From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, December 27, 1916: The Indiana National Guard supplied only 52.8% (3,640 men) of the war strength (6,871 men) that was called into Federal service in connection with the Mexican troubles, according to the War Department. Among the 48 states, Indiana ranked 40th in this regard; Washington leads the states with 98.9% answering the President’s call, while Arkansas furnished only 31.2% of its war strength. The commanding general of the central department reports there has been a great laxity by the states in enlisting men in the National Guard who are below physical standards prescribed by the regular army. Upon physical examinations held following its muster, 21% of the men in the Indiana National Guard were rejected. Companies under strength at the time of the President’s call recruited many men who would undoubtedly be rejected.
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, December 31, 1916: The Guardsmen’s Employment Bureau has been set-up as a free service provided by The Indianapolis Star to enable the placement of many of the returning Indiana soldiers in desirable positions immediately on their release from Federal service. Several employers, quick to recognize that returning guardsmen are in excellent physical condition and represent an exceptionally high class of prospective employees representing almost every trade and profession, have telephoned The Star to express their interest in the proposed plan to put the young men and employers in touch with each other. Guardsmen seeking employment are invited to send their names and addresses, together with their qualifications, experience and age, to The Star. The men should state the kind of employment they desire and the towns where they wish to work.