What were the mental and physical fitness standards for service in the US military during World War II? What kind of conditions could bar an individual from signing up or being drafted?

by Beef_Moe_24

I’m asking in light of the recent news regarding mental health waivers for service in the army. They include provisions allowing people with histories of anxiety, depression, and self harm to serve. There are also disqualifying medical conditions such as diabetes and certain joint injuries among others.

So, what circumstances would cause a World War II era US recruiter to turn a young man away? Do we have documented cases of prospective recruits being turned away on health-related circumstances for this time period?

ArmDoc

This military reference may help answer your question in great detail. It also discusses the high number of WW1 enlistees who had to be discharged for mental health reasons. http://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwii/PrsnlHlthMsrs/chapter1.htm