U.S. women may soon be required to register for the military draft [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

U.S. women may soon be required to register for the military draft

By Patricia Zengerle
Reuters
April 28, 2016

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American women could be required to register for the military draft as soon as next year under an amendment to a defense policy bill passed by a House of Representatives committee on Thursday, and supported by some key members of the Senate.

The House Armed Services Committee voted 32-30 to pass an amendment to the $602 billion National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, that would require women aged 18-26 to register for the selective service, once all combat roles are open to women.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced last year that all combat positions would be open to women, which immediately prompted calls that women should be required to register. The U.S. military has been an all-volunteer force since the 1970s, but young men have been required to register in case the draft is reactivated.

Republican Representative Duncan Hunter, a former Marine who does not want women drafted and opposes their inclusion in special operations or infantry units, said he introduced the amendment to start a discussion.

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-women-may-soon-required-register-military-draft-215257823.html?nhp=1