Why Is Gen Z Rejecting the U.S. Military?

[@AboveTheNoise]

What do you think about the U.S. military’s recruiting tactics, especially for high school students? Let us know in the comments below!

[@joshuaphillips755]

It's predatory AF. The American Dream is a lie. They suck at taking care of people who you'd think would be a priority. They lie about what you're fighting for: it's ALWAYS American business interests. THEY LIE. THEY LIE. THEY LIE.

[@williamkinkade2538]

Better pay! And pay for all of college!!

[@Conservatismfailedus]

They would have more people willing to fight for this country if they dropped weed from schedule 1 to schedule nothing.

[@bobsterclause342]

They went woke It is quite simple getting woke will destroy you

[@Ziton98]

I had Brain Cancer. And the won't let me get past the requirement office. I've tried 3 times now. I know I'm only 4'11 with scare tissue on my lungs. But for christ sakes let me serve my country.

[@aprildawnsunshine4326]

It's almost like Gen Z wants our military to behave better out in the world and treat it's members better when they get home. Shocking ain't it?

[@AboveTheNoise]

Right!

[@Zoara0110]

That’s what it is, unfortunately my generation can’t go a day w out being babied , we know wha we want but alot of em are unrealistic

[@nicholaslewis9338]

Um it would help if the media didn’t base the military and only showed the negatives. I never saw all the good things the military did in Iraq or Afghanistan on the news. Even though I lived them. Its ok though cause that’s not the media’s agenda.

[@wolfie8366]

​@nicholas lewis Sorry, but that's not the job of a journalist they aren't state made propaganda agency's to suck the Pentagon off.

[@LB-uo7xy]

Soooo why don't you tell us about all the good things the US military did while you were there then? Even better since it comes from an eyewitness account.

[@bradr637]

I think it's rediculous how we have that big of a budget yet many active duty soldiers are having trouble putting food on the table.

[@troyevitt2437]

Learn to spell "ridiculous".

[@Ziton98]

The majority of that budget is Military contracts. Like the $480million contract Microsoft got last year for a new HUD development for the Military. Yes a Call Of Duty style HUD. Mini map, weapon ammo count.

[@unkono]

War is a racket

[@johnrivers9393]

The army depends on new enlisted soldiers to maintain the force. Usually it’s High School students that fill those ranks. Active duty Soldiers that are newly enlisted are provided with access to mess halls for their meals where available at no cost. They are provided with billeting. They don’t pay utility bills while in barracks. Soldiers while in active duty can work toward a degree. With all available technology it makes getting that degree more attainable. There is always the possibility of having to deploy to a hazardous area, but knowing what the role of an army any army is to provide a kinetic solution to failed diplomatic actions.

[@troyevitt2437]

@@unkono And Nationalism/Patriotism is a delusion.

[@summerboyce4029]

Father served 3 tours in Vietnam. He had to use the freedom of information act to even prove he was there after his very public draft while he was in the hospital for a crash. After 15 years of fighting he finally got the benefits he was owed after serving. Listened to him and his surviving friends talk about how the US government called agent orange safe enough to eat. While he was having black objects removed from his skin every year due to his exposure. Not sure why I would avoid the military.

[@MarvelousLXVII]

I have a friend of mine who was a Marine in Vietnam. He has cancer from Agent Orange and suffers from extreme PTSD--especially from a battle he was in called Dai Do (look it up--brutal...) He had to prove to the VA that his boots were on the ground in Vietnam before they would do anything to help him regarding Agent Orange or PTSD. They made him jump through hoops he should never have had to jump through.

[@anthonyj5298]

everything is documented electronically now so it's much easier to get your benefits. Agent orange was a chemical to kill things....it doesn't take much thought. To be fair though we do things and put ourself at risk. It's in the values.

[@josiahleviston648]

You are not fighting in Vietnam

[@jonangorman6341]

​@@josiahleviston648🤡

[@magikclaw7458]

My grandfather served before Vietnam in West Germany. I know of only one time he cried, and that was on 9/11. When he found out I was thinking of joining, he begged me not to and got teary eyed. I heeded his advice.

[@EdwardEstacado]

He was a wise man

[@cultumsolis8086]

Coward

[@tajiSOG]

Wise man indeed.

[@LionsMayday]

He was a wiseman and deserve my respect.

[@DanielGarcia-kw4ep]

He saved you from commiting horrible war crimes only to come back to live in the streets to be another of the 100k annual ODs in the USA

[@Solitas777]

I love our country, but who wants to fight to defend a corrupt plutocracy?

[@joeswanson733]

no one

[@lukesmith8896]

@@joeswanson733 Way, way, way too many people!

[@ak-488]

If Trump asked you help safeguard our republic would you say no, Its for the people and all you care about. Where would we be if we didn`t have that WW2 soldier or the Patriots that fought off the Redcoats. Take a good look at commie china and its threat which says we must always have a force they fear.

[@alanhobbs4498]

I would never serve under this president. Absolutely horrible.

[@careerfullonrapist3316]

​@@alanhobbs4498 you'd be serving Obama. Biden died in '16

[@johnathanbryan5053]

No one wants to work 12-14hour days then get told their crippling back and knee injuries aren't service related

[@Person0fColor]

Who in the service is working 12-14 hours a day? 😂 like half of all military personnel are on their phones all day the other half are on their phones only half the day lolz. And don’t get me started on how many Vets I know ripping the VA off for a “service related injury” 😂 if you cat get rated by the VA then that’s your fault I know some many doors getting $1200-$1500 a month for their “injuries”

[@rignatetris4435]

@@Person0fColor are you even in the military dude? some work that kind of time every other week, even in sf. and dont get me started in the regular army.

[@reptickle5646]

@@Person0fColordawg this is a normal schedule for some MOS and Rates within service, believe it or not.

[@zaco-km3su]

@@Person0fColor Everyone. Especially if they're deployed.

[@supersaiyannigga5980]

@@Person0fColoreveryone you clown

[@stuffthings9618]

1. No one wants to die in war for political gain (Iraq) 2. There hasnt been a major war for decades so theres no need to enlist.

[@nolipoli430]

America is on the verge of war with China and Russia have u not been watching the news?

[@mouse6170]

As someone who is Gen Z and recently got out of the Army (my MOS is 19K) after completing my enlistment, I can say that you do provide many good points. However, the reason why the military is having a difficult time recruiting is because they are pushing people away who want to serve, by trying to recruit people who don't want to serve. For example, the "two moms" ad the Army had a couple of years ago pushed away those who wanted to serve, and it didn't really attract those who had no interest in serving in the first place. Another big issue the Army has is retention, people that join do not stay in (like myself). The reason why I got out was because of broken promises and leadership took no accountability for their actions (there are a lot more reasons but that would take a lot of time to explain). My unit promised that I could go to Air Assault, Airborne schools, and take college courses, but when I submitted the paperwork I was rejected every time. My leadership would not take accountability for their failures, they just used their lower enlisted personnel as a scape goat. To some of my leaders, we were nothing but cannon fodder to be used at the first sign of trouble. I don't regret serving because the experience has definitely benefited me in the long run.

[@AboveTheNoise]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and perspective. It aligns a lot with the ex-Marine we interviewed, Julian Valderrama. We didn’t end up including a lot of the complicated experiences he had - good and bad - but overall his experience was a lot like yours.

[@TheNujabes24]

Exactly why i left the marines, they promised all these schools, pay your college after 4 years multiple combat deployments myself and my guys never went to any of these schools, just denied.

[@tresfordays9644]

Toxic leadership seems to be the biggest reason all my Army friends got out after one contract. I had really good leadership at my first command in the Navy, which is probably a big reason I re-enlisted

[@FTWMFXD]

between the two moms ad and the president we got, that's what pushed me away. Not to mention they denied me on "medical history" which i got everything cleared. Funny thing is a week or so later they called back asking if i wanted to continue and try and get it, 5 years to late dipshits.

[@The-Shadow-Realm]

Alright, a Tanker! You’re right though. I got out of the Army a few years ago myself, and this is why I tell anyone to go to college first - and if they really want to serve in the military, go through ROTC or OCS. I always stress simply enlisting as a last resort because you’re right - basically anyone that’s below E-7 gets scapegoated and used left and right!

[@Mothman1992]

I realized when I was 16 that the rich schools didn't have military recruiters. They had college recruiters. I saw that there was a class that died in wars and a class that profited from them. I wanted no part in it

[@muddyriverdogz]

There is no free market when a private central bank is controlling your currency ! The millitary is for protecting US dollar global hegemony and corporate interest. Your basically fighting for slavery including your own in the US millitary !

[@garycamara9955]

Then you, by default, are profiting from them. I remember the draft. I remember the Vietnam war I am a veteran. Theres no war so whats their major malfunction? I think you should have to have served in the military to qualify to vote.

[@dingus6317]

I went to a STEM school in the DFW metroplex with $100.000 electron microscopes, we had recruiters too.

[@richard09able]

When I was growing up the rich schools gave their kids individual curves and groomed only for college, of course.

[@nicholasleon787]

Yea that’s complete bs ur lying

[@Hanschen994]

As a younger person I have great respect for our vets, but I wouldn't sign up for the military because of mistreatment by people of higher ranks and politicians. I also am not willing to risk my life in wars I do not believe are moral which have become very common in US foreign policy.

[@iplayfoofee3547]

and yet the same people vote for the same ol politicians who wont help change or improve the military.

[@guidedexplosiveprojectileg9943]

Like which vets?

[@Overhaul-db6ln]

Lol idc I’m shipping

[@spacematt21]

alr then, imma get benefits while you still gonna have to pay HELLA taxes

[@lordbabycakes8736]

​@@Overhaul-db6lnoh shit you heading out to basic? Don't loose your annex b or you ain't getting that bonus

[@aliquidgaming1068]

It's that most people now are either a child of a member or vet or have family and or friends who are. Almost impossible not to know someone at least every other person who has someone they care for a good amount in the service. The problems vet face are more transparent and something more citizens actually are very aware of. The consequences of war and combat vets being more and more vocal about what war is really like and the demons they carry with them due to what they had to see, do, etc. There are many many reasons gen z isn't enlisting

[@AboveTheNoise]

This is so true - we only touched on three of the major reasons but there are many more - including the experiences vets are sharing.

[@8G00SE8]

Only 6.4% of the US population are veterans, it's more likely to be the opposite statistically, most people have no connection and no knowledge of how the military works outside of media. Edit to add: In 1980 it was 18% of the population, we are getting to a point where Gen Z is the most disconnected (from veterans and the military) generation we have seen in decades apart from what they consume on TikTok.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

But Recutment is up in areas with bases and vets... Like your resonale makes no sense in reality...

[@sumbuddy4088]

Quite the opposite. People with relatives who were in the military have a much higher chance of joining themselves.

[@osamabama3057]

​@@AboveTheNoisesomalia signed

[@eleazg1]

Outside of toxic leadership, I'd say is an structural problem of the U.S as a whole. Having to join the military just because you want free school and healthcare is not good. These services should already be easily accessible to everyone in the country, not a plus because of forcing yourself to join the military. Enlisting should be done out of love and genuine interest to increase retention rate and bring more people in.

[@fakedungeonmaster5740]

suppose the united states did have affordable healthcare and education, what benefits should the military offer?

[@themaninabucket8365]

@@fakedungeonmaster5740Quality pay? Good work environment with actually competent leadership?

[@alondrawhetu]

@@themaninabucket8365well the education system needs that too so idk why we expect it from the military. sounds more like a legislative problem.

[@St.Trina445]

I like the free education but remember places like Canada and the U.K. have insanely high wait times for appointments and higher taxes because of free healthcare

[@alondrawhetu]

@@St.Trina445 yes the wait times are horrible. i was living in new zealand and when i strained my back and couldn’t work, all they gave me was over the counter meds and i had to wait 12 hours just to be seen

[@aka3927]

The way that veterans are treated in this country is reflecting of how we will be treated if we risk our lives for a corrupt government. We learned from the Vietnam vets. If being a veteran was honored and respected in this country then maybe they might get a couple million more troops

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

they lost wars.. they shoudlnt get respect

[@leichen8132]

@@juanshaftpatel7488 Damn go win war for us then

[@Lolamy]

maybe if military got the proper healthcare and shit they need there'd be more people joining..

[@JacksonDeeds]

@@juanshaftpatel7488and you’ve never won at anything in your entire life, therefore we should respect you even less.

[@andywalex]

But... One day a year you'll be able to get free chicken strips from Chilli's...

[@lilj9278]

Im active duty right now and I hate it. We get treated so wrong and its so toxic. They DO NOT care for you at all. My depression has risen significantly since I joined and my body is banged up before this I was healthy but that’s the army for

[@Crynope]

My dad (Marine Vet) tells me "Don't join the military" soo I just listen to him.

[@kelj4517]

Just because your dad says something doesn’t mean it’s right! I’m a military veteran! I have free health care, educational benefits and I receive life time VA benefits!

[@liquidsnake4943]

@@kelj4517 shut up fed

[@peachesfry4509]

Good for you brother.

[@Boo-qg9fj]

@@kelj4517 how much are you getting paid to say this? Lol

[@kelj4517]

@ Boo No one is paying me! What I said was 100% accurate I get life time benefits.

[@hazelnuiit]

HOLD UP. You're telling me those weird LOTC/JROTC classes are NOT in every school in the US? They had us thinking it was normal as algebra.

[@jackiehuff7736]

I went to school with a guy going on the gi bill. Government shut down, he got kicked from his classes. Also vets are treated horribly. In ohio, there was land set aside as investment for vets, and the state took it and sold it for cheap to land developers. Really screwed the vets over. No one did anything.

[@757Princess]

I was using the GI bill and we were still paid our housing allowance and school tuition. Not sure which shut down you’re talking about

[@vancarson440]

I’m part of Gen Z, I wanted to be in the Navy. My parents don’t want me going, and I don’t see myself fighting for a very selfish administration. When I find something to fight for then I’ll reconsider. Edit: seems like in my absence I might have caused a microscopic conflict.

[@marijeewana]

China & Russia trying to takeover? There are many things to fight for, your family, your future kids, who knows?

[@bluetickbeagles116]

Very wise. Go to college and use your brain bc your brain cells will die in the military. It breeds stupidity and there’s no room for critical thinking. It’s for the low of IQ.

[@ak-488]

You may never be in a battle but its not about dying for your country and its not about backing a corrupt Gov`t. Its in you to show you will do whats necessary to preserve our fragile freedom for your kids and future generations.

[@vancarson440]

@@ak-488 I can understand that, with that reference in mind I’m in the process of considering to join.

[@ak-488]

@@vancarson440 I would do 20, so many Navy vets will tell you its a super experience especially if you can get on a carrier. You are treated well.

[@kingr1757]

They don’t want to join getting paid pennies, when politicians are getting paid 5x more than that and get to sit back/delegate

[@deepfried_stupidity]

five pennies

[@muddyriverdogz]

There is no free market when a private central bank is controlling your currency ! The millitary is for protecting US dollar global hegemony and corporate interest. Your basically fighting for slavery including your own in the US millitary !

[@tiagotiagot]

Going after people that are in a bad place for no fault of their own and baiting them into risking their health, and even their lives; is pretty scummy. This type of coercion is pretty much just slavery with extra steps.

[@AboveTheNoise]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@con2829]

This comment is clearly based on ignorance, giving someone a chance to pursue a more structured career is way better than a cluster f civilian world.

[@jaystrickland4151]

You should look up the definition of coercion before using. Coercion is defined as using force of the threat of force to compel the party to act in an involuntary manner. So unless the recruiter is beating up high school kids to make them join there was no coercion.

[@elkrumb9159]

Not every role is a combat role…

[@sigsauer_firearms]

someone clearly doesnt know what slavery is truly like

[@wheresmtnzx1115]

I passed the ASVAB test when i was in high school i decided i wanted to go to college and the enlist but when i graduated college they told me i had to retake the test, i never took it. Best decision of my life.

[@394pjo]

I'll defend my country with my life, but Im not dying for the Koch brothers or Bill Gates.

[@DorifutoRabbit]

The best advert for the armed forces is looking after veterans

[@jonwwillis]

Agreed, the VA needs to step up their game...

[@thebestcentaur]

Well said

[@danbrown-pl6tc]

and, perhaps, stop creating new disabled vetrerans, daily

[@motivationallizard6644]

I’m actually 16 and I was going to sign up for West Point my junior year. My entire family were military as far back as around WW1 and maybe even the Civil War. My dad was actually a marine in the Gulf war in 1991 along with my uncle so I had plenty of legacy and motivation to serve. I’m also infatuated with military history and have grades that more than meet west points requirements, along with already passing all of their fitness standards. However, my mother immediately shut down the idea of serving. She had heard about how many veterans struggled with mental issues and lack of support for veterans. She’d also heard horror stories from my dad who had served in one of the artillery batteries that shelled the “Highway of Death” in Iraq. She absolutely refused to even allow me to apply out of all this fear from what could happen; so know I’m studying to go to law school instead, and hopefully become a federal judge or senator. I likely could’ve been an effective officer, but all of the malpractice and lack of support for veterans is what turned me away and I honestly believe the same is true for most talented young people, so this isn’t just a crisis for enlistment it’s a crisis for effective leadership that will lead the military in the future.

[@damongraham1398]

I hope I do not insult your mother with this post. She is well with in her rights to be worried about her son. Service is thinking about others. Your mother was rightly thinking about you, her son. You as a person must make decisions for yourself. Also do not forget if you give the military 10 years you can spend the rest of your life to provide that effective leadership with first hand knowledge of those who also serve. Since this is the internet let me go completely insane. If you join and the second worse thing happens and your are injured and still in your right mind you can still provide effective leadership. If the worse thing happens I hope you leave a record of some kind to provide inspiration so other will make that sacrifice.

[@motivationallizard6644]

@@damongraham1398 your comment was by no means an insult, and I’d actually thank you for a constructive response. My decision to not join the military was mostly due to her insistence, but also my own personality. I’m extremely extroverted; to the point that I’ll often gather a crowd of people around me when I talk in public. My father, the gulf war vet, was in full support of my prospective military career but also warned me that my personality wouldn’t mix well with the culture of discipline required for an enlisted man let alone an officer. I have no doubt I could adjust if the situation deemed it necessary, but I know from my time in school and in public that I’ll likely succeed in whatever’s field I put my mind to, and that just so happens to be as a lawyer and politician, as I am still, and will always be patriotic for America. I hope that In my future career I’m able to fight against the current corruption and lackadaisical nature that plagues the government.

[@damongraham1398]

@@motivationallizard6644 So pretend I am a reporter asking the future politician "would you support whistle blower laws to protect people that have information about corruption wherever it may be found? I'm not understanding the "drawing a crowd" is a bad thing?

[@motivationallizard6644]

@@damongraham1398 it’s not a bad think, but I tend to speak my mind whenever asked, and if something seems inefficient or redundant I’ll call it out regardless of seniority or rank. I’ve been doing this since I was ten, to the point that my teachers would occasionally just let me teach my history classes because I knew the information better than they did. If I were to mouth off to a superior in the military of all places I seriously doubt it would go well for me, especially with how often I call even minor infractions out.

[@damongraham1398]

@@motivationallizard6644 are you saying that as a smart guy you would not know when to pick your battles?

[@swagmund_freud6669]

I'm Canadian and the only time I ever got anything resembling military recruitment propoganda in my school life was a voluntary field trip to the military museum in November for Remembrance day (American Veteran's day), and that class was also an optional film class. And it was just a veteran telling us what it's like. He said he loved his job and all, but yeah it's definitely not for everyone. I think the immense propaganda the US military does is unbelievable, especially towards minors.

[@420vader]

Why die for a country that doesn’t care about us?

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

I would love to see Biden reinstate the draft for this generation. That would be a cirsus to watch. Canada and Mexico would be building border walls to keep the woke out. I know that draft feeling, 1969, might do this generation some good.

[@AdrianFahrenheitTepes]

Canada? Maybe. Mexico wouldn’t have much of a problem with people trying to run there. People feeling so entitled in wealth wouldn’t want to go to Mexico and give up what they had.

[@grumpy_9826]

Might do them some good to be tossed together with some people that aren't of their choosing or would ever been exposed to. My Navy boot company (2/70-5/70) included a So Cal surfer type, a guy with a Masters in Music, a few other guys with degrees, a couple of tough guys from Chicago and Cicero, five black guys that couldn't swim, several Texans, a huge farm guy from Iowa and numerous other rural types, a few Latinos, five Filipinos, a bunch of us city guys and suburbanites, and at least two guys that could barely read. The Navy threw the sixty of us together without asking if we were okay with our comrades or would prefer a different batch. We quickly learned that we had to work together whether we liked it or not. Those that could would help those who couldn't complete a task successfully. By the end we were a tight team that could do anything demanded of us. I think we all learned a lot about people and life. I know that I did and it has served me well in the following decades.

[@thebestcentaur]

Ain't happening...the public would not abide in 2024, and any politician who votes to send the children of the less fortunate into the meat grinder can kiss reelection goodbye. There are plenty of reasons not even the military wants to return to conscription

[@kossttamojaan]

Everyone of my family members that have served say the same thing: "Don't"

[@dry9005]

I'm a member of Gen Z and multiple of my friends, white, black, and latino alike joined various branches of the military (Mainly Army and Marines, with one or two going into the Navy). Growing up, I wanted to be one of them, joining the Army was one of my life goals for years, up until I was about 17. By this point, the idea of harm coming to me, PTSD, etc. etc. wasn't something that really phased me. The main reasons I ultimately decided against heading into the military was the lack of care given by higher-ups and a general loss of faith in the government. Personally, I despise our current governmental entities on nearly every level, why would I volunteer to serve them? I still see the military as an honorable thing, and national security as something that is important to me, but I can't willingly serve politicians who view me and my hypothetical fellow soldiers to die for nothing, in wars that do nothing but serve the elite, and fight for something I don't even believe in.

[@pat-orl]

Great that you didn't join

[@thebestcentaur]

Multiple members of my family have served and done fine-but they all got lucky, and at least two of them didn't have a say in the matter ("thanks" to the draft). Unless it was through a service academy, I could never, for many reasons, including the ones you mention. The 1% and our political powerhouses (both D and R) need to send their children to the frontlines, or go themselves. They complain that our military is shrinking and weakening-time for them to lead by example!

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

yeah.. now you kids can just get PTSD from being called the wrogn pronouns.. no need to join the military to get abused

[@muddyriverdogz]

There is no free market when a private central bank is controlling your currency ! The millitary is for protecting US dollar global hegemony and corporate interest. Your basically fighting for slavery including your own in the US millitary !

[@JohnDoe-wt9ek]

Create a society where the weakest link is held as the highest standard, be prepared for the quality of everything to fall apart. Even your military.

[@ashcarrier6606]

I just started the process of adding to my VA disability yesterday. Blown ACL in my knee. Tinnitus. Depression. Anxiety. Respiratory ailments from breathing the air in Baghdad. You name it. I'm 50. I'd like to just get to 100% and go into semi-retirement. I do not recommend joining. Mainly because America fights wars that whether we win or lose, do not effect daily life in America at all. I was not securing your freedom when I was in Iraq. Our freedom is largely the consequence of being bordered by two beningn neighbors and two vast oceans. And my being an artilleryman on 9/11 did not prevent 9/11. America's military is designed to fight in other countries. Because there is no plausible mission for a force that size here. To put it another way, Brazil doesn't have a "Wounded Warriors Program". Why? Because Brazil's army stays in Brazil.

[@AboveTheNoise]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and perspective. It means a lot. And thank you for your service, and hope you get the care and benefits you deserve.

[@maar9526]

Personally joining the navy has been the best decision I’ve ever made but seeing how things are going from the inside I can’t blame anyone for not wanting to join. We’re moving in the wrong direction and service members are being taken for granted.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

moving in? It's gone off the cliff since I got out. They literally run insane bs about pronouns and fudge packing on AFN.

[@EnabIing]

When u joined?

[@maar9526]

@@EnabIing 2014

[@muddyriverdogz]

There is no free market when a private central bank is controlling your currency ! The millitary is for protecting US dollar global hegemony and corporate interest. Your basically fighting for slavery including your own in the US millitary !

[@js0U812]

Don't worry about recruiting. Worry about draft notices.

[@nolipoli430]

Right. I'm a woman so I'll just get pregnant 😂

[@tatersalad76]

My dad: "Why don't you want to serve your country in the army?" Me: "Because I'm not serving my country by gunning people down in countries that don't have indoor plumbing." Dad: "Well what are you doing to do when those people come after America?" Me: "Countries that 'come after' America usually have good reasons to, starting with 'This is the list of atrocities America committed against us'."

[@treeherder2201]

Imagine teaching an entire generation to hate the country and then wondering why no one wants to enlist to defend it.

[@alarcon99]

The Navy trained me as a Nuclear Electrician, which made it possible to leave NJ, earn a bachelor and a masters and become employed in a Nuclear Utility and earn aprox $110K/yr. If you are a citizen, if you are able bodied, if you meet the physical requirements and if you are strong academically, it could be very beneficial to join. But DO YOUR RESEARCH AND KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SIGNING UP FOR. As someone who was a recruiter for the last 3 years in I can tell you there are a lot of unscrupulous recruiters that will tell you anything to get you to sign up. But ALL the information (down to what each day in boot camp is like) is in the internet. Also, only the Navy and Air Force are the ONLY ones that can guarantee you the job you sign up for (provided you qualify and pass training) other branches (Army, Marines etc) May train you in one thing but your job may be in something else. My training was Nuclear school and my job was as a nuclear electrician on a carrier.

[@AboveTheNoise]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience and perspective. So important to hear from people who have actually served to understand this issue more deeply.

[@dannylo5875]

Exactly, it only works if you come prequalified. And licensed. You get straight sent to the top. Or if you got through rotc, went into officer school or got lucky in a lottery to go to officer school.

[@Peakfreud]

I've always told my young soldiers, that the military is what you make of it. Just like any other aspect of life. Life isnt that much easier, expecting the military to build you, while not investing in yourself... Leads to discontentment.

[@thispersonrighthere9024]

thanks for making that point about the Navy and Air Force guaranteeing you the job you signed up for. i never knew that.

[@osamabama3057]

​@@AboveTheNoisesomalia did sign crc

[@Uselesshandlw]

I did JROTC and joined the army and I enjoyed JROTC it was fun while I already wanted to join the army before because of my dad but honestly all it did was let me talk to more veterans and a easy grade wearing a uniform every Wednesday I also joined the army at age seventeen and I had a good experience so far and am looking forward to a good career

[@chrislisenby2681]

I have probalby forgot so do you join your senior year and graduate early.?

[@famousmortimer7933]

That run-on sentence alone should disqualify you from service honestly.

[@glenmull9735]

I just got out this year from the army, and a lot of what was covered in the video applies to the recruitment numbers right now. There are a lot of benefits to joining rn, such as the GI bill (which they have switched to a newer version for anyone born after a set period post 9/11, which in my opinion is a worse educational benefit). I am currently more set up than my peers after 4 years of service. However, what really is killing the military is retention. Retention, at least at my last duty station, was at an all time low, causing massive personal and tasking issues within units and deployment capabilities. This lead to more work getting piled on the lower enlisted and units themselves, causing everyone to be stressed out and overworked almost every day. And the Army culture expects you to like the severe punishment and question why few individuals want to stay. I thought I was going to be a careerist going in, and I changed my mind after my first duty station. For the pay and hassle, it simply isn’t worth it unless you really need a way to move up in life. Otherwise, there are better options available.

[@mkirules]

Just got out of Army. By far the biggest problem is that the military spends too much money on equipment compared to quality of life. They house Soldiers two to a room that's about 170 square feet and serve gross food that is usually just reheated by cooks. On top of this, the pay, including all benefits, comes to about $40,000 a year, but you work 60 hours a week to get that, so it's about $12/hour. Fast food is paying more than that now. Yes, GI Bill is an excellent benefit, but unless the military starts increasing pay, reducing work hours, and getting better living conditions, it will continue to struggle to recruit people.

[@ashtonstatesman6761]

i had a miserable time in jrotc and quit after a year. i dont think id do well in a job you arent allowed to quit.

[@lilchaparro9126]

As a US Veteran I hole heartily agree with many topics of concerns discussed in this video essay. I too came from low income family and yes the US forces recruited from our high school. Many of us were from low income families. Yes, there are many downsides of serving on active duty. Would I take all back, the answer is NO. Because there’s many upsides. Yes there are many alternatives than the military but we cannot lose our commitment to this country and all the sacrifices others have made.

[@Quagthistle]

...Because they don't want to put their life at risk to make such a low salary that they'll need to collect food stamps to survive.

[@genxlife]

I'm a GenX, and I've been rejecting the military for decades.

[@BadMannerKorea]

You look like you're 50, and your KZbin bio says you dropped of college in 1992.

[@jamemule5326]

You look like atleast in your late 40s and mid 50s.

[@jimdandy8996]

I think they should use military as an alternative option to jail and prison like they used to - and make it difficult. Maybe that could turn these individuals around and decrease homelessness to some extent.

[@ianlewis6258]

I tried to get in the Military, but I was not smart enough! The Military has change too much! 😔🇺🇸💐

[@jessebrucepinkman9353]

No you’re a solid candidate yo. Some of us can’t solve 1+1

[@saintvaporofficial147]

So you are giving up? I FLUNKED the math and still scored high enough for MP and infantry at a 34 on the asvab. Don’t quit.

[@ak-488]

Go and tell the recruiter you will always volunteer to be the point man. In the future they may use "the not smart enough" as suicide bombers, you`ll get in.

[@christianv7177]

It's actually Latino not Latinx. The entire Spanish language is gendered and it's nonsensical avoiding such an integral part of a language

[@christianv7177]

And also Latino already is the gender neutral term for a group of male and female Latin people

[@jacobparra4570]

They don't actually care about any other existing language unless it's English xD

[@Soundwave413]

I could give an entire essay regarding the military industrial complex but instead I'll give ya'll a gift, listen to "Hot Wind Blowing" (absolute banger btw) and you'll understand :)

[@CephlonMayngrum]

Lack of trust in government

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

The Army needs to start drafting women for the front. I refuse to participate in ww3.

[@Deridus]

Hear, hear!

[@aleks3022]

I think the military is so badass, I was gonna go for SF but I decided to give filmmaking another chance.

[@dankman8619]

When I was growing up I really wanted to join the air force mainly because me and my dad reenact world war 2 ground crews. But once I hit high-school I realized that most of the veterans I talked to said it sucked and I didn't want to serve a government that doesn't care.

[@oscardaone]

A lot of these folks who enlist are trying to get away from poverty. What I’ve notice about them talking about the benefits. However, with such a big budget throughout the years you’d think the government would work to fix the problems that made these folks enlist in the first place. Especially a crooked government that done pointless and possibly illegal wars over something like oil. I myself would have enlist, but my mind was focus on elsewhere. My conflict now would be is if I want to serve a crooked government or gain military experience to better myself. Btw I did JROTC when I was in school. Actually got two badges(whatever they were called, I can’t remember). A bit proud of myself. Anyway, I wouldn’t have mind it for my own sake, however I don’t think it would be a necessity to have in school. One might argue otherwise but I think that might be a different conversation to have. However I’m almost 36 so I can’t say I would be interested in it.

[@DKisOk]

I don't want my grandson to be killed in someone else's war!!! Yes, Defend Your Country, But Not Someone Else's!!!

[@Echo81Rumple83]

Considering that Gen Z has grown up seeing the horrors of the 9/11 fallout and doing active shooter drills AT A FXVKING SCHOOL (we've only done fire and earthquake drills when I was in school in the 80s and 90s), I'm not at all surprised that the youth are DECADES smarter than the rest of us. So good on them for standing up for themselves. But knowing my experience, the ones in charge won't be that observant and reach for other excuses for their failure in recruitment numbers like "woke." If you ask me, the LACK of woke is what's destroying us. Look at the OceanGate submarine ffs! Profit over people will be our undoing.

[@stanleysanders9099]

No most gen z has mental health issues

[@chasenovak122]

My grandpa loves to tell me stories, loves to talk about people he knew (Worked for Steve Jobs directly for a bit, so I heard some cool stories from the offices of Apple in their earliest days), things he’d done. He never talks about the time he spent fighting in Vietnam. THAT is why I refuse to enlist, I dare not subject myself to that which quiets the outspoken.

[@masterxeon1001]

man they better put guns in the hands of these street thugs and leave us normies alone. Criminals would love to do this.

[@TheMsdos25]

What would they even be fighting for? Land they can never hope to own? Rights/freedoms that their own government is constantly attacking and regulating away? Politicians who are apathetic to their struggles at best (and actively despise them at worst)?

[@gainsgamingginger2177]

I dont know if its the old white dudes up top. When I was in the Navy the upper chain was diverse, and they were still awful. Its a systemic problem not a race one

[@amapparatistkwabena]

If your answer doesn’t at least rhyme with “nobody’s gonna risk their lives in America’s endless wars for beans anymore”, I’m good.😢

[@Daveyjonesvi]

I’m gen z and I wouldn’t think about jointing the military because I know the military isn’t helping people. The only people who benefit are government contractors that make money off the military. Most wars are pointless, the US commits war crimes everywhere they go, and simply I cannot risk the chance of death for a country that treats its own citizens terribly. If the US wants my support they need to earn it.

[@Jack-zj1ug]

Answer: because Gen Z can see thru the BS more than previous generations

[@sdjslkdjlsskldjslkdjsl8262]

right, that's why they think twinkies is a gender.

[@AJ-oy5iv]

1. The government needs major and genuine PR work and better policy before asking for more sacrifice. Or they could ask the NRA, oil executives or large food &drug executives to fill in the gaps. 2. Kids are already fighting to not get shot in school. Minorities don’t get a break once the bell rings. 3. The citizens and government tell you that your life doesn’t matter and pull *surprised Pikachu” when you don’t run to enlist. It’s hard to put your life on the line when lawmakers try to stop you from voting, getting higher education and receiving basic healthcare. 4. The country was just forced to sacrifice everything in the pandemic. Prioritizing the economy, not lives, added to distrust and may have triggered additional disqualifying mental and physical health problems.

[@EmergencyL0tion]

As someone who is currently in the military it’s no surprise that no one wants to join we fought in a desert for 20 years spent not billions but TRILLIONS!!!! Fighting some dudes with sandals and Soviet era ak’s to what replace them with better trained dudes in sandals now with m4’s and night vision googles. Now only is recruiting horrible but retention rate is also pretty low the leadership is horrible, horrible living conditions, mediocre food even though they take $400 out of my paycheck, and as a medic you think the army would provide me with medications and training equipment well I had to spend $800 just this year to buy all that.

[@Maddie9185]

Gen Z are smart enough to see through the Military BS.

[@jayfeather965]

I will fight for my country. I will not fight for the republican or democratic parties.

[@HE360]

Less and less people trust politicians and their lack of accountability and this is partly why people are reluctant to join.the military.

[@emilioconde8782]

We are already losing wars we lost in Afganistán, Iraq, Korea and Vietnam. Maybe people don’t want to fight for a general that can’t win wars.

[@josephcalabrese6337]

Quick hypothetical question: What would happen to the U.S. military's recruiting statistics, If Extra-terrestrial aliens started invading America today?

[@viefcheesecake]

There would probably be a draft

[@starfox5352]

Advanced civilizations don't know the means of war. Their to smart to go to war and tear themselves down like disappointing humans

[@ekansnake]

Born and raised in Puerto Rico the US military gave me a better life after the military, I deployed 2 times to combat, I have ptsd and other traumas but thru the military I met my wife and now I have a son, a stable job, a house and a stable income, all thanks to joining the military, it isn’t all bad, everyone will experience different things in the military or as a civilian, to me it was just a job with risk and rewards not better and not worse than being a firefighter or a police officer, did 4 years and got out

[@nylonpython]

Most of those reasons you gave that the military will turn you down they're willing to write waivers for. Recruiters are really down bad, they don't really care about hand and neck tattoos.

[@carpenoctem775]

With the current administration and state of American society, it’s hard to believe there’s anything worth fighting for anymore.

[@EverettBurger]

A few months ago, I had two members of the military in my classroom (guided by my principal). They were interested in volunteering in my classroom a couple times a week. I asked for their business cards and they were recruiters. I have no problem with volunteers in my classroom. But, they must be there to help the kids. So, I set two rules: 1. Must be in civilian clothes when in my classroom. 2. No recruiting in my classroom. They are only there to help with kids that are struggling with math. They never returned

[@dragonf1092]

Tell them to golf, foxtrot,tango.

[@danieldinnell4944]

billions of dollars to other countries. . , yet no pay raise for military . . . old veteran

[@duanecarr6712]

It’s only the beginning

[@trslim6032]

I think a lot of it also involves Gen Z not putting up with a lot of what they would consider nonsense. Getting yelled at for not being at parade rest, saluting, being scolded for not reciting general orders (yes, a SM yelled at me for that, wasting both our time,) that sort of thing, rather than just focusing on the job. Gen Z, myself included, has to have respect earned personally, so seeing a rank on a chest means almost nothing to us. It's more about what the person has accomplished or been through for us. Rank just doesn't cut it anymore.

[@iscreamfitness]

Send the feminist and the politicians

[@chrisz7494]

(Non-US citizen here who is baffled by the US military complex) This is the same generation quitting jobs that dont give a shit about them. Are you surprised that they're not willing to die for a country that would let them get shot in a public school? So many of the teenagers and young adults rejecting the propaganda probably grew up with parents and grandparents who suffered in previous wars but were shunned as vets. I've seen far too many stories of vets fighting to receive simple medical care from the very institution that caused their injuries and trauma.

[@m0onm0th]

Because I wouldn't die for any country not even mine, not even my favorite country, I'm getting out of dodge when war starts anywhere. And I don't like to be yelled at by sergeants, that too.

[@kemaichijou8999]

People got smarter , they don't want to go die

[@Borlamach]

Been in the Air Force for over 15 years now, own a house, two vehicles, have no student debt, can retire less than five years from now, been to 15 countries, 36 states, and I'm married to the most beautiful woman in the world whom I met while being stationed in Japan. The biggest regret I have is that I did not join sooner. The Air Force has given me an amazing life and unbelievable experiences. I remember waking up some mornings in Okinawa, walking out onto my sixth floor balcony, overlooking part of the island, and asking myself "how am I even here right now?" It was almost too good to believe.

[@smallbutdeadly931]

Nice try, recruiter

[@bcliciousus]

AS a RETIRED ARMY VET, the best answer is: TOXIC LEADERSHIP. All the other excuses are pretty much selfish and petty. Why is it that every 17-23 year old in America is a rockstar who just has everything going for him/her, and just can't spare 2-6 years to mop floors in the military?

[@NoSenatorson]

Joining the Air Force was the best decision I made in my young life. It didn’t feel like it a lot of the time. However, I do think the system needs positive change.

[@vespaman101]

Im not anti military but im 100% against the presence of children geing approached for recruitment. I remember recruiters in my halls always going after me. They saw a young fit body they believed would be viable to enlist so they can get a bonus. They were just like the football coaches. Theyd say stuff like "you know where you belong right?". "Ah yeah with arms like that youll get through basic no problem". They would post up right outside of the lunch hall. Almost got me too. But i learned that i didnt agree with our current involvements in the middle east as i got older. Not against the military but its not for kids. People i onow have all kinds of PTSD and dead friends and lovers because of the military. Thru my current work with crisis intervention i deal with tons of veterans who struggle with ptsd my age and younger.

[@travisjohnson6676]

I served 9 years Active Duty in the Marines and would NEVER join today.

[@JoeViveiros]

Why fight for your jailer

[@iceguardian231]

So i tried to join the military because i felt like it was my only option to get the degree i want due to the free college and debt forgiveness, they ended up not taking me in any of the branches, the Army was the closest but only because the recruiter i had tried his best to give me a chance... but in the end, I'm $23,000 in student debt, and i don't have a degree or any means to pay that off, so even for the people like me who are willing and physically capable they won't take me because I was depressed in middle school

[@craggywag5482]

I also think that because life has just gotten easier, many people don't have the same desire to push themselves to do something difficult. Yes, the goal of society is to make things easier for future generations, but I think we've reached a point where things have become so easy that we're losing desire to do something that should be hard regardless of time.

[@TheYeti37]

Both my grandfathers (veterans) told me not to join. I grew up in San Diego & the majority of Marines & Sailors I knew, told me to never enlist. After hearing their stories of during active duty & after, it’s appalling the way we treat our vets.

[@MichaelLabriola-f8s]

The Army never told me about all the benefits i qualified for and that i had a high enough GT score to be a warrant officer! Pre internet we knew nothing and i got no book of benefits!

[@kevinadamson5768]

Here in Britain the recruitment has been contracted out to civilian contractors, result disaster with only two joining up and five leaving, every regiment and battalion is under strength and barely operational same with the navy. Add to that they have moved away from recruiting white working class and have moved down the diversity route, another disaster. If it ain't broken don't fix it. It's no wonder kids don't join up when they see veterans on the street homeless with no after care at all. I'm a veteran of the 80,s when we had a decent army but today it is a shadow of its former self with only 70 thousand. 😢

[@VictorMartinez-dv6md]

I WORKED IN THE MILITARY AND THIS IS A SLANTED VIEW OF STATS

[@jordonstewart2092]

Military experience is varied there is not one set path for all soldiers and there is no equality of outcomes after BCT and AIT. There are many soldier who after training end with decent leadership and opportunities while many other like myself got dealt a bad hand and became jaded and left or just rolled with the punches when a different route like reserves or national guard. Overall it’s not always bad but it’s a very trying lifestyle at times. You will miss events like weddings, funerals, birthdays. There will be days where you even wonder very you enlisted or commissioned but as long as you have a viable goal driving you like family or education. You can make it through most of the BS. Sometimes.

[@AboveTheNoise]

Thanks for sharing your nuanced perspective

[@edwardmilon668]

When I Signed Up For The U.S. Army In '87, I Was Told That If I Had Any Legal Issues I Would Be Given Free Legal Help From JAG! What They Did Not Mention Was That My Attorney Was Only Going To Get My Sentence Reduced, Not Get Me Off. I Was Given One Year For Assult Served Ten Months. I Wanted To Have Charges Brought Against My Attacker, But My Lawyer Said "NO!"

[@grth-is6xv]

Don't die for israel

[@bubbles201990]

I dont pretend like I dont know what we do overseas and I fail to see how it helps with "national security" other than the security to continue to be a superpower. The only superpower

[@jordeahgrosko]

I told my hubby is there is EVER a draft we're fucking moving

[@verathorn1556]

The numbers may also be partly explained by the fact that almost no soldiers today myself including, would advise or encourage their children to enlist.

[@BornotB-ij9xk]

"Imma keep it real with you US Military, I'm not fucking dying for an Oil company"

[@sdjslkdjlsskldjslkdjsl8262]

No, maybe not for an oil company, but you will for Israel when they draft you

[@mycatsballs8195]

@@sdjslkdjlsskldjslkdjsl8262I’ll have my Ali moment when they call my name

[@thefunnymofo7857]

​@@sdjslkdjlsskldjslkdjsl8262lol wont work nearly as well. Everyone is far too connected with social media.

[@Xphysique]

We aint goin when that happens

[@Person0fColor]

Yea that’s why you didn’t join 😂

[@juliovaldes1377]

I’m a Army vet.. what they don’t tell you is that the retention rate is also down by a lot and main reason for this is because the military ( most branches ) take soldiers for granted once you are in. They treat you like you are easily replaceable and do not respect your work/life balance what’s so ever. If you are lucky you might fall in a rare unit where there’s a higher up ( sgt major or a LT ) in your unit that isn’t totally toxic and might let you off in a reasonable time but those are hard to find. I use to wake up at 4:30 am be at first formation by 5:30 am and then work till 6 pm for the exact same amount of money every 2 weeks. It’s a shit way to live, the military is very toxic and do not appreciate their new soldiers and jr leaders, sooo they leave after their first contract. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@iDigress77times]

This is accurate y’all.

[@agarnetsadvocate3586]

Thank you. Nobody is actually addressing the real reasons, instead blaming other businesses with more "competitive benefits". No, not really, it's the deplorable QoL that nobody wants to join for and be forced to go through. That's literally one of the biggest reasons.

[@southernprideyankee]

Couldn't of said it better myself oh and don't forget the deployments with that same toxic chain of command and the endless patrols in Iraq and still be treated like absolute dog shit.