Following the U.S. entry into WWI, the Selective Service began processing the general draft of all males ages 18-45. Twenty-four million Americans fell into this category. The Selective Service divided males into three age categories, 18, 19-36, and 37-45. Men aged 19-36 were given highest priority and processed first. To accomplish this gargantuan task, the U.S. Selective Service appointed local boards that initially processed draftees.
In New Mexico, 81,013 men registered with the Selective Service. Of this number, 61,517 were eventually processed. The government held 19,457 men for service and inducted 9,050 from the state. In addition, 855 men were classified as deserters. Fourteen days after the November 11, 1918 armistice, the U.S. Selective Service halted draftee processing.
From the guide to the Draft Records for New Mexico District Board for Division Number One, 1917-1918, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)
