Teen girl hopes to open selective service to women
No one has been drafted into the U.S. Military since the Vietnam War. But now that women have been given a chance to service in any combat role they choose, why not have them sign up for the draft as well? They would join men ages 18-25 in being required to register with the selective service system. Some members of Congress like the idea, and so does one young woman who is trying to make it a reality.
Elizabeth Kyle-Labell played softball, went to homecoming dances, and made her mom so proud at graduation. She's a typical teenager, but she's also a trailblazer, she thinks it is time women registered for the draft.
"I've always felt strongly about gender equality since I was little," said Elizabeth Kyle-Labell.
So strongly that she's now the face of a class action lawsuit, she's suing to have women register for the selective service.
2016 is the year that all military jobs are open to qualified women without exception.
"They'll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars, lead infantry into combat, serve as Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy Seals, Marine Corps Infantry, Air Force paratroopers, and everything else previously open only to men," said Ash Carter.
Right now women are training for those roles, the Army, and Marine Corps chiefs also say women should register for the draft too.
"It's great they actually said that women should be required to register for the draft because that's a big deal, they're military generals," said Kyle-Labell.
Elizabeth tried to register twice and was rejected. She brought her lawsuit last Summer, well ahead of all the recent whirlwind changes, and her public fight has brought criticism even from her friends.
"They all give me their support, but some of them don't agree with me necessarily, but they give me their full support," said Kyle-Labell.
Of course, there has not been a draft since 1973, there is currently a volunteer force. But for Elizabeth, it's about having true equality. She hopes registering will become a universal rite of passage for all Americans regardless of gender.