Serve your local community and your Nation at the same time!

The Selective Service System wants to hear from men and women in the community who might be willing to serve as members of local draft boards. Even though there is no draft today, we must be ready in case a national emergency requires Selective Service to provide additional personnel to augment our volunteer U.S. Armed Forces. Board members are volunteers who play an important role in their community and are closely connected with our Nation's defense. If a military draft becomes necessary, Local Boards would decide which young men receive deferments, postponements, or exemptions from military service based on federal guidelines.

Board Members, once appointed, can remain on the board for up to 20 years. "Local board members really love serving on these boards because they know they are serving their country in a unique way, they find it really interesting and they choose to stay as long as they can," said Tony Libri, who serves as the State Director for the Illinois Selective Service System. "Many of our current board members have reached their maximum time allowed, so now is the time for new board members to begin their service."

There is a need to fill vacant board positions all across Illinois, especially in your local county. Local Board Members must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and must have registered with Selective Service, if required. They may not be active, reserve, or guard members of the Armed Forces. Nor can they be retired military or employed in a law enforcement occupation. Local boards are comprised of five citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Director of Selective Service on behalf of the President. In fact, you get a Presidential Appointment captured on an official personalized certificate!

If you are looking for a way to be of service to your community and to your country, consider becoming a Selective Service Local Board Member. In our present state, your volunteer role would amount to giving only a few hours per year as a local board member. Attention college graduates and job seekers; imagine this resume highlight: "Presidentially appointed local board member volunteering for my county, as well as, our country in the Selective Service System administering duties which are vital to our national defense."

If you are interested or have any further questions, contact the Selective Service at: Christopher.brennan@sss.gov, call our Region Headquarters at 847-688-7993, or visit the Selective Service web site at: www.sss.gov (click on tab labeled "Volunteer", then click on "Board Member Program").