By Montana Leggett | Press Corps Counselor

Turning 18 years old brings exciting opportunities like college or the chance to join the work force, but it also brings a number of important responsibilities including registering for the Selective Service System.

The Selective Service may seem confusing at times but Badger Boys State hopes to help its citizens confidently register.

According to the Selective Service, all men living in the United States between 18 and 26 years old must register with the Selective Service. They must register within 30 days of turning 18 or they may not be eligible for certain opportunities.

Federal and state student loans, placement in federal and state funded job training programs, federal and state government jobs and getting/renewing a driver’s license are some of the potential opportunities men may not be eligible for if they do not register for the Selective Service.

The Selective Service is an independent agency within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government and registering for it is not the same as signing up to become a member of the military. The Selective Service will call men in the event of a national emergency and has an alternative program for conscientious objectors to military service.

BBS Assistant Director of Bank and Post Office and the Wisconsin State Director for Selective Service, John Cumicek, will be at the Friday career fair with more information and is available for questions.

Check out www.sss.gov for more details and an in-depth Q&A.