The Real Reason Americans Are Refusing to Enlist! - Kurt Schlichter

[@bdinaz]

The Army is largely a family business. And the fathers are telling their sons to stay away. Right now I don't want my children to serve.

[@MH-ln6pv]

Yup. UK veteran here: it's a tribe and a family.

[@christopherfritz3840]

Interesting. In 1988 I experienced the exact opposite even with many of my fellow enlistees having fathers whom had served in Vietnam with all the angst that came out of that..

[@bdinaz]

@@christopherfritz3840 Something to consider is that we have been in this position once before. In the 1970s at the start of the all volunteer force, there was a great concern that enough people would join. Then it got even worse when Jimmy Carter got embarrassed by the hostage crisis. Father's at that time told their children to stay away because there was a great concern about how they would be used. That all changed when Reagan took over. Enlistment sky rocketed in the space of three years when confidence rose. Those of us who joined in those years called ourselves "The Reagan Kids."

[@southboundguitar]

Hua. My son will break a generations long tradition of military service by the males in this family. We’ve had a father/son/brother in every major conflict. We still have my great great grandfather’s confederate uniform from his time in the 15th Alabama Infantry Regiment, who fought the battle of Little Roundtop at Gettysburg. My grandfather, himself, was a POW in North Korea for 3 years in the 50’s. I spilled my own blood & tears in the dust and sand of Iraq in 2004, and again in 2006. They WILL NOT have the honor of sending MY SON off to battle for their Forever Wars. No sir. This stops here. This ends with me. 🇺🇸 🫡

[@ericeverett510]

@@southboundguitar. I'd love to see that uniform. Where are you located? 20th Alabama? Wow

[@stolenrepublic2071]

Don't give your life for those that despise you.

[@heraclesreborn]

The oil companies?

[@johnchandler1687]

​@@heraclesrebornThe God cursed government.

[@derikuk2967]

@@johnchandler1687 And the oligarchs who bought and own that government. It is no longer *your* government despite the facade of democracy.

[@fahadalharbi960]

The tribe??!!

[@RetNavyguy]

💯

[@Bronx_Yankee]

When the Afganis saw the "Pride" flag being flown at the US Embassy in Kabul, they chuckled and knew the war was over

[@darbyheavey406]

They didn’t chuckle but they did assist the Taliban.

[@paulkersey2179]

DId you know flying that rag is written into state dept rules and regulations, we will not put an embassy in a country that bans it. SICK

[@kurtrussell5228]

Is that true?

[@marchess286]

Urban legend

[@christopherfritz3840]

​@@kurtrussell5228I second THAT🤔

[@ericjackomino4729]

Spent 20 years in the Navy, and I can not in good conscience recommend the military to anyone.

[@kurtrussell5228]

You weren't in the military.....you were in the navy

[@ericjackomino4729]

@@kurtrussell5228 lol, hey we are more military than than the chair force!

[@kurtrussell5228]

@@ericjackomino4729 ...true

[@RCenal]

​@@kurtrussell5228 Don't pick on the Uber driver

[@RCenal]

​@@ericjackomino4729 Be nice to the kite brigade 😅

[@Gunnyfelker]

Morally bankrupt is correct.

[@Easy-Eight]

Protect Harris and her overclass

[@Smartcom5]

The only thing what bugs me ever so often, especially when looking at the U.S. ever-increasing yet unpayable mountain of debts, is … *What came first for the U.S.?* _The moral bankruptcy or the financial one?_

[@raygreenfinger]

Most western governments see their armed forces like this. Be grateful you didn't serve in England

[@captainsden7363]

Vietnam veteran here. I served like my dad and his brothers. I have had the talk with all of my grandchildren. Now is not the time to be in our military. It really pains me to say it but I won’t see them sacrificed for a country that hates them.

[@PanioloBee]

Welcome home brother!

[@captainsden7363]

@ thanks man, appreciate it.

[@lilbrother45]

Love our Vietnam veterans. My dad served in the army in Vietnam along with 2 of my uncles. My other uncle served in the marine corps in Vietnam. My grandpa was in the pacific theater in WW2. I served in the navy in the early 90’s but did not serve during war time.

[@PanioloBee]

@@lilbrother45 My father too served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific. He was a “Tin Can Sailor” and fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was WWII, Korean War, and a Vietnam War veteran. My brother and I are Vietnam War veterans. You said you served in the Navy during the 90’s. Hold your head high and thank you for your service!

[@warrenlewis3977]

Hates WHO, WHY AND HOW??? C'mon are you trolling or what??? Explain what ur talking about!!

[@davidthomas9267]

60 years ago I joined the Air Force to escape SW Arkansas, because I didn't like chickens and pine trees, but today I think I would learn to like chickens and pine trees and tell our gov't where they could go!!

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

I joined the AF 57 years ago, as well. Pay and benefits have gotten better, but true leadership seems lacking...

[@robertshipley6990]

I joined to escape too. What a shame. I didn't know any better. I wasn't taught anything.

[@braydensearle]

Now people who are seeking to escape their lives are reduced in number, as women who don’t want children abort them. Hence drops in recruitment.

[@WilliamTindall-q9o]

I got tired of dirt roads and dust. When I got out I moved about 4miles from where I started.

[@jamiegreen8065]

Texarkana?

[@Frogman125]

I served over 40 years. I would not recommend military service at this time. The military has been corrupted by self serving, career only, minded officers. DEI is leading the way. Hard, but fair leadership is frowned upon. Obesity runs rampant, grooming standards, uniform standards are ignored.

[@boomer-x-trooper82]

Long haired, slovenly dressed fat bodies are everywhere in the military now. There are no fitness standards or PT formations anymore. The leadership is only interested in advancement, not their soldiers.

[@LeadLeftLeon]

I’ve seen fat army officers who are in worse shape than civilians and run slower. Fitness can literally save a soldier’s life

[@christopherfritz3840]

US Army. I remember when they green lighted wearing BDU's on Offical leave travel SOP, essentially eliminating Class A's and thinking that it was the 'beginning of the END'..

[@boomer-x-trooper82]

@@Frogman125 there are no fitness standards in the military anymore. They were deemed offensive. There are no more PT formations at unit level any more. Once your out of basic your no longer required to do a single push up. I've seen soldiers in 6x uniforms. When I see that I know their leadership is shit.

[@jager6863]

Don't forget dishonorable behavior and lies by leadership. When a mother of 2 (or 3) "passed" ranger school, I almost lost my lunch, OMG.

[@rudydedogg6505]

Just a short time ago, the Navy stated that failure to address someone by their proper pronouns would mean brig time. And if someone desired gender reassignment it would be granted along with a declaration that made this same person ineligible for an overseas posting. And how about Admiral Rachel Levine? I wouldn't join now, period!

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Decades ago, I served honorably. The country I served no longer exists.

[@passthetunaporfavor]

As a civilian that's some silly shit.

[@giuseppe4909]

..Not only has the military gone woke and soft, the general attitude across this once Great Nation has gone to hell. Corruption running rampant at all levels, police that are worse than the criminals, a now borderless country full of illegals, and a completely broken system of voting…. Tell me, what exactly is left that would be worth fighting for ? - Veteran 1983-2003.

[@jaydee2072]

Yup, I had a misty eyed ideal, and that ideal has been trampled into the dust. I am almost ashamed I served, and my intent was pure but the reality makes me feel like I was hoodwinked by a used car salesman and sexually assaulted at the same time.

[@danielwymer1580]

I agree with you 100%, I was in the Navy, 76 to 80, I still remember putting in 16 hour days at sea, seven days a week !! Was always tired because the navy worked your ass off. ! But I got a trade, the Navy sent me to school for a year so I’m glad I did it ! The non-military people in America sucked then, and they suck even worse now ! Would I go to war and risk my life today for the rich shit bags in America, or the woke Idiots on the left, nope! All these American turds have destroyed the country, the people that went in the military, and did their time were the good ones !!!

[@CTKearns]

Israel?

[@ml5955]

Police worse than the criminals? Stereotype much, idiot.

[@hokehinson5987]

​@@CTKearns Phuck the hymie.. America has become their international capital at least NYC has....

[@dgilroy26]

The way the VA messes people over is a key issue in recruiting. Seeing vets struggle in transitioning to civilian life gives the military a bad name.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'm a Army veteran. 1990s was awful. RIFs QMP, BRAC. 📁 . No support. Bullys, A holes.

[@jasonnordin]

Absolutely 100% correct. The VA does NOT actually help Vets, but instead exacerbates their problems opting to get them addicted to various psychotropics muddying their thinking, getting them addicted to these “medications”, that often leads to “self medicating” with alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, until the Veteran is so overwhelmed by their demons they kill themselves to end the pain. And this is exactly what the VA *wants* because then they no longer have to pay out benefits, Vets don’t qualify for SGLI, and the VA life insurance (VGLI) is so convoluted & complicated and not even presented timely, that most Vets don’t have that either, so it’s a “win-win” for the government because for the government Service Members are expendable and Veterans are “wasted money”.

[@CB-ul2np]

@@DavidLLambertmobile I'm a Air Force vet and I totally agree! 1990s was brutal.

[@nunyabidness3075]

The 90’s were indeed terrible in many ways and we are still seeing the effects. The VA does seem to have improved and is still in terrible shape (I really think they got some motivated new people who care, but there’s still structural issues). Still, I think the biggest thing is culture while in the military. Schilchter is nailing it here in my opinion. The only thing I would say to him is that the current situation was only possible because of too much institutional inertia. My latest idea is that the military needs to actually figure out how have leaders get punished for maintaining status quo when status quo is unacceptable. Young officers and NCO’s who accept the unacceptable just because somethings been that way for a long time need to be the ones getting pushed out. Instead, they keep ejecting the kid who points out the emperor is naked. (I suspect the real ending of the story of the Emperor’s new clothes should have been the kid and his family get publicly or secretly punished or even killed). Of course, you can’t have a culture of whiners either, but theres a difference that needs to be made between identifying things that need change and merely complaining. It’s not good to avoid fixing something because it might embarrass someone it was broken to begin with, and I saw a whole lot of that going on.

[@CB-ul2np]

@@nunyabidness3075 Yes, the VA of today has gotten much better. I can definately say that if the VA I met when I got out in 1993 was the same as the VA of today, I have no doubt that I would be a millionaire. With Chapter 35 and all the Voc Rehab of today and ease of getting claims done and just the overall support of the VA of today, I cry sometimes to think of what I could have been had the VA helped me the same way in 93 that they do today. Now I am an old man, brain is going, health is going.

[@contention100]

I served in the 80's under Reagan. No regrets. Would I do it all over again now with a woke pentagon and a fool in the white house? Not in a million years.

[@watercoinzero]

When they didn't enlist they're not "TROOPS" The Real Reason Troops Are Refusing to Enlist! - Kurt Schlichter

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

@contention100 I don't "regret" aspects of my service career but I would of made minor tweeks, Tried to set up basic, AIT from March or Apr to July ✅️ , only enlist 3yr not 4, request a CONUS post, guarantee contract. I'd more than likely be at Fort Collins CO, 4th ID 🪖 ...

[@fucker1714]

What about under Bush / Cheney? Was it better then? I don't think so. It isn't a left / right thing. Don't make it into one.

[@gusm2752]

I was in USAF 76 - 80. Under Carter 👎 was out just before Regan Still glad I went in but no way I’d go in now under this Woke B S God bless all who are serving. Stay safe because this current administration doesn’t give a crap.

[@johnwilbanks3885]

I served in the 70’s under Jimmy Carter….many regrets.

[@Truth_Hurts528]

Corrupt, incompetent, unaccountable and woke.

[@harrymills2770]

You're repeating yourself! :o)

[@Aristocratic13]

What’s woke?

[@josecobos6105]

Veterans are telling potential recruits to no enlist.

[@RetNavyguy]

💯

[@RetNavyguy]

💯

[@olebloom1641]

Told my nephews not to even though I did thirty plus years ago.

[@thriller83]

I'm a military veteran don't join

[@jeffrey7938]

Every single vet I speak to is like me, we tell young people not to enlist.

[@Snarge22]

When society dismisses and diminishes men, given some time men will dismiss society. This is on small example.

[@Johnny_Appleweed]

Well said. Society thinks we need it, but we create it. It does not create us.

[@pauljermyn5909]

Meanwhile the French foreign legion (8 regiments), which offers the most brutal basic infantry training and lifestyle in the world, doesn't accept women, doesn't do woke, demands that 157 different nationalities speak the same language and adopt the same culture, they get 1500 applications a month.

[@paddyoak1]

I didn’t even know that they still existed!😮. Cool.

[@theguybehindyou4762]

I'd consider them if they weren't under the control of the EU. Effectiveness means nothing if you serve the wrong people.

[@wynnschaible]

If even they didn't rebel when the French government legalized invert marriage, there is little hope for the West. And no, not even from a president-elect who thinks that Obergefell is "settled law!"

[@dondomingo6578]

@@theguybehindyou4762 The Legion is not under the control of the EU

[@jackuzi8252]

@@theguybehindyou4762 The EU isn't a military organization, you mean NATO. France is arguably the most reluctant NATO member, and the Foreign Legion is used mostly for security in former French colonies (and current French overseas territories). But yeah, if war with Russia broke out, I'm sure they'd be sent in.

[@ssgh47]

Hitting the nail right on the head. I spent 20 years serving and I really can't believe half of what I am hearing today. It's a shame

[@thomashazlewood4658]

Ditto...

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Same here!

[@geraldstewart]

1973-1993 USAF PMEL, sometimes I feel like I wasted My life.

[@wesleyblacksher1641]

I have had numerous family members in the military. They have all told their children don’t join. It’s woke.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Served in the Air Force 40 years ago. Today I can't in all consciousness recommend military service to any young person today.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Same and same.

[@brianperry4815]

Joining the Military is like getting married. Both take your freedom away and likely put you into indentured servitude.

[@darbyheavey406]

I have no confidence that my officers would be competent given the political nature of promotions.

[@patnor7354]

Who wants to fight for Blackrock and the banksters..?

[@bmrz38]

Exactly. 👍🏻

[@christopherfritz3840]

After redeployment from 'Desert Shield/Storm I was station at Ft Myer where at a ribbon-awards ceremony no other than Dick Chenny (Sec Def) was the presenter. We received 4×6 B&W pictures too. My Mother made a framed collage with many pictures I sent to her with the one with C in the center. I was very proud, honestly, and I inherited it when she died. It's BOXED now🤬

[@CTKearns]

Especially since they hate your guts.

[@anthonypicano1670]

Sadly, Every Veteran that has ever fought for this “country” ironically never did. You fought for the New World Order Banking Cabal and the Jewish Zionists! I have the utmost respect for those who served and are still serving! You are the best of America but unfortunately like the majority of Americans we have all been hoodwinked into this slavery banking system. Sadly, that is the truth!

[@Mr196710]

Exactly. As a retired vet I can promise that these young people that are patriotic- aren't buying into the commercials nor the pronoun crap. The military has mostly become an experiment with the jabs and social crap.

[@jamesoakley9333]

My dad was a Nam vet.... passed from agent orange complications. Told me my whole life not to trust the government. Thanks dad. Love you. Miss you.

[@bobclifton8021]

I gave them 22 years back in the day.The way we left Vietnam, bretraying the South, spelled the beginning of a death knell for the military. Then 9-11occirred and patriotism rose again because we had a real cause. Then our own government and military brass betrayed us again and just walked away in the most disgraceful manner possible. All the lives that were lost during Vietnam and the gulf war were for nothing, and the government and pentagon don't even care. Rule # one: If you get into a war, get in it to win and do what is necessary to achieve that end. Rule # two: There is no substitute for victory. Rule # three: Don't lie to the American people or the military rank and file. Those in leadership positions have forgotten all three of these, IF they ever knew them in the first place.

[@michaelgriffith457]

That is what politicians and generals do.

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@michaelgriffith457 The generals and admirals ARE politicians and always have been, since WW2 at least. And probably even longer.

[@BirdDogey1]

I watched Rumsfield in Iraq flat out lying to the troops as to why we were there.

[@bernieeod57]

1) You cannot win against a people who would rather die than submit to you! 2) We set up puppet governments more people are willing to fight and die against rather than for. 3) We are the evil invaders of the world! The world will never submit to us

[@bernieeod57]

@@happydogg312So, how dare them forbid you from playing Waffen SS and kill the usual suspects?

[@davisworth5114]

This Vietnam veteran has 55 years of nightmare stories from the VA, whose motto is "Deny 'til you die". This corrupt government is not worth defending, they hate you. Learn self-discipline and work out on your own, volunteer at the food bank and help disabled kids. Give back with your time to help others who aren't as strong as you. Read scripture and be your best self every day. Peace of Christ.

[@alecfoster4413]

God bless you sir! My dad was a Purple Heart WWII vet who lost his own West Point alum, Battalion commander father in North Africa. He knew the flag code backwards and forwards and grew up on army bases from Hawaii to Georgia. He loved this country but hated the federal government. Because of Vietnam, he forbade me and my brothers from joining the military even as he defended and stuck up for vets like yourself. In lieu of a military experience, he encouraged self-discipline. Us Boomers have a lot to answer for, but at least our generation took the teeth out of the military draft.

[@wilshirestrasse2220]

Well said. God bless you.

[@shadow7988]

lost all of my 20's and most of my 30's to lymphoma cancer from burn pits in Iraq. Dealing with the VA took years and they botched my biopsy surgery. Ended up having to just pay out of pocket for private healthcare to get myself treated.

[@DeanGullberry-s4z]

Until women are drafted men should NOT serve. Plus why serve a country that hates you. Signed a veteran!!!

[@garouuchiha4041]

Also, this country is not even a real country but a business. God Almighty doesn't bless the USA, God Almighty had no part in this country of its creation.

[@lionelwatkins]

Women should also be held to the same standard as the men. It’s crazy that they don’t have to shave bald in bootcamp but the men do

[@trestoncoleman85]

I don't want to serve with women.

[@Johnzen03]

We’ve seen how over the course of 20 years the way these vets have been treated. Its infuriating.

[@brianperry4815]

Especially since Covid 19 when the Enlisted refused to take the jab.

[@warrenlewis3977]

How are they treated that's infuriating? People keep leaving that part out.

[@falls2488]

our troops should be defending our borders..not foreign borders.

[@notsosuavemate]

I agree but the political class doesn’t care

[@CTKearns]

​@@notsosuavemate The political class does care, they want them here so they can put them in the military. Late Roman Empire things.

[@jaidee9570]

Then your troops shouldn't be used to fight wars in other countries for US companies to gain financially. But also since when do the military decide what the military does? The military everywhere has always done what a countries leadership tell them to do.

[@Johnny_Appleweed]

Emphasis on defending. All we do anymore is aggress.

[@deeznutz8320]

​@@jaidee9570For US companies? You really think thats the only reason?

[@georgerohrberg4279]

26.5 yrs active duty Marine. 1993-2019. It is more of an upper-level management issue. All of these factors mentioned had some play in individual decisions. At the Company/Plt level, almost all of the first-term Marines that I worked with who chose not to re-enlist cited the intrusive leadership that had taken over. We started calling it the "Nanny State." Grown men and women do not want to be treated like children by other grown men and women. The idea that mass punishment is an effective leadership tool is so pervasive it is ridiculous. Just my thoughts and experiences on the matter.

[@brianperry4815]

Glad you got out before they would have forced you to take the jab.

[@georgerohrberg4279]

@@brianperry4815 work as a govt contractor. had to get it to keep my job. Had i waited until the very end, i could have avoided.

[@ragvideo357]

Take everything Kurt Schlichter said and replace military with law enforcement in America today.

[@ralphholiman7401]

Yep, exact same thing is happening in law enforcement.

[@dashcammer4322]

Yep, many governors, county boards, and mayors didn't have their back during the engineered GF riots of 2020, and people remember that.

[@Morinehtur]

​@@dashcammer4322You can add the lower Court System to that too.

[@scottohara9001]

Exactly right

[@georgegravette1132]

You only have to look at police recruiting ads to know who they want, and who they're hiring these days.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

If there are no enforced borders and undocumented folks get to vote (and/or be police officers) then my citizenship doesn’t mean much. Combine that and taking half my income in taxes, I say, “yeah, no thanks”.

[@sirpercival4731]

Our Military has gone Woke ......... hasn't been the same since !

[@warrenlewis3977]

The service has been "Woke" since 1948 with Desegragation.

[@Adanu191]

@@warrenlewis3977 Trolling at it's finest

[@warrenlewis3977]

@@Adanu191 What am I trolling about?

[@colleenwelch2330]

12 year veteran in the 80s and 90s. Would never serve now

[@warrenlewis3977]

Why not? You folks keep leaving that part out.

[@deeznutz8320]

​@@warrenlewis3977They were fighting for ZOG allready but the anti White rethoric wasnt there

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Send Liz Cheney, Sen Graham, Bill Gates and all the neocons to fight. Send DARPA and the CEOs of pharma !!

[@Blackhawkdriver]

I'm a 16 year veteran. I've read a lot of comments and there's nothing i can say that hasn't already been said. Nobody should serve this corrupt government and allow their children to have their blood spilled for people who hate them.

[@chipcook5346]

It doesn't kill me. I'm a veteran, and I love the Army to this day. I am proud of the young people who have zero interest in joining up. They don't want to get used and used up like the last generation of military. They saw that it didn't matter which party held the White House. The federal government will have a very difficult time forcing the draft on Americans because of this and because the parents and grandparents of daft age kids already resist, and there isn't even an active draft. Thoughtful senior leadership has known this for years. The ones who consider young Americans to be toys for them to use up tend to sense that the toys won't play that. Who enlisted in the past does not have to be described in racial terms. Here's a better way. In the days of the Black Boot Volunteer Army, people joined: -To get out of poverty or danger -Because they could see no other way to get employed -To pay for education -To get out of Nebraska, etc -Because they came from patriotic families where at least one son joined almost every generation, thank you South and Midwest All true regardless of race.

[@Fireplug52]

From my birth and until I enlisted at 19 in 1972 and retiring 26 years later, my support for my leaders were never in doubt, though we saw some of them not survive their command for various reasons and it was not in that time "screw up, you move up", it was career ending. I served for with so many unbelievable people and placing that trust in those military leaders allowed our political leaders to inherent that trust as well. After retiring in 1998 and being so incensed by the 9-11 disaster, my hype for our military went into high gear and though we had known those who were seriously injured and killed in conflicts throughout my service, it appeared to be a sacrifice many accepted. It is hard to see the impact of those who lost their lives during that time after 2003 and the effects it had on those left behind, as well seeing those who were crippled though they returned to the conflict after being seriously injured and then upon their return losing limbs and some their lives. As the time continued as well as Iraq and Afghanistan, small inklings would be dropped, such as the vast resources that were discovered or known about before in Afghanistan and you though surely we were not there to help businesses to access that resource. Then 2016 happened and more of the veil became a lot more clear and in 2022 what we saw of the withdrawal in Afghanistan and the incompetence, it was to much and it turned my stomach. It has become apparent and slowly revealed even though I had no clue at the age of 11 why President Kennedy was murdered by our own intelligence agencies, these last four years has given me pause for reflection that so many conflicts were not because we were trying to preserve "democracy", it was to fill the coffers of the military industrial complex. The funny thing is that we were warned by Eisenhower, though at the time I had no clue about it, but if we look back on all the things from the Kennedy murder to now, it was all a ruse, a psyop against the American people so that they could sacrifice their young sons and daughters at the altar of war and money. I will say to any young person, "STAY AWAY FROM THE US MILITARY!" You are only cannon fodder and will be supporting those whose only goal is to enhance their bank accounts off the blood of young Americans.

[@restlesslifestyle1451]

❤

[@BeachsideHank]

My dad was WWII and Korea, retired in early 1963 when as he said "powers that be were filling junior officers heads full of shit - in other words senior NCO's were treated like recruits, their actual military experience was ignored. Dad was shot down and imprisoned by the Germans in WWII, shot down again over N. Korea and Imprisoned again, for him this time was life-changing as N. Korea charged all airmen as criminals and not P.O.W.- he damn near died there. Like all things in life we take the good times with the bad but when the bad is a constant, it's time to reconsider your choices.

[@WilliamDoyle-rb6lt]

God bless your heroic Dad.

[@BeachsideHank]

@@WilliamDoyle-rb6lt Thank you!

[@waltk7624]

Most good people don’t want to work for a corrupt government

[@rectorkirk1158]

Except women love it.

[@marioacevedo5077]

My grandfather served in the Army. My uncle served in the Army. My father served in the Army. I served in the Army. My brother served in the Army. My advice to my sons was to not sign up and they didn't.

[@Nevets1970]

Hmmmmm, let’s see. Haven’t gotten a significant raise in 20 years. Health benefits are being cut to dependents. Housing is atrocious. Retirement was cut and it’s a 401k now. Military has gone Woke…… should I go on? People wonder why the younger generation doesn’t want to enlist?

[@theguybehindyou4762]

Increasingly, the youth see no point in anything except video games- and the DEI mob is even taking that away now.

[@warrenlewis3977]

What do you consider "Woke"? The Service has been "Woke" since 1948 with desegragation.

[@theguybehindyou4762]

@@warrenlewis3977 Wokeness promotes reverse-racism and sexual deviancy above actual merit. Desegregation is just common sense, and was pushed mostly by Republicans.

[@deeznutz8320]

​@@warrenlewis3977Its the new buzzwords for normies I guess the Emma and her two moms really pushed them over the edge

[@SuperMaxjung]

Navy veteran here, my 20 year old son will not be enlisting anytime soon

[@markjoslin9912]

I think organizations like wounded warrior are an insult, if you injured in combat, the government should be taking care of you.

[@Devildog547]

I joined the Marines in June 1984 after I graduated High School. I joined because I felt they were the toughest branch and I wanted a challenge. I did it also because I love my Country and I remember thinking I wanted to serve to give the safe and secure childhood I had to the younger generation. I was a proud Democrat from Western Pa. Now I see half the Country who will tell you they hate this Country, it all comes from the Left who vote Democrat. (I have seen and heard this for the past 15 years). I switched Parties after the 2008 election and went hardcore Right. I feel we have to stand up against this new Socialist Party, I truly feel they are the enemy to our Country. Semper Fi!

[@warrenlewis3977]

Are you one of those White Supremist the Corps struggles with? Who are the people that hate this country??? BTW what's ur MOS?

[@warrenlewis3977]

I would hate to have to share a fighting hole with you....USMC 1985-1989. 3RD BATTALION 4TH MARINES WEAPONS PLT.

[@Devildog547]

@ B.S I would make sure you got home alive Devil!

[@bravo4adventure988]

20 years served both active duty and National Guard infantry… I fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and did additional real world service in Haiti. I retired in 2017… I have been actively discouraging young people from joining the military ever since. My reasoning is that it seems to be broken from the top down in every way you can imagine

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

I did 20 years on active duty from RR, LRSD, Scouts and RI. I despise everything that this government and especially the military represents now. Homosexuals and Blacks.

[@deeznutz8320]

​@@VictoryOrValhalla14Fighting for ZOG has its consequences

[@OscarSchneegans]

One word: wokeness.

[@garouuchiha4041]

True but also AMERICA not a real country. Most people in America are just here for the benefits of America and not care about this so called country.

[@azurelion6722]

Current Sailor here. The military exacerbates the drawbacks of teamwork. If a member is on the upper end of the pareto distribution, all the work and responsibility gets shunted to that member to the point that they can't take care of themselves. This mechanism then validates the manipulators and passive aggressive grifters. So now the bystanders face a choice, work your ass off and look like a fool? Or be a Doofy and shine? Honestly, it's like being back high school again, where only one team member cares about the project. It's crushing.

[@BirdDogey1]

My son is in the Army. I don't want him helping to liberate the Iranian people. I don't want him fighting for the chip industry in Taiwan.

[@CTKearns]

Fortunately he is defending homosexuality in Botswana.

[@oscarballard7911]

Proudly served and have the pain to remind me every day. I do not blame young people for not serving, since Korea our leaders and the public have demonstrated repeatedly to not have the stomach or even the interest in supporting our military. Worse yet, our leaders have consistently got us into conflicts we had no business being in and it doesn't appear they will ever learn. I'm for compulsory service with no exemptions, unless the individual is shown to have physical and/or mental disabilities so bad as to preclude them from any type of service. Maybe if we get back to everyone's kids having to serve, we'll develop a fully staffed, competent and ready military, that will only be used in the direst of circumstances, which is precisely how it should be.

[@johnmahutga4478]

One exception. The Persian Gulf War. During operation desert shield the nation supported us, Generals Powell & Schwarzkopf made a plan to crush the Iraqi army, and boy did we! I was in B Co 1st Bn 3rd Marines at the time. Upon our return home we were welcomed and cheered by not only our families, but the body public too! It was a great time to be an American!

[@JackHammer-s3b]

I got out of the military to go to college in 2016. (I thought Hillary Clinton was going to win and I couldn't take 4 more years of gross incompetence like Obama had). I finished my bachelor's degree and was about to go back into the military as an officer! Then I saw the election of 2020. I completely changed my mind about going back in the military. My reason: I won't serve under an illegitimate President/Commander-in-Chief! If the office is stolen for you, you are NOT my boss and any orders from you are not to be followed.

[@dougtheviking6503]

The real reason ? 20 plus years of war with no resolution. All made up wars and spun to the public. Watched the fall of Vietnam as a kid . The Afghan withdrawal was far more horrifying. All led by some book smart General looking for a private sector job or a book deal. Sadly alot of wounded warriors walking around that deserve better care.

[@MVK_GS]

I retired after 20 years, most of which were spent deployed abroad in support of the GWOT as a combatant. The Army paid for my university and graduate school degrees. I owe a great deal to the military despite the injuries and the harrowing experiences I had in combat operations. However, I would not recommend today's military to the next generation until the US military realizes that lethality should be far more important than politics and wokeness.

[@CTKearns]

The surveillance, censorship and tracking tools developed during the GWOT using billions of taxpayer dollars are now being deployed against the American people, so now we have a Global War On You

[@keithdaniels5918]

Being a prior Marine and having a son who did 3 in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan who is no longer with us, I do not recommend the military to anyone who is looking to enlist. The new retirement system and the VA aren’t even considered in my opinion. Strange because I used to be just the opposite . Talking with other vets I can clearly see it wasn’t us who changed , it was the organizations that changed. Military is a HARD PASS these days.

[@elmateo77]

My father served in Afghanistan. My grandfather served in Vietnam. I was going to enlist, but they both told me to do literally anything else. Our leaders have made it very clear they hate people like me, and it would be insane to put my life in their hands.

[@jamesdorsey5503]

My father was a Sgt. and literally broke his neck. He spent 10 months at a military hospital. Luckily he wasn’t paralyzed but severely limited in mobility. He had 20 operations. He had more metal in his body than Wolverine. Apparently he was only 10% disabled according to the military. He could not stand, walk, or work for long periods of time. He became severely depressed. I won’t even get into how dog shit the VA was because I could write a book on that. It took over 30 years, numerous appeals, and 1 decent doctor for him to get 100% disability status. He pleaded with each of his children not to join.

[@Dragging79]

I served for 10 years. I would never advise the youth to ever serve this country.

[@Airbender-kl7cu]

Nobody wants to fight for a country that Hates them 😢

[@mikeallen3518]

I wish I never did 21 years in uniform now that I know who really controls the US and starts all the wars and then profits from all sides in the fighting and dying.

[@garouuchiha4041]

That is why this is not a real country but a business. God had no part in creating this country.

[@tristansnyder961]

@@mikeallen3518 I wonder (((who))) that could be?

[@unbreakable7633]

The US military has one purpose: the defense of the United States. Not world cop, not fight other people's wars. Wasting the lives of young people will not encourage them to join the military. But blame Congress and the President for this state of affairs, especially careerists like Lindsey Graham and Nancy Pelosi.

[@hughjass1044]

Got the exact same problem here in Canada, and for the exact same reasons! I served 24 years and I was very often asked; during my service and afterward, would I recommend it as a career to young people. My answers slowly but steadily went from "hell yes!" to "f**k no!!" Law enforcement is the same. A neighbor of mine is a retired cop and his two sons became cops and both quit early to take up other careers; one after 11 years, the other after 8 years. No support, no appreciation, soft on crime, DEI above all else, catch and release..... What's the friggin' point?!

[@scottshore1114]

Or maybe this current generation has finally figured out that ever since the end of world war two, all we have done is die and bleed for the defense industries and nothing else. Sadly this is the truth. USAF 1983-2005.

[@EpochUnlocked]

I've spent 15 years telling young men that they weren't going to defend their country if they signed up. They'd end up defending "national interests". If they want to defend their country, they could join the Border Patrol or Law Enforcement.

[@fw1421]

Nobody in their right mind would risk their lives for a foreign country in a war that is no threat to our own country. If I was in my 20’s I would not enlist to go to war in the Middle East. Protecting the interests of oil companies is not a good reason to risk your life.

[@michaelmayo]

My father was a bird colonel and also the head of transportation for Tinker AFB so he dealt daily with the bullshit from generals pulling privledge and throwing a snit when he wouldn't give them cars for non-official uses. He told me flat out not to enlist.

[@markusfury7420]

My family served in the military for three generations, my nephews refuse to go that route and I'm not mad at them AT ALL!

[@Generichjm]

Stop asking people that had soft childhoods what their opinions are. They’ll never understand.

[@brianperry4815]

Makes me soooooo glad that I grew up in a time where IF you were afended, you had to just DEAL WITH IT.

[@zacharyhoffman9972]

I'm a 3rd generation veteran and have actively discouraged both of my kids from joining the military. The points Kurt brought up are all valid. For me, even without the DEI and other social issues, the almost complete incompetence of senior military and civilian leaders is the main reason. The top military leaders almost to a person seem politically astute (very skilled at getting money and promotions) but militarily incompetent, hence 25 years of losing wars. They go along to get along but are generally not war fighters in any traditional sense. The top civilian leaders, the actual decision-makers, are worse than incompetent. They are basically psychotic chickenhawks more than happy to send your kids, my kids, Ukrainian kids, off to fight and die for something they can't even define the purpose for or what constitutes victory. The idea of someone like Jake Sullivan or Victoria Nuland having a major role in deploying your kids to a war zone should give any parents pause on recommending the military for their kids. These people are a lethal combination of dumb, over-confident, historically ignorant and callously cruel with the lives of anyone they consider beneath them. And that's the crux of it - we have elites (almost all non-veteran) that do not give a shit about any soldier, sailor, airmen or Marine or any of their families. Their logic is that "well, they volunteered, right!" so the elites will do whatever they want with them, no matter how senseless or cruel. The only way to (maybe) change things is to vote with your feet and not join.

[@garykappes4654]

I enlisted in 1977 before my last year of high school. I did 4 years active and about six in active reserve. I actually wanted my children to serve but I am glad they have not because of what is going on in the USA now. The endless wars need to come to an end.

[@Spammflavor]

I have some friends who did fight in a war. They were hurt, and they got left hanging. With no help. I wouldn't fight for a country that doesn't care about you after the war is over.

[@stefanadamcik8221]

The opening letter says it all and accurately. I'm a vet, and I feel like a sucker. Don't let them make a sucker out if you. Don't enlist.

[@barneybrady8553]

Joined the Army to serve. Deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, served lots of time in South Korea. Retired as an Infantry officer in 2013. All that time away so fat cats could get fatter. We set the world on fire and some day we will have to answer for our complicity in those Sins.

[@missajim_n]

Why fight for a nation that hates you? Why have your life wasted for the Ukraine, Israel, South Korea or Taiwan. F that.

[@stevesoller4571]

Retired in 99. In the first 10 years, I recommended at least 20myoung people to go into the service. For the next 5 years I was ambivalent. Since then, I have actively discouraged them from going in.

[@stevefowler2112]

I'm a now old, retired Aerospace Engineer with America's largest defense contractor's Missile Systems company, but in my youth in the early/mid '70's i did a two year combat arms contract in The Corps as an 0311 and after maxing the PFT and qualing Expert at the rifle and pistol range, I attended a Recon prequal weekend event at LeJeune and made the cut so after talking to the 1st shirt ask about being sent up the recon pipeline. He said he would send me but I had to reup for 4 years minimum, so three additional years. the only reason I listed a brief bio is to make clear I have seen the tip of the spear up close and personal, albeit decades ago. i know demographics have changed a lot but from what I have seen the front line combat units are still probably close to 90% white and mostly made up of kids from the south, southwest and mid west. Who are exactly the groups that the democrats have been calling extremists since obama. I'm frankly shocked the military is doing as good as they are with recruiting. i think it comes down to teen boys high testosterone levels who want to be a war hero.

[@geraldstewart]

True, Farm boys have been fighting our wars for 200 years

[@rectorkirk1158]

So you worked a union job. 😅

[@adambaum5824]

Every day I see TV commercials begging me to pledge $19 a month to the Wounded Warrior Project because the US government refuses to take care of the disabled veterans. It's not a good look for the VA, and by extension, the federal government.

[@quademasters249]

Those ads infuriate me. Our boys didn't have to go to the ME to die and be maimed in the first place. I consider "support the troops" to mean "bring them home".

[@davidcarik1761]

Not a veteran, but I have seen the last couple of years a multitude of stories about the failure of the military to provide even basic housing in the barracks and elsewhere. If you can't even provide basic, hygienic places for guys and gals to sleep, what does it say about how much you "care". I mean, even a basic room with a bed and toilet can't be THAT hard for our Government. I worked in a Prison for awhile and it wasn't a five star hotel but the basics of hygienic living were provided. It seems CRAZY the military can't get even that right.

[@rmenard1986]

Stay calm young ones, listen to your elders , it's not worth it!!!!

[@hic7021]

My father signed up for the Army during the closing days of the Vietnam War. What happened to them stuck with him his whole career. When I told him that I wanted to join the Army he advised me not to. As he put it, " the Army doesn't care about you and your going to go get shot at in a war no one cares about. Especially by the people that sent you." I'm glade I never signed up. I lost a good friend in Iraq for nothing. If the military wanted s good recruiting campaign, try picking up and caring for all the broken ex-soldier on street corners that you abandoned.

[@solarchos4352]

The military doesn't need any people to sign up. Emma and her Two Moms will save us all.

[@ElGordo4488]

My son in law went to leadership training to get his e-5 and he had to write 2 essays on why diversity is a good thing. First of all that is one thing that the military has been for many decades. When I went to PLDC in the early 90s everything we did was military based. I no longer recommend anyone join the Military as it seems to have become the same as the Universities.

[@allegrap1054]

That “urban population” has fought loyally in every war since The War of Independence. Sadly certain people decided they were better for prison profits so they won’t be available for future wars. What are you going to threaten them with if they refuse the draft? Jail? Greed makes people short sighted.

[@Deltic-ce1hk]

I’m not risking life and limb to fight another country’s wars.

[@rartu]

I volunteered in the VA hospital in Boston, saw the way they treat veterans. Scared me away from serving. Probably do like the Romans, just get immigrants to serve and give them citizenship...

[@subicstationditosailor4053]

I am part of a 7 generation father son tradition of serving in the US Navy, and my son will not be the eighth.

[@KevinDavis-z8v]

I have a grandson that recently went in the Marine Corp. We all tried to talk him out of it but he was determined that it was the right choice for him. I can only hope that he doesn't realize his mistake some day.

[@jphillips2471]

I retired from the army in 2015, 22 yrs. Up until Obama took office, we had a huge sense of pride in service, and we were well above normal troop strength. Then the military's policies began integrating wokeness, which I witnessed a lowering of standards, cohesion, discipline, and pride. Retention and recruitment went down. I understand why less have any national pride, and don't wanna serve. Who wants to serve when we're losing pride I'm country, don't know what this country is anymore, and how vets are treated as 3rd class citizens in many places? All this isn't accidental.

[@rfp313]

I'm a veteran and am very salty about our foreign involvements all over the world. I see them now as a waste of time, money, and lives. I was worried I was a small minority in how I felt about our wars, but the more veterans I talk to the more I see I'm not alone. I couldn't in good conscience tell my kids that they should sign up.

[@kamikazekunze]

After Desert Shield/Desert Storm I felt I was used to rob a gas station under the guise of helping Kuwait. I strongly encouraged my kids towards public service but NOT in the military. I’m proud to say one is a LEO and the other is a Paramedic. 😊 I love this country, but I do not trust the leaderships “agenda”. 😢

[@TheRichardc123]

Aside from being treated like inconvenient garbage after, following the $ as to who owns what defense contracting companies that supply NATO weapon systems… and how they influence policy to ensure a constant demand. People are slowly starting the become aware of the scam.

[@delunamarco]

Not mentioned that for a high risk job the pay is miserable

[@mudhutproductions]

It's also no secret that post service support through the Department of Veterans Affairs is a joke for a lot of Veterans.

[@ralphwatt8752]

All.Wars are Bankers Wars Why put your life on the Line For Politicans who treat you as expendable . You give Service As vets if you end up Homeless , Politicans do nothing to assist you , or attempt to assist you .! Why are Politicans not helping Homeless Vets ?

[@flutterstone1281]

I have watched the interview with Kevin Holland countless times. I’m just a few years younger than he is, and probably about the same age as Jack. I thought about joining the military when I was young for the same reason Kevin went to war: I watched Rambo and all those movies in the 80s and became fascinated with the military. But what a lot of those movies contain are warnings about serving the government and the fate of vets after pointless wars. I feel like that aspect of the story got missed, and history since Sept 11 has imitated art. I listened to too many U2 and Bruce Springsteen songs to go through with it (one of the best anti-war anthems I recall from the late 80s is a song called “Civil War” by Guns N’ Roses. I’ve thought about it many times seeing reports about the war in Gaza and watching the politics play out). And I gotta say, I’m glad. A lot of vets are dealing with injuries and PTSD from their service, or have had to witness it in their comrades. Vets have had to deal with unimaginable pain and suffering, and what do we have to show for it? On the 20th anniversary of September 11, the Taliban paraded through Kabul in American humvees and Blackhawk helicopters. We spent unimaginable money to reduce Iraq to wreck and ruin and now it is completely under Iran’s influence. I could never counsel a young person to enter the military today. No way.

[@Booker.T]

The Generals nowadays are cowards. Why would you want to serve under unimpressive people like that?

[@CountofSerenno]

Don't have any family who served in the military but have family who lived through an illegal US invasion.

[@reldoc]

I am the last to serve in the military (my son and daughter are a police officer and a nurse so they “serve”). We have had someone in the military since the Revolutionary War. It’s sad that this has ended due to political leadership.

[@TimKyoutube]

i served with COL Schlichter. He is a good dude and one funny commander. he is a real american.

[@kiwiviking175]

This is so spot on. Why would a Government (any Government!) alienate their main recruiting base?

[@Seven8001]

When it's run by traitors.

[@limeallens6160]

because you are being replaced. out with the old in with the new. look at the U.K.

[@wynnschaible]

Because it would likely not follow orders to turn its guns on people who believe the same things they do!

[@jpjohnbo]

My retired wife (20yrs Air Force) and myself (retired combat vet, 6yrs Army/17yrs Air Force), both advised our five children to not join the military. Why should they endanger their lives to satisfy the war craving of the politicians that would never endanger their own kids' lives.

[@bakulubaka8661]

People are starting to wake up.

[@Verticaltechwizard]

Why would you fight for a group that hates you is the real question ? That's a fools errand.