Selective Service Act of 1948

The Selective Service Act of 1948 established a system for requiring American men to register for potential military conscription, or the draft. It was enacted to ensure the U.S. could quickly mobilize troops in case of war or national emergency. Under this law, eligible males aged 18 to 26 had to register with the government, which maintained a pool of potential draftees. The act aimed to organize and streamline the process of conscription, providing a means for the government to raise an army rapidly if needed, while also balancing voluntary service and national security requirements.