2. Increased Military Manpower: The draft brought millions of men into the armed forces, significantly expanding the size of the U.S. military. Over 2.8 million men were drafted during the war, and by the war's end, there were over 4 million Americans serving in the military.
3. Standardized Training and Equipment: The Selective Service Act ensured that all drafted soldiers received standardized training and equipment. This helped create a cohesive and effective fighting force.
4. Morale Boost: The draft helped to boost morale among the American public, as it demonstrated the country's commitment to the war effort and showed that all citizens were willing to contribute.
5. Efficient Allocation of Resources: The draft allowed the government to allocate resources more efficiently by ensuring that manpower was directed where it was most needed.
6. Planning and Logistics: The Selective Service Act also helped the government with planning and logistics, as it allowed the military to predict how many soldiers it could expect to have at any given time.
Overall, the Selective Service Act of 1917 proved to be a critical tool in preparing the United States for war. It provided the military with the necessary manpower and helped ensure the country's effective participation in World War I.