Facing Recruitment Crisis, US Army Develops Program to Help Aspiring Soldiers Meet Eligibility Requirements

Female Marine Corps recruit Kylieanne Fortin, 20, of Williamsport, Maryland goes through close combat training at the United States Marine Corps recruit depot in Parris Island, S.C., on June 23, 2004. Scott Olson/Getty Images

In times of national emergency, the United States military has been far less restrictive in its recruitment policies than it is today.

In fact, during World War II, some noncitizen men who couldn’t provide proof of legal entry to the United States were permitted to enlist.