After much debate, the federal government initiated a selective service system, the “draft,” to supply men for a vastly expanded military. Kentucky was given its quota of men and established a state selective service office directed by Major Henry Rhodes, who reported to state adjutant general Tandy Ellis. Governor Stanley appointed registration boards in the counties to oversee four national registration days, as well as local draft boards to process the men after they were registered. Guided by policies and advice from the director of the US selective service system and the army provost marshal, General Enoch Crowder, Rhodes dealt with many issues and advised the county boards on issues such as nonregistrants, exemptions, and men who ignored draft calls. Because of the tireless efforts of Major Rhodes and the many local board members, the draft mechanism worked well in Kentucky, where few men failed to show up for service.
Fairness and Due Process under the Selective Service System