The idea of conscription was later raised in Newfoundland. This produced heated debate. The Military Service Act was passed in 1918. It required single men from 19–25 years to register or apply to be exempt. The threat of conscription was enough to compel many to enlist. Enough came forward to meet recruiting targets. None of the men who registered were ever required to report for duty.
People in Newfoundland were divided over the process used to choose officers. It was believed that St. John’s men were chosen above outport men; Protestants over Catholics; wealthy over working class. Social standing was seen as having more weight than experience in battle.