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Retired Non-Commissioned Officer, Rae A. Rouse, Sworn in as the Selective Service System’s Virgin Islands State Director

Retired Non-Commissioned Officer, Rae A. Rouse, Sworn in as the Selective Service System’s Virgin Islands State Director

June 8, 2023

ROSSLYN, VA: Today, Rae A. Rouse, a retired non-commissioned officer (NCO) with the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, was sworn in as the Selective Service System’s Virgin Islands State Director by acting Director of Selective Service Joel C. Spangenberg.

Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., who nominated Mr. Rouse for this position, participated in today’s ceremony at the Government House, 2nd Floor Ballroom, 5047 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas.

Governor Bryan said, “Mr. Rouse is a trusted and respected member of his community, decorated retired Army National Guard NCO, and successful businessman. Given Rae’s versatile military and professional background, he is the right person for the job. The Virgin Islands stands ready to support our Nation in times of national emergency, and part of that commitment means partnering with the Selective Service.”

Acting Director Spangenberg said, “Mr. Rouse’s career of serving the Nation and the people of the Virgin Islands as a member of the Virgin Islands National Guard has prepared him to excel in this important Selective Service System role. State Director Rouse will undoubtedly advance the Selective Service System mission across the Virgin Islands, leading efforts to strengthen our readiness capabilities in close collaboration with government officials, educators, and community leaders.”

“It is an honor and privilege to join the Selective Service System and continue serving our Nation in this important role. We do not know what the future may hold, and it is vitally important that the Selective Service is ready to support the military personnel needs of our Nation in times of national emergency. As the Virgin Islands State Director, I am committed to proactively working to ensure that we can fairly and rapidly mobilize operations in the Virgin Islands if called upon to do so,” said Mr. Rouse.

Mr. Rouse, who served with distinction as a combat decorated NCO in the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, held numerous leadership positions during his more than 24 years of service, culminating with his ascension to Administrative NCO for Readiness, Mobilization, and Logistics and Planning. He previously served as the Administrative and Supply NCO for the Army National Guard.

Today, he serves as a civilian security officer to Major General Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker, Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, and owns a family-oriented grocery store.

Mr. Rouse received numerous awards for his military service, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal, among numerous others.

Mr. Rouse earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Florida Memorial University in 1991.

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Federal law requires all male citizens, as well as male non-citizens residing in the U.S., to register with Selective Service System 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 benefits, including state-level student financial aid, federal job training and employment, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants.
The Selective Service System seeks volunteers to serve on its Local Boards and as State Resource Volunteers. Interested citizen-volunteers can apply at sss.gov.