Military Service Requirement for American Males

Okay so, I'm really confused. I've heard quite a few times that American men are obligated to join the military. Is this true? Or is it something from the past? Can someone clear this up for me, please?

The United States does not currently have mandatory military service. However, it is true that most U.S. males between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System. This does not mean you are joining the military; it's essentially a way for the government to keep track of eligible men in case a military draft is necessary.

The Selective Service System was established to provide a fair and equitable system of conscription, or drafting, if the U.S. ever faces a situation requiring rapid expansion of its armed forces beyond the levels that can be achieved through voluntary recruitment. Since the Vietnam War, however, the U.S. has relied on an all-volunteer military, and no draft has been held. Any such draft would necessitate an act of Congress, signed into law by the President.

So while American men do have to register with Selective Service, it doesn't obligate them to military service under current conditions. It's important to note that failure to register can lead to penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and ineligibility for certain benefits such as federal grants for college. However, this does not affect most people in practice as they rarely check, and you have until your 26th birthday to register.