Unfit to Fight: Medical Readiness Lessons Learned from the Draft from 1940 to1947, and Why the United States Should Classify Registrants of the Selective Service
Abstract
The transition to Large Scale Combat Operations brings to question the capabilities of the United States to conduct operations at this level. This thesis examines the first peacetime draft in 1940 to provide a better understanding of how classification was used to understand the competing demands of the military, industry, and agriculture. The thesis observes the changes to classification during the pre-war draft, World War II, and following the war until the draft's expiration in 1947. The examination of the pre-war draft details where industry and social considerations, predominately dependency, are more important than meeting numbers for the military. The military induction standards were high and number of men needed for the draft were relatively low. The wartime study shows a continual increase in men and a decrease in military induction standards as well as reduction of reasons for deferment of able-bodied men. The study of the post-war draft shows the nation's quick resumption of increased standards despite a need for men to serve in uniform. These studies showed that classification of the available population helped leaders to make informed decisions regarding wartime policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1106237
Entities
People
- David J. Grisdale
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College