SALISBURY — The local volunteer board in Rowan County for the Selective Service System, commonly called “the draft,” is seeking volunteers.

After an application process and approval by Gov. Roy Cooper, anyone selected would complete an at-home Powerpoint training module and then have minimal duties.

“People are not even aware that there is even such a role,” said Lt. Col. Chris Castro. He is a reserve forces officer for the Selective Service System, and his main duty is to recruit locally for these boards.

Although there currently is not an overseas draft, board members would have the responsibility of deciding which men in their community would receive deferments, postponements or exemptions from military service in the event that a draft was put into place.

“The local board members play an important role in our nation’s security,” Castro said.

The Selective Service System is a cabinet-level position in Washington D.C. that manages the registration of men for the draft and would implement it if called by Congress and the president. The last draft ended in 1973 during the Vietnam War, but 18- to 25-year-old men still have to register.

The first drafts in the United States were called during the Civil War. An estimated 1.86 million men were drafted via the Selective Service in the most recent American military conscription during the Vietnam War, according to the Selective Service website. This draft provoked anti-draft protests and evasion by failing to register or leaving the country. It was punishable by fines and jail time.

However, men can sometimes receive formal deferments, postponements or exemptions. In the event of a draft, local boards receive and decide on claims that are filed based on their training. For example, men can file a claim as a conscientious objector due to their moral, ethical or religious opposition to participation in war.

Around 2,000 local draft boards exist nationally, including across North Carolina. The boards are made up of five members, and the Rowan County board currently has two vacancies.

Board members must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen that lives in the area of the board’s jurisdiction and registered with the Selective Service if they are male. Moreover, the members cannot be in law enforcement or prosecutorial role, have a conviction of a criminal offense or be a retired member of the military. Though, members can be a veteran.

The application process for the 20-year appointment includes an application that is reviewed by the regional Selective Service System in Atlanta as well as Cooper’s office, as the governor ultimately appoints members. Board members are non-compensated volunteers that have few meetings or phone calls when there is not a draft in place.

Any interested in volunteering can contact Castro at 840-395-8588.