Obama Backs Women Signing Up for Draft Selection

President Barack Obama has thrown his support behind women registering for the Selective Service.

"The President highly values the service of men and women who comprise our All-Volunteer force and have proven their mettle in our missions worldwide, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq," Ned Price, spokesman for the National Security Council, told CNN.

"And as old barriers for military service are being removed, the Administration supports — as a logical next step — women registering for the Selective Service."

The announcement is a change from from the White House's previous position of being neutral.

The Selective Service system stores information on Americans who may be eligible to be drafted into military service. There has been no draft since the early 70s when the Vietnam War was raging.

"It makes sense for women to register for Selective Service just as men must," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told USA Today.

Earlier this year, Defense Secretary Ash Carter opened all combat roles to women.

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