My son Todd is a junior at Iowa State and is a member of the Inter-Residence Hall Association. He had to leave his studies mid-semester for the second time this year, as he was called to active duty in the Army Reserves. A staff writer called me, Todd’s mother, to ask me how I felt about this in Emily Oliver’s Nov. 17 article, “IRHA member called to active duty in reserves for second time this year.”

I have another son who is 19 years old. Upon his 18th birthday, he also registered for the Selective Service as ordered by our government. I understood the Selective Service was reinstated so, if the need arose, the government would have a listing of our young men available for the draft. But why just our young men? What about all the intelligent young women who could also contribute to the many positions that need to be filled in our armed forces?

So many jobs in the military do not include fighting on the front lines (women on the front lines is an entirely different issue) … jobs our educated, capable young women could fill. I don’t understand why only young men need register. Isn’t this a hugely gender-biased mistake by our government on the hill? Say they do reinstate the draft. Does that mean our guys are called to serve, while the gals stay behind and get the education and the jobs? Couldn’t this discrimination be challenged for legality?

My son made a commitment to the Army Reserves. His family is proud and respects this commitment. He will serve proudly in whatever capacity they order him. My other son would also serve if the draft was reinstated and he was called. What about our young women? Shouldn’t they be on the Selective Service list, too?

Tammy Voss

Schaller