Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Duty of U.S. males

Friday, May 19, 2000 | 9:49 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

EVERY MALE CITIZEN of the United States of America is required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days after his 18th birthday. It may be a federal law, but young Americans are treating it like a parking ticket and not the felony it is. By the end of 1999 only 84 percent of male Nevadans born in 1980 had registered as required, according to a government report.

The recently released figures reflect an attitude that in the long run isn't healthy for our state or nation. Failing to register can result in a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in a federal prison. Seldom is any person prosecuted for not registering, so why not just blow it off like other responsibilities of citizenship are ignored. This same age group is among the lowest percentage of Americans going to the polls during elections.

Nobody has been drafted since 1973 when our military forces became voluntary. In 1980 it again became a requirement to register for a possible draft if an emergency is faced. During that period of time, there was much discussion about the value of every male being required to do some military service. Even the discussion of such a possibility drew plenty of political fire from many Americans still whining about the Vietnam War. Probably the one group of Americans doing the least complaining were the men who actually participated in Vietnam combat. A Washington Post poll showed that 91 percent of them were "glad they served their country."

Certainly there isn't an anti-military attitude among the young people. If anything, there appears to be a greater interest in our military forces today than there was back 20 years ago. Our success in the Gulf War and several first-class (also a few stinkers) movies with strong military themes has gained much favorite attention.

So what is happening? A recent news story in USA Today noted that, "Public high schools would have to give military recruiters the same access they give colleges and private-sector representatives under a provision attached to a $310 billion defense bill headed for Senate action. The Armed Services Committee said high schools barred military recruiters more than 19,000 times last year. The uniformed services are facing serious shortfalls in recruiting and retention. A provision that would have denied federal education funds to schools that violate the proposed law was dropped because of Democratic objections."

Last week I went out to watch our local Co. F, 2d Battalion, 23d Marines in a live fire exercise on the desert range of Nellis Air Force Base near Indian Springs. Prior to leaving for the range, I had the opportunity to ask some USMC recruiters if they were being denied access to any high schools in Clark County. There wasn't a complaint among them. I asked specifically about the attitude of one principal toward the military, and the recruiter assigned to his school replied that he fully cooperates.

So what is the problem resulting in only 84 percent of eligible Nevadans registering with the Selective Service? Sure, this is a higher percentage than 15 other states are experiencing, but it is also less than another 23 states. What interests me is the 16 percent failing to register in the Silver State.

When all is said and done, I have to believe that with very little being said about registration, large numbers of youngsters aren't giving it much thought. Because nothing happens to those who don't register, they are probably procrastinating and planning on doing it "tomorrow or next week" if they find time.

How about bosses, teachers, parents and grandparents reminding young people on their 18th birthday to register to vote. Oh yes, and if they are male, to also register for the Selective Service at the same time. It's the law and a civic responsibility.