1. National Guard and Reserve Activation: In 1940, as tensions in Europe escalated, Roosevelt authorized the activation of National Guard units and the Army Reserve. These troops were called to active duty to bolster the country's defenses.
2. Expansion of the Military: Roosevelt signed legislation to significantly increase the size of the armed forces. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were all expanded, and new units were formed.
3. Selective Service System (Draft): In September 1940, Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, also known as the draft. This law required men between the ages of 21 and 35 to register for military service. Over the course of the war, millions of men were drafted into the armed forces.
4. Industrial Mobilization: Roosevelt created the War Production Board (WPB) in January 1942 to oversee the conversion of the nation's industrial sector to wartime production. The WPB coordinated the allocation of resources, raw materials, and production schedules to meet the demands of the military and the war effort.
5. Strategic Planning and Command Structure: Roosevelt appointed generals and admirals to key positions of command, and he worked closely with them to develop strategic plans for military operations. He established the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a committee of top military leaders, to coordinate the efforts of the different branches of the armed forces.
6. Collaboration with Allies: Roosevelt forged strong alliances with other nations, particularly the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, to coordinate military efforts against the Axis powers. He attended conferences with allied leaders, such as the Casablanca Conference, Tehran Conference, and Yalta Conference, to develop joint strategies and plans for the war.
7. Command of Armed Forces: As Commander-in-Chief, Roosevelt had the ultimate authority over the armed forces. He made important decisions about troop deployments, military campaigns, and the allocation of resources.
8. Women's Role in the Armed Forces: Roosevelt was instrumental in expanding opportunities for women to serve in the armed forces. He created the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942, which later became the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Women also served in other branches of the military, such as the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, in non-combat roles.
Through these actions and initiatives, Roosevelt played a crucial role in mobilizing the armed forces and preparing the United States for its involvement in World War II.