<p>I know parents are going to start drafting their FAFSA's before long. Most male students, age 18 to 25, must be registered with Selective Service to be considered for Federal Aid. There is a question that says something like "If you are not already registered, check here to be registered." </p>
<p>I have seen some parents (mostly moms) have an absolute meltdown on this. They will refuse to fill out the FAFSA beyond that question. </p>
<p>Folks, it is the LAW that your male student register with selective service at age 18. It is the law whether or not the kid goes to college or flips burgers for the next thirty years. </p>
<p>If you don't like the law, write your congress people. Meanwhile, it can be helpful to know that part of the powerful reaction to this question is realizing that one's darling is about to be out there in the big, very scary, world. </p>
<p>If your son is 17, you can check "Register Me" and your son will get a nice postcard from selective service saying the registration did not happen, but please do register at age 18. </p>
<p>A peace activist I know advises that people tend to fight the last war. During the Vietnam War, kids in college could get deferments from the draft. IF (big IF) the draft were re-instated tomorrow, no one should count on the deferments (or go to Canada option) would be the same as they were 40 years ago. He advised any 18 year old male to write a letter documenting his feelings about service and about serving during a war (Two separate topics) and then mailing that letter to oneself (so it is stamped with a date). This can be the cornerstone of an appeal, should one be necessary. </p>
<p>Please, please, parents, separate out financial worries from worries about (a currently non existent) draft. I know of one family who got hung up on this question, did not finish the FAFSa and paid full price at an expensive school. Their son was in NO WAY protected from the selective service because of their choice not to fill out the FAFSA. </p>
<p>Good luck, all!</p>