selective service

noun

1. compulsory military service.

selective service

noun

1. (formerly) compulsory military service under which men were conscripted selectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of selective service¹

First recorded in 1919

Example Sentences

This year, a Democratic amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act will automatically register every male citizen and resident aged 18-26 in the selective service database.

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In addition to strength, stamina and ergonomic shoes, a job with the postal service requires a clean record, two years of safe driving, and a selective service registration.

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But some Republicans are signaling a broader divide that is deepening over culture war battles playing out in the NDAA, beyond the measure to expand selective service.

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I was sent to wait out the remainder of the day before being taken back to my local selective service board and returning home to Southern Maryland.

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At the time, many of the GOP lawmakers objected to provisions in the bill making women eligible to register for the selective service draft.

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