SSS computer system crash

In the aftermath of the US drone strike that killed the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in Baghdad, the phrase “World War III” began trending on social media.

More startlingly, a US government agency which registers young men for a potential military draft saw its website crash.

“Due to the spread of misinformation,” the Selective Service System (SSS) tweeted on Friday, “our website is experiencing high traffic volumes at this time … We appreciate your patience.”

It added that it was “conducting business as usual” and emphasised that a return to the draft is not imminent: “In the event that a national emergency necessitates a draft, Congress and the president would need to pass official legislation.”

On Saturday, as Twitter panic subsided, the SSS website was up and running, if slowly.

  Guardian

MAYBE it was due to high traffic.  Maybe it was due to Iranians (or their allies) letting the US government know they're capable of getting into US government computer systems.  Or maybe it was some Anonymous hacker doing the same.  Either of those latter two is more logical than "high traffic."*

All American men aged 18 to 25 are required by law to register with the SSS. Many do so when applying for a driver’s license or applying for student loans. Those who do not register cannot receive federal financial aid or work for the federal government.

The agency says it has registered 91% of eligible men. Despite playing an increasing role in the US military and filling combat roles, women are not required to register.

That sounds very high if the only block to registering is not being able to work for the federal government or receive federal financial aid.

A return to the draft may remain unlikely, but the SSS says it is prepared to “rapidly provide personnel in a fair and equitable manner while managing an alternative service program for conscientious objectors”.

According to the agency’s website: “Current plans are frequently tested, evaluated, and revised as necessary.

“If implemented, they will guide the Selective Service System in making a smooth transition from current reduced readiness levels to full conscription within six months.”

There will not be a return to the draft. That would require Congress to put their own children at risk.

*UPDATE:  Maybe don't call me a conspiracy theorist: