The range of eligible ages for conscripting was expanded to meet national demand during the World Wars. In the United States, the Selective Service System drafted men for World War I initially in an age range from 21 to 30 but expanded its eligibility in 1918 to an age range of 18 to 45.; see also Selective Service Act of 1917 and Selective Training and Service Act of 1940. In the case of a widespread mobilization of forces where service includes homefront defense, ages of conscripts may range much higher, with the oldest conscripts serving in roles requiring lesser mobility.
The range of eligible ages for conscripting was expanded to meet national demand during the World Wars. In the United States, the Selective Service System drafted men for World War I initially in an age range from 21 to 30 but expanded its eligibility in 1918 to an age range of 18 to 45.; see also Selective Service Act of 1917 and Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 In the case of a widespread mobilization of forces where service includes homefront defense ages of conscripts may range much higher with the oldest conscripts serving in roles requiring lesser mobility.