The Selective Service System has proposed revamping the draft to include the registration of women, expanding the age limits and requiring that young Americans keep the government informed about those critical skills most valuable to the military. The proposal, presented to the Pentagon before the invasion of Iraq by the agency's acting Director Lewis Brodsky, would extend the age of draft registration to 34 years old, up from 25. It was revealed by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which obtained the plan under the Freedom of Information Act.
"In line with today's needs, the Selective Service System's structure, programs and activities should be re-engineered toward maintaining a national inventory of American men and, for the first time, women, ages 18 through 34, with an added focus on identifying individuals with critical skills," the agency said in a Feb. 11, 2003, proposal presented to ...