Michael A. Smith, Active Community Leader, Business Executive, and Former U.S. Army Infantry Officer, Sworn In as Connecticut State Director

“The Selective Service registration represents an additional tier of support to our Nation’s all-volunteer military in the event of a national emergency…”

Rosslyn, VA: Today, active community leader and former U.S Army Infantry officer, Michael A. Smith, was sworn in as the Connecticut State Director by retired U.S. Air Force COL Thomas Kenney, Selective Service System Acting Associate Director of Operations and Region I Director. Mr. Smith was nominated for this leadership position by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. The swearing-in ceremony was held this morning at the National Guard Joint Headquarters in Hartford, CT.

“The Selective Service registration represents an additional tier of support to our Nation’s all-volunteer military in the event of a national emergency and factors into the Department of Defense’s efforts to maintain military readiness. It is an honor and privilege to serve as Connecticut State Director and support this mission by ensuring that young men, ages, 18-25, across our state are aware of the federal law and register with the Selective Service System,” Mr. Smith said.

Mr. Smith, who is an experienced financial professional, is an active volunteer in his local community. He dedicates his time as a volunteer first responder with the North Haven Community Emergency Response Team, serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the West Point Society of Connecticut, and has coached numerous youth soccer and basketball teams in multiple communities around Connecticut.

COL Kenney said, “Mr. Smith has served his country in the U.S. Army with honor and distinction, built a successful career as a financial planning strategist; and through volunteerism, is making a difference in the lives of so many in his community. He is a true leader who we are fortunate to have as a teammate at the Selective Service System. He’s the right person for the job and will lead our efforts in Connecticut to ensure all young men are registering with the Selective Service.”

Mr. Smith is a West Point graduate and lives in North Haven, CT and has two grown sons, Michael and Isaiah.

Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. At 26, a man becomes too old to register. Those who do not comply are ineligible for numerous federally funded benefits, educational benefits, job training, government employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants.

Selective Service seeks volunteers to serve on Selective Service Local Boards. Interested citizen-volunteers can apply at www.sss.gov.

For more information about Registration or the Selective Service, please call the Public and Intergovernmental Affairs office at (703) 605-4100.