you didn't register your address change with them it's your fault, they will not give you extra time. 4. Ten days after the date on the induction notice (not 10 days after you receive it), the Selective Service System will "request" that you appear at a given location for your physical. Be aware that Canada is not necessarily going to be receptive to harboring Americans avoiding the draft. 5. If you wish CO status, you must meet with your local Draft Board with your documentation. A classification program would go into effect when Congress and the President decide to resume a draft. Then, men who are qualified for induction would have the opportunity to file a claim for exemptions, deferments, and postponements from military service. You cannot attain CO status before you receive an Induction Notice. 6. If the Draft Board turns down your request (even unanimously), you may appeal a Local Board's decision to a Selective Service District Appeal Board. If the Appeal Board also denies the claim, but the vote is not unanimous, you may further appeal the decision to the National Appeal Board. 7. The Draft Board will be looking for certain information to be convinced of your sincerity as well as your opposition to all wars. They may ask you specific questions. Look at the web sites below for more information, or contact MDMC. 8. The Selective Service System web site, http://www.sss.gov , has information about CO status and regulations and procedures. It includes information about deferments for physical and mental impairments. 9. The following web sites have information about military service issues: For more information or free counseling, contact: Larry Dansinger/MDMC Rob Pfeiffer Maine Draft and Military Counselors provides draft and military counseling throughout Maine. It is a non-profit organization, and not a part of the Selective Service System or any other government agency.
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