One factor in the number of service members in a war compared to the total number of available bodies was the military's own screening. The military has had health and medical standards for its incoming recruits since at least the onset of the 1917 Draft. I have seen scattered references to military services' rejection of candidates in World War II, but have not done any organized research on this, just casual reading. Studs Terkel (HARD TIMES) may have something about this. I've seen something more recent with a last chapter on the long-term health and educational effects of the Depression on folks who were born before its onset but grew up during the 1930s, but don't remember the title. (I do know I don't own this book.) Elizabeth Whitaker Harris Kern wrote: > Is there a source for the number of members of the military compared to the total number of available bodies during the various conflicts. > For example - during WWI, out of x, y% served. ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html