The Selective Service Act 1917 The Draft

When the United States first entered World War I, the total size of the US army was around 110,000.

While President Woodrow Wilson at first wished to use only volunteers to supply the troops needed to fight, it soon became clear that this would be impossible. Indeed, three weeks after war was declared, only 32,000 had volunteered for service.

By the guidelines set down by the Selective Service Act, all males aged 21 to 30 were required to register for military service. (The age limit was later changed to include all men aged 18 to 45.) By the end of WWI, some 24 million men had registered and more than 4.3 million served, of whom 2.8 million had been drafted.

Of those that served the United States in WWI: –126,000 dead –234,300 wounded –4,526 missing/POW

A draft requires that men serve if called upon. There are very few exemptions from either registering or serving. A draft, or conscription, is forced military service.

Penalties for not registering could include: –$250,000 fine and/or 5 years in prison –Not able to apply for state or federal loans or grants –Not able to seek employment through the federal or state government –No citizenship for immigrants awaiting it

Almost everyone was required to register, with a few exceptions including those incarcerated or those currently residing in mental hospitals.

Although registered, not everyone would be drafted for combat duty. For example, exemptions from combat duty were given to those enrolled in ministry school, those with particular handicaps, and those with conscientious objector status.

Those individuals with exemptions from military service would serve in the Red Cross, in relief duties, in hospitals, on farms growing food, in factories putting together artillery or guns, or other non-combat related activities.