Stanley Rhodes enlisted and volunteered for airborne forces. He took part in parachute training course 142 at RAF Ringway. The course lasted from the 11th -27th November 1944. It was noted that Private Rhodes was a "Good performer...keen and reliable"

Upon successful completion of his parachute training, Pte Rhodes was posted to 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

He saw action in India, Singapore, Palestine and Egypt. 

Pte Rhodes left the army in 1947.