Procedures

• Step 1:

  Students can use the following handout to take notes as they view the collection of video clips.

  Handout: Selective Service (Google Doc)

  As a class, view the video clip below to provide background information on the Selective Service. Use the questions that follow to guide class discussion.

  Video Clip 1: Selective Service (1:25)

  Selective Service Director Don Benton discusses the mission of the Selective Service.

  1. What is the Selective Service?

  2. According to Don Benton, why does the country need the Selective Service?

  3. Explain the mission of the service.

• Step 2:

  Have students view the videos below individually, as a whole class or as a jigsaw activity. Use the questions below to engage in class discussion or have students present their information to the class if this is completed as a jigsaw activity.

  Video Clip 2: Selective Service: Conscription (1:02)

  Selective Service Director Don Benton explains the process of implementing a draft should it become necessary.

  1. Who decides to implement a draft?

  2. Explain the process of enforcing a draft.

• Video Clip 3: Registering with the Selective Service (3:03)

  Don Benton discusses the law that requires young men to register with the Selective Service.

  1. Explain the law that requires men to register with the Selective Service.

  2. What penalties are imposed on people who do not register?

  3. Explain the relationship between the Selective Service and a conscientious objector.

• Video Clip 4: Women and the Selective Service (1:29)

  Don Benton discusses the issue of requiring women to register with the Selective Service.

  1. Describe the issue regarding women registering with the Selective Service.

• Video Clip 5: Selective Service: Deferment (2:25)

  Don Benton discusses deferment during a conscription.

  1. Describe the process of conscription and deferment as Don Benton discusses.

• Step 3:

  As an exit slip, ask students to respond to the following questions:

  • Should the U.S. maintain the Selective Service System? Explain your reasoning.

  • Should women be required to register with the Selective Service? Justify your response.

  • What changes to the system would you suggest?