Why Is the U.S. Military Struggling to Find Recruits? Reporter Explains | Amanpour and Company

[@OrioleBeagle]

Veterans are telling their young family members not to join.

[@kerry-j4m]

I served in the US military and told all 5 of my sisters no to join,TOO many males with sexist attitudes and so many other males don't believe women should even serve in our military.

[@alfredpaquin3563]

@OrioleBeagle I don't have any kids, but as a Vietnam vet, I will tell ANYONE! Not to join.😲

[@kerry-j4m]

@@alfredpaquin3563 I served in both the navy and the army ( tho not at the same time-LOL ) I have 5 sisters and told them not to join any branch of the US military. EVER. LOL. TOO many male personnel with sexist attitudes and TOO much sexism.There're so many male personnel who don't even want women in the military at all.As far as young people today,go to college or attend a trade school,etc,etc, anything but the military,the people running this country are-TRASH-( this includes Trump too,he's shown a disdain for our military personnel and vets ) they care nothing about our military.

[@dennisplatte7506]

@@alfredpaquin3563 I would tell them to join. The pay is 2.5 times what we got paid in the late 1960's---taking inflation into account.

[@sewerdawgs]

@@OrioleBeagle real soldiers

[@Aminah6623]

Because they don't wanna die in stupid, elective wars or wars for countries they aren't citizens of. The kids aren't stupid.

[@danarzechula3769]

And be sent home broken with no healthcare or home

[@rodniegsm1575]

Because the people of know don't want to get used by Western oligarchs who control not just politicians but also the military. Wy would you want your children's to die in another country because Americans oligarchs want to steal from those country's ??

[@robertgilbert9167]

The kids are alright... 🎵 ...

[@LIVdaBrand]

‼️⚠️💯. They really think we are stupid😂😂😂

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

It's bc of the leftist politics in the infected military.

[@mamatrain100]

Because no one wants to die for rich men.

[@mangus3433]

*israel

[@njcbar]

Plain and simple but effective comment!!!

[@LIVdaBrand]

Rich men who STEAL FROM US!

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

No. It's the far left policies.

[@mamatrain100]

@@SmokeNGunsBBQ such as?

[@charlessmyth]

Maybe it's because they don't want to be homeless vets with an emotional support dog from an animal shelter for company, and have serious physical and/or psychological issues that the VA doesn't want to deal with.

[@tuckerfrd1]

History of how we treat our broken Vets is not good, and lets not talk about the crap needed just to address "Burn Pit" health problems. Then, our lying leaders - who'd want it?

[@kingmaafa120]

West LA VA homeless veterans.. and elsewhere but that part won’t come up in the conservation 😮

[@r.f.pennington746]

I'll have to take exception to your specific outcome. I'm a vet with two deployments and plenty of combat under my belt. I came home, got out, got a career and I'm super well-adjusted and have never suffered any PTSD....oh, wait! Never mind, my bad bro.....

shortage of suckers and goosers

[@jamielancaster01]

Not in peace time you silly goose

[@cindy6787]

No one wants to be called collateral damage. Look at how the Vets have been treated since the 60’s. The idea to be used to fight wars not on our soil isn’t a pull.

[@sagapoetic8990]

Journalists have never covered why shell shock or battle fatigue were REMOVED from the DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) at the start of the Vietnam War -- if you cant diagnose a health problem, it can't be treated and that saved initially money as far as veterans car went. It was most likely very political why these terms were removed from the DSM. But it meant Vietnam veterans suffered greatly and they couldnt be treated, which is why they were often portrayed as crazy in popular films. PTSD was returned to the DSM in about 1980 after alot of lobbying by veterans groups to fix this so they could get the care they needed, which was still too little and too late.

[@starloszelson4541]

That’s a LIE. Millions of kids want to join military

[@dennisplatte7506]

@@sagapoetic8990 Fake. Vet's have always been treated for mental issues. They should be treated until they find a counselor that can help them. That may take 2 or 4 different counselors. But get them better----and quit paying them money instead of fixing the issue.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

No. It's liberal DEI policies. Everyone knows the risks when we join.

[@dennisplatte7506]

@@SmokeNGunsBBQ Or like they used to say, 'It's the economy, stupid'. When unemployment is 4% and there are 7.5 million more jobs than people to fill them----the Army will always have a tough time. When we hit our recession, and we will---guess what? Military again becomes a good option. I'm guessing we are within a year of a recession.

[@kevinjenner9502]

“The invasion of Iraq was neither in self defense against armed attack, nor sanctioned by the UN Security Council authorizing the use of force by member states and thus constituted the Crime of War of Aggression”. The International Commission of Jurists in Geneva

[@lindal5512]

President Bush Senior (Kuwait) President Bush Jr (Iraq & Middle East - weapons of mass destruction lie!) VP Dick Cheney made billions in his private business of supplying soldiers! TRUMP made a mess of Middle East, Iran, Yeman, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt &Ukraine! He did nothing against thugs Netanyahu or India PM Modi! GOP have been war mongers & maintained a corrupted accountability of the military spending & abuses to women, gays & minorities, etc! Pay structures & benefits are corrupted! We need a retired military person such as the next VP Walz to help clean it up! Vote Blue in local, state & federal elections so we can move forward to get rid of the old dinosaurs who are holding our country back!!

[@mangus3433]

That was a jewish neocon war for the benefit of israel

[@ronaldoconnor2086]

Emma and her two moms ,is not helping!

[@SteffiReitsch]

Tell that to war criminal Bush Jr. His trumped up elective war he and his neocon cronies insisted on cost $3 Trillion and beyond. When Clinton left office , the U.S. actually had a budget surplus. Then came Bush Jr. By the end of Jr.'s eight years of squandering, a budget hole was dug so deep, the U.S. can NEVER get out of it.

[@dennisplatte7506]

Trump said he was against the Wars in the MIddle East from day one? Was he really? No----but he says that he was.

[@sewerdawgs]

Breaking news!!! Finally in 2024 ppl don't want to fight for war mongers and are questioning America's moral compass.

[@starloszelson4541]

What happens when some one ATTACKS USA? You will be the first person asking where are the Marines

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Yea finally

[@harperwelch5147]

Really? We have to ask why the US is struggling to recruit new soldiers?

[@alfredpaquin3563]

Really, I agree. Vietnam vet, career military, tour in the recruiting command. No one should have to ask why. I always left prospects with the caveat. "You can die. It's not like the movies."

[@LIVdaBrand]

Because they are psychopaths/sociopaths that don’t care about you lol

[@dougsherman1562]

That's right Harper. They talk in big circles but just can't bring themselves to say the truth.

[@dalepetersen1166]

Rural America is being depopulated by the 1% turning agriculture into a corporate structure instead of family farms by bidding up land prices. When you lose a young healthy rural population you see it in military recruiting decline

[@Merriwether-w8k]

Uh...robots?

[@Merriwether-w8k]

living in cities is better for the environment - smaller carbon footprint

[@hananokuni2580]

​@@Merriwether-w8k A clever way to reduce the advantage that the US has in food production.

[@annemumford9459]

​@@Merriwether-w8kHave you seen what's happening in cities? When you have people defecating in the streets, leaving used needles and garbage everywhere, don't expect anyone with the ability to apply critical thinking to that statement to believe that b.s.

[@samuelculper4231]

astute

[@sagapoetic8990]

I'm a former Peace Corps volunteer who fell in love with a veteran who was a combat soldier and Ranger. He had been gravely injured in Iraq and is disabled. Through him, I am shocked how broken our veterans system is and that the journalist alibies its because under the Cheney administration soldiers joined who shouldn't have or that the military has higher standards than society and had to drop these standards during the Cheney administration. BS on that. Our military was MISUSED to fight the Iraq war. Why don't the journalists put the blame where it really belongs? Why let politicians like Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz off the hook? These kinds of politicians who got filthy rich while misusing our military assets to fight wars we should not be fighting? Bonus -- if you can implement allegedly high standards then miss recruitment goals, you can contract out to military contractors -- and that's a whole other abyss right there as more of our military has been contracted out from Rumsfeld's era onwards. Political appointees and the contracting out to entities with vested interests have also played a role in undermining the quality of services to vets. The VA released a surprisingly useful survey in February or March 2024 how the military failed to identify wounded combat soldiers and provide them the care they need. Ask a combat vet -- many have been repeatedly denied health services they need. If men and women are injured in service -- they should be identified and there should be a regimen of healthcare and services you provide them. The compensation process for disable vets is extremely difficult, reaching 100% is impossible, and it's so meager. Why would sensible Americans join, risk disability only to be stuck on a couple of hundred dollars a month? Last year there was a scandal that black American vets were compensated at lower levels than white vets but the reality is far worse and the media failed to discuss that compensation to combat vets is far too low for both categories of vets -- and I was curious what is it for asians, latinos AND women but we are distracted by subcategories when the problem is combat vets across the board. If compensation for black American vets increases from 23% to 27% -- that's still outrageous if these guys saw combat and especially if they were wounded or have ptsd. The compensation for all combat vets needs major reform. From what I've been reading, trauma care also has been woefully inadequate for female vets -- and it's terrible as it is already for male vets but this needs major reform, too. Journalists should embed with homeless vets for several months and THEN write. My BF has been homeless in the past -- our culture has gotten more materialistic. Americans still fail to follow politics and vote which means some of our politicians will continue to misuse the military for conflicts we need to prioritise out. Expect problems to persist as far as recruitment goes. But do NOT let the political parties off the hook -- both democrats and especially republicans have failed our veterans and misused our military. If we fight, it needs to be for a just conflict -- not to benefit corporations or bank accounts of our politicians while we then fail to ais wounded veterans.

[@thankrichardy9301]

You forgot George W.

[@traviscutler9912]

Disposable Heroes.

[@sinisterintelligence3568]

$900 billion dollars for defense and yet, we can't fill potholes.

[@kicker6274]

The interest on our debt has surpassed defense spending.

[@roberthunt6747]

70% of military budget goes to contractors

[@oofballz4328]

@@roberthunt6747 should go to pay our servicemen instead

[@maxvanwig6434]

Nah most of it goes to programs that nobody needs

[@Teleman1958]

Agent Orange, burn pits, lack of proper VA healthcare coverage, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. What is so difficult to understand?

[@howlinwulf]

​@user-ib3ln8mk8z yeah people woke up to the idea that america and it's government are using people to enrich others and do nothing for America in general. Vets get nothing when they get home,people are sick of being lied too.

[@Falcon2609]

​@@heudu7h3brudiDefine what woke is?

[@asaojohnston8235]

So maybe the only good thing about woke is they realized military is a fraud until rich kids enlist,

[@Mageroeth]

​@@heudu7h3brudiThey have not been you are underestimating the how much the internet changed how people get infomation.

[@fett_420]

​@@Falcon2609Anti-male, anti-marriage, anti-heterosexual, anti-christian, anti-white just to name a couple examples of woke.

[@ronkirk5099]

I joined the USAF in 1969, but only under threat of the draft into the Army or Marines and almost certainly a year in Vietnam. Ended up spending 16 months in-country anyway, but at least it was relatively safe in the Air Force. With the recent war adventurism this country has embarked on, I can understand why the young generation doesn't want any part of it.

[@artstrology]

We always find out they lied about why we are there.

[@Falcon2609]

​@@artstrologyFacts

[@messybench]

A lot of us wanted military service for training and college help. But now college isn't the draw it used to be, and a generation of gamers aren't excited about running and marching with a heavy pack.

[@Bigbrotheriswatchingus]

The people of the world are sick of war...

[@LRCW1]

Well I guess they need to learn how to respect each other & respect boundaries. When that happens wars will go away.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

Nope.

[@gregorylyon1004]

Go tell Putin that

[@Bigbrotheriswatchingus]

@@gregorylyon1004 He has been told..but he is a malignant narcissistic and you cannot tell them anything

[@StrawhatEnjoyer]

​@@LRCW1Not possible. This would require racial segregation.

[@nacarreira777]

Perhaps it's time for our government to push diplomacy rather than threat of conflict. Take care of our veterans properly. They gave all and should be made whole not left to deal alone.

[@Angie-d3k]

Don’t want another war?

[@JohnShawOhio]

I served 31 years in the Army, my four kids remember the pain of separation and not one is interesting in reliving the years of lack of contact during my four combat tours. They see the problems with the VA coverage and don't see how the service is worth it.

[@William14094]

You sound entitled. The VA owes you nothing.

[@truthfacts57]

@@William14094 How the weather in Moscow ?

[@Interglacial_optimist]

The american people do not know who is in charge of the military and they have seen for themselves that what the military is doing is not what they want.

[@kingmaafa120]

Yes they do or at least some parts of 🇺🇸.. GOOGLE USAF bree Fran 😮🤐👍

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

Maybe they don't want to be maimed or killed in stupid pointless wars around the world.

[@TheBurrowByTheCreek]

Not hard to believe given how shamefully veterans are treated in our country. Who would want to be used and abused only to be left injured and discarded like an old piece of equipment. What’s there to wonder? Look at all the homeless veterans. How desperate does a kid have to be to join the military?!? Reform the benefits if you want to see the numbers increase.

[@murphmurph2124]

Exactly and then they hand illegal immigrants the world

[@LRCW1]

I'm a veteran & retiree. I get treated just fine. Back in 2009 I was on the verge of being homeless. I went to the VA scared & distraught & was immediately hooked up with a VA program called HUD VASH. It's a program that prevents homelessness or gets you housing right away depending on individual circumstances. I stayed in that program until I was able to buy a house in 2022. Without that program I would have become homeless. I am also low income & they take care of any & all of my medical needs. You have to go to the VA in order to talk to someone about your situation. They can't help you if they don't know you are in need of help.

[@lindal5512]

Many DACA Dreamer immigrants (legal) join the military even though our government has failed to give them a path towards citizenship! Very lengthy expensive process!

[@natashatrump7875]

​@@LRCW1So glad you got the help you needed. I wish they would be more proactive with letting people know they can get help. Maybe some social workers visiting all vets automatically.

[@rdelrosso1973]

@@murphmurph2124 Many immigrants join the Military with the promise of Citizenship!

[@psyphi407]

Because the military isn't used for defense. It's imperialism and colonialism.

[@damham5689]

Who wants to put their life on the line for big oil and corporate power grabs. Most today know the BS of fighting for America and democracy is just that, BS. Wars are fought for the wealthy .

[@artstrology]

They lied to us. The con game is over.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

True. The military should be on the border repelling the invasion of illegals.

[@Mikell-h2c]

@@psyphi407 amen

[@northernbohemianrealist]

They are there to look good for the president. That's all. Hence the claim regarding the Congressional Medal of Honor and insistence that wounded soldiers should not be included in parades. It's disgusting. I was ten during Viet Nam and personally knew veterans of the Great War. Military honor exists within the service, but Memorial Day at the cabin proves how Americans truly feel.

[@catherinefleet9213]

Because they’re tired of dying in someone else’s war only to have their government turn tail and run.

[@artstrology]

If you are talking about Afghanistan, that was an opium operation and it was the longest war in US history. We had to leave.

[@Mikell-h2c]

@@catherinefleet9213 amen

[@danpress7745]

USMC 1966-1969. The vets I speak to, young and old, are disheartened by seeing the hypocrisy of flag waving patriots who never served, those who use family influence to get out of service, later to become Presidents, VPs, and members of Congress.

[@howlinwulf]

Yep

[@nicholasbeauchamp1440]

@@catherinefleet9213 majority of military deaths these days occur in training. And I don't think dying is the reason why most people don't want to join. For me it's simple, there's no reason I shouldnt be able to consume cannabis in my own time while I'm not at work. Whether you agree or disagree, I can tell you A LOT of people just want to smoke week without being dishonorably discharged.

[@northernhornplayer]

Not just an American problem. It is much more universal. All western countries are having difficulties staffing their armed forces adequately.

[@wendylee7542]

Glad to know this a possibility. People don’t want to kill. Deviants do. Unfortunately, they rise to the top.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@wendylee7542the problem is the matriarchal society and people who think like you, responsible for DEI

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Western countries seem to be having lots of trouble right now

[@georgev4958]

Western coubtries have opebed the flood gates and their politicians have sold out them out, mostly their their middle class. They have lost faith in their govt institutions.

[@RealSix200]

Nothing but dancing around the blatant issue here....

[@rdelrosso1973]

Which is. ..... . . . ?

[@pinochetscommiecopter9984]

Whites (historical like 98% U.S. soldiers) no longer want to die for a nation that hates them and where they cant afford to have kids and wants them replaced with "diversity" and the diversity doesnt care about the nation and just wants welfare so they arent joining either ​@@rdelrosso1973

[@RealSix200]

@@rdelrosso1973 Ok....I thought it was obvious but I guess not. Men aren't valued, and now we know it. Collectively, we didn't know this before. But the cat is out of the bag, and we are voting with our feet.

[@analienfromouterspace]

@@RealSix200 Bingo, we are not cannon fodders anymore! Watch the government incentives on women in arms! or worse.

[@austinrichards1987]

@@RealSix200 Boohoo. No, it's because everyone knows about the meaningless corporate war machine.

[@LRCW1]

I'm a veteran & retiree. I get treated just fine. Back in 2009 I was on the verge of being homeless. I went to the VA scared & distraught & was immediately hooked up with a VA program called HUD VASH. It's a program that prevents homelessness or gets you housing right away depending on individual circumstances. I stayed in that program until I was able to buy a house in 2022. Without that program I would have become homeless. I am also low income & they take care of any & all of my medical needs. You have to go to the VA in order to talk to someone about your situation. They can't help you if they don't know you are in need of help.

[@tommcfadden5232]

4:32 “Do the standards make sense?” Yes. Dumbing down the standards will only increase the number of “unfit” military personnel.

[@Makmurf]

Crazy question

[@1962joeshmoe]

And yet the Navy just lowered its ASVAB score requirements but limited the numbers of ratings recruits with lower scores can apply to and added training for them.

[@sagapoetic8990]

You forget the most important standard: should we be fighting this war? Why aren't we using our diplomats first? Can Halliburton find a less dramatic and more cost-effective way to boost their Board's profits? Stop blaming people at the ground level who are really being exploited by unethical, greed at the top of our system. THAT's where the reform is needed.

[@turtledove41]

The “standards” are made up, there’s no such thing as dumbing them down

[@Falcon2609]

​@@sagapoetic8990Facts

[@johnathonhughes4814]

Joining the navy was one of the most challenging decisions I ever made, but it was ultimately one of the most rewarding as well. I learned a valuable skill, my college was paid for so no student debt, and healthcare. I now have a great job as a civilian.

[@dshepherd107]

That’s great. My friends husband had been in 30 yrs. An officer. Worked on a nuclear sub most of his time. They moved him back and forth across the country, forcing him to uproot his wife & child.. never gave them enough for moving expenses. Housed them under awful conditions on base, until they left the base and Forced him to get an mRNA Covid shot and he became very ill after for months. When he finally gets out, his wife and child will lose their health coverage, & he’ll lose a significant portion of his pay, after giving the US NAVY over 30 years of his life.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Excellent ! 🎖️

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Too bad you're not the status quo

[@joeg3950]

It's not about eligibility to serve. My kids love the idea of serving the country in almost any capacity. What stops them? Constant war and lack of commonsense support after discharge. The other thing that stops them: seeing my level of care at the VA after discharge with disability. It's not that it is bad. When it works, it is good. It works when people are healthy and need minimal care or intervention. Since it is modeled after our civilian system with more steps in requirements for specialty care, it can be tortuous. Plus, kids talk and tell their friends about what happens with their parents after service. Plus, recruiting is always 10 -15 years behind society at any given moment. If you look at efforts, I don't see recruiters at many community events outside of public school events. They should have a community-oriented presence that focuses on the possibilities for a recruit instead of mottoes, slogans, ridiculous online campaigns, etc. The DoD is out of touch, as always, of where society is at. Shoot, sponsor little league teams, new mats for wrestling programs, volunteering at the local library, etc. DoD get out of your dinosaur mindset and use critical thinking skills to improve. One thing we know is that the DoD uses money in all the wrong places.

[@KetoStyle]

The Marines met their goal in 2023, but lets look at attrition for the Marines. Retaining people for a second term is a problem.

[@Naruske221]

Not only the military recruiters but some of those who are higher rank can revolutionize how we think today and change for the better and progress with smart changes. Traditions are good and all, but we should sacrifice one for the other especially getting numbers, or it will be nowhere where it used to be

[@shutinalley]

Probably because armed conflict is more ridiculous in the modern age.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

@@shutinalley libclown

[@NicolasBock-v8r]

Actually it's two generations growing up watching how you treated the Afghan Iraq vets they want no part of that

[@edwardbrito4010]

20 years of never ending wars, lack of benefits & extreme risks. Why didn’t you ladies join young? Well nobody else wants to risk their lives for little.

[@billwhitis9997]

The military is a waste of time unless you're going to make it a career. Any education, experience, or certification does not transfer to civilian life. The pay sucks. The Veteran benefits suck, the Department is still in the stone age when it comes to communications and administering those benefits. We can spend hundreds of billions of dollars on weapon systems, but the human side is expendable.

[@kingmaafa120]

West LA HOMELESS VETERANS 😮

[@wilhelmheinzerling5341]

Bingo

[@dennismsanquini83]

That's true. I know ew a guy in there air force whose afsc was Hvac tech. But he spent very little time actually fixing hvac systems. When he got out he couldn't even get into the HVAC field. He would have needed to start over as apprentice.

[@billwhitis9997]

@@dennismsanquini83 It's like you wasted 4 years serving your country. That has to change.

[@terryshrk]

The Vets benefits suck??? I paid for my 4 years of collage ( In Italy mind you- YES,.. you can use education benefits at schools outside the Continental US) with my VA education benefits ,.and NOW people whom serve can even "gift" their education benefits to their children if they decide not to go to college after they retire,..LoL Ask any cook , logistics specialist, admin person or IT support person, how well their certs line up with those on the civilian side and youll be talking to the few Americans able to afford homes in this outrageous housing market,.LoL! Anyone insisting that the "education, certifications and experience " are useless on the outside is literally a freaken Russian or Chinese troll. The local Starbucks isnt paying any better and sure as hell isint kicking in an extra "COLA" Cost Of Living Allowance - like the DoD is,..LoL And dont get me started on the big HC,.phrase,..HEALTH CARE!! Wal-mart, Loews, Home Depot, Starbucks, Boeing, Goolge, Apple,.Amazon,..none of them will cover you 100% medical and dental without taking MASS CHUNKS out of your already too small paycheck,.LoL I certainly agree that theres plenty of room for improvement,..( burn pits) but this persistent idea that the military and Vets are still stuck in this post -Vietnam stereotype of the drug addicted homeless vet is some whacky,.liberal or Russian-Chinese nonesense. We do have a massive homelessness issue in the US but thats more to do with the housing crises and the Opioid epidemic

[@Ali-e5h1b]

5:17 - you really have no idea what happens in the military... Run for cover? How about be a dental assistant, truck driver, food services, automotive repair, aircraft repair, sheet metal, logistics... Even the Nazis had military photographers. Not every job in the military puts you on the front lines. Most put you in direct contact with those that are.

[@roberts7873]

Because WW3 is here and folks can feel it. Why would any man want to fight for a country in decline? I say send all the Miss Independents this go around

[@LIVdaBrand]

😂😂😂💯

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

It's bc white men don't want to die for the anti white anti male communist entrenched govt

[@DenaPowell-e3k]

Why not draft women? Women in politics are starting the wars, they should be on the front lines fighting them too. Young men must register for the draft to fight for a country that takes from them any opportunity for living productive lives. Draft women, the rich, and people that are allowed to flourish.

[@Merriwether-w8k]

True - I am against bringing back the draft but if they do they MUST include women - the lack of fairness is tearing people apart - equality means equality

[@DenaPowell-e3k]

@@Merriwether-w8k Currently young men must register for the draft, women are not required to register. What will happen is that women will be assigned positions that support the battle while men will be on the front lines in the midst of the war. Poor and working class men have always been a disposable commodity in the workplace or war.

[@Merriwether-w8k]

Yes, draft both - but really you don't need a draft - send robots

[@Merriwether-w8k]

@@DenaPowell-e3k this should not happen - the dems have tried numberous times to include women in the draft - gop blocks it every time - GOP is the worst

[@DavidThomas-fb8bq]

They'll start doing like Ukraine by picking people up off the streets.

[@001HK0]

I feel like if anyone close to me was considering joining I would try to talk them out of it. It's incredibly clear that recruits are viewed as cannon fodder, there are huge SA problems, and generally there are fewer options after leaving.

[@stevechance150]

Let them watch the beach landing scene from the movie "Saving Private Ryan", that should do it.

[@davesharp451]

Who wants Trump as Commander in Chief? Seriously 😳

[@ontrada]

What is "SA"? Sexual Assault?

[@tommcfadden5232]

The options one has after they leave the service depends on the role they performed while enlisted and which branch of the military they served. There are positions that give one incredible skills that translate into good civilian jobs.

[@kimphill2008]

Force protection has come a long way since 'Saving Private Ryan.' It's much harder to kill American troops in combat than you think.

[@benf1111]

Perhaps growing up only knowing 20 yrs of pointless and needless wars has an effect on the attitude of potential recruits.

[@jasonwilson9406]

The military destroyed it's brand just like Bud Light.

[@larrystowers3107]

True, good one

[@traviscutler9912]

Fully, supporting the hate of LGBTQ people instead of getting qualified people is ridiculous. I'm no fan of Mayor Pete, however, the man does speak four languages and is undeniably very intelligent.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@traviscutler9912cool story bro. No self respecting white man wants to be in the nigitary i mean military.

[@covertops19Z]

I retired from the military after almost 28 years in uniform in 96. I then spent almost 16 years as a DOD civil service employee at a major western Army training facility. The big changes started during BHOs second term. The PC wokeness agenda went into over drive. I spoke with numerous Army Senior NCOs who couldn't wait to retire due to all of the social engineering BS that was going on. That's the elephant in the room no one wants to recognize. The youth of America sees that, especially young alpha male types and they don't want to have anything to do with it. If they do join, that is a form of buying into it.

[@ericsniper9843]

Can you explain to me what is PC wokeness and its impact on the military? I also served in the military during the mid-80's with proud Americans who were willing to serve.

[@natashatrump7875]

By woke, you mean they finally made them stop grapeing women and convincing them not to report it? I could see how that would deter some men from joining...

[@truthfacts57]

On July 18, 2015 then -candidate Donald Trump said this about John McCain: “ He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured “

[@imperialmotoring3789]

Maybe treat Veterans as well as the illegals are treated.

[@thebirdclan]

The military has more benefits than most jobs. Very out of here with that lie!

[@imperialmotoring3789]

@@thebirdclan The military members signed a contract, put their lives on the line, and earned those benefits that were agreed to under contract. The illegals (most of them from prisons, mental hospitals, and unwanted in their home countries) waltz in and get everything free, and also commit a lot of crime here. I know from experience as I live in a "sanctuary city" with a large illegal population.

[@anthonyjones9868]

If you don't apply yourself you don't get the benefits, because they don't want to give you....

[@imperialmotoring3789]

@@anthonyjones9868 The only benefit the illegals are entitled to is deportation.

[@Jay-jb2vr]

What benefits? Who are they for?

[@jink1768]

The main reason why they disqualify recruits due to medical isn’t because they aren’t capable of service. It’s because they don’t want to pay for VA down the line. It’s also why when there’s a real war the disqualification suddenly no longer matter. Because most cannon fodders won’t survive long enough to collect the benefit. I’ve known plenty of vets who had to lie their way past meps to enlist and served with honor. Some lost their VA on genuinely services related issues because decade later over stupid things like childhood asthma or ADHD/depression diagnosis. Yet they have no issue paying people without medical history and give them medical benefit that are discharged straight out of boot camp because they were never diagnosed.

[@jj-wp6wc]

If an existential threat like war with China occurs, will America's youth answer the call? Do we have a sense of national pride or community in this country right now? Has social media reinforced narcissism in the US?

[@kerry-j4m]

If there's a threat of war with CHINA the-MENT ( short for government ) will instill a-DRAFT-and they won't care if americans are angry about it.Because there's nothing citizens can do about it.

[@jayjones7891]

The MARINES is like the smallest branch, so of course they can meet their goal. It's not comparable.

[@michaelboyle1426]

Its way more that. The USMC maintained their standards & ethos over time. "Every Marine a rifleman" still holds true today.

[@Karoke77]

@@michaelboyle1426 A US Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot does not need to be a rifleman. Yet it is the apex fighter jet that no other service is allowed to fly. Ever hear of CAG or DEVGRU? Again, apex units. The other services ain't inferior.

[@tomhenry897]

They also reduced the number of personnel needed

[@kicker6274]

Now look how they have reduced their goals to find your real answer.

[@michaelsmit486]

I'm thinking random youtube comments are the best way to identify the real root causes here.

[@natashatrump7875]

Probably better than this chick's vagueness. I think it's economy and loss of stature for the job.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

It's the DEI, which is why I didn't reenlist. It's a huge problem. You wouldn't believe some of the things going on.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@natashatrump7875wrong.

[@enzos711]

You also left out that "Everybody goes to College These Days" .. And America is more "Transactional" than ever .. Surveys of HS & College Student's "dreams" showed: Get rich & be famous ..

[@kookoo4kokopuffs9330]

Relating to drug and alcohol use, you realize that these people handle guns and dangerous equipment including explosives and combustibles right? That's probably a good reason why they are not allowed to abuse substances the way the civilian population is free to do so.

[@nicholasbeauchamp1440]

Smoking weed is not abusing drugs. Far from it actually. They're allowed to drink themselves to death on their own time but not allowed to smoke weed. It makes ZERO sense.

[@kookoo4kokopuffs9330]

@@nicholasbeauchamp1440 actually not while at work or within a specific time period before going to work. That is the time frame I am referring to. Do you want anyone impaired to be working with firearms or explosives or heavy machinery. I think not. If you disagree fine but that puts people in danger

[@wilhelmheinzerling5341]

​@@kookoo4kokopuffs9330the candidan military can smoke weed

[@kookoo4kokopuffs9330]

@@wilhelmheinzerling5341 I'm not anti- weed. I just think it's a bad idea to let anyone get drunk or loaded when they are working with weapons of mass destruction

[@nicholasbeauchamp1440]

@@kookoo4kokopuffs9330 obviously yes. Not allowed to be drunk within a certain timeframe. But this happens on a daily, if not, weekly basis. Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors arrive to work hungover quite often. And that's wrong, I think we agree that's wrong. But unless it results in some grievous infraction of the rules or some major safety violation, they shouldn't be discharged. There is no hangover from smoking weed. If there is, it's not even comparable to that of alcohol. And yet if I smoked weed 29 days ago, and I got hit with a pee test I would be discharged less than honorably. Those restrictions didn't exist in WW2 or Korea or Vietnam.

[@tribeval]

I can tell you wholeheartedly right now as a near 32 year old man, who spent the first fourteen years of my life under my Uncle-Sam's orders. No guy my age wants to listen to three grown women who will never see a battlefield. Ramble on about why young men have no interest in dying to protect the American lives and values of Onlyfans "models" and por/\/stars. So this little pow-wow is just another nail in the coffin of unhelpful recruiting efforts. 👍👍 p.s., any softhearted response would only further prove my point. This isn't the boys-and-girls club. It's our Nation's Military Personnel. Cowboy up or kick rocks.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

For me it was the explicit rainbow propaganda and ofc the woke stuff. Communism.

[@thebookkeeper0851]

Politics should stay out of the military and the president and the senate should never use the military for their own agendas.

[@virginiamoss7045]

"Politics should stay out of the military and the president and the senate should never use the military for their own agendas." Needs saying again.

[@jojowhite9296]

You mean like WMD's??

[@ericsniper9843]

@@jojowhite9296 You struck a nerve.

[@ericsniper9843]

That's the same nonsense that was given when President Truman ordered the desegregation of the military in 1948. Some argued that the military wasn't a social experiment and that it should reflect society in general. I see the military was able to survive and thrive during this period. I suppose that white kid from Alabama could bunk with that black kid from Detroit after all.

[@DanFeldman-Edge]

War and the military industrial complex are at the heart of U.S. capitalism and imperialism and the perpetuation of social inequality. There are few institutions as political as the military. It is either ignorant or manipulative to state otherwise.

[@FrankGladysz-o5n]

Navy vet here. No way I would ever want any of my relatives joining a woke, dumbed down military

[@kauaiboy5o]

It's no longer about defending America, but about defending American interests around the world with continuous wars. The US will need well paid professionals to that.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

It's deeper than that. The military is not a good place to be a white male.

[@MrMikesee]

Soldiers are required to have higher technical aptitude than they did in the past due to the equipment used in modern warfare.

[@wilhelmheinzerling5341]

That is not true at all.

[@michaelboyle1426]

It is true...All military recruits are administered the ASVAB ... combined with your fitness, medical, legal & other factors dictates whether an individual can enlist & more critically what military occupational specialties they can contract in.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@michaelboyle1426lol IQs have plummetted since the 50's

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

Totally wrong on that.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

These problems will only get worse in the future in light of demographic trends.

[@Himmiefan]

Maybe people are hesitant to fight in a conflict that exists just to enrich war profiteers (contractors like Blackwater, etc.).

[@theREALsum]

It's possible, you know, people don't want to die, you know, fighting wars for the rich. You know.

[@FredMaples]

My younger brother spent 4 years in the Army. He was excited, thought he was going to learn a skill to use it to build a career. Ever since he got back it’s like he’s lost in space. He use to be happy and now he’s depressed.

[@rickb2267]

Please thank him for his service for me. I will be praying for him, and all of our brave military members.

[@mvschreib]

Open racism and bigotry against white men is one reason. DEI, horrible treatment, and lifelong mental illness are a few reasons. These 2 have a clueless take

[@mark11967AD]

This lady reporter and the interviewer both just.. stumbling, bumbling. Sad piece of journalism. Young people more and more stay at home and don’t work. It’s video games, chat, and youtube type videos all day. Not to mention porn. Obesity at all time highs. No exercise. Suicides. Drugs legal and illegal. So how would they be fit for service? Our country is rotting from the inside out.

[@georgev4958]

Their public schools suck, they dont get them ready for the world with an actual education, going out is expensive, jobs keep you working poor unless you can do a ton of OT if you're lucky, pensions are pretty much gone replaced by 401k again, if your lucky, medical field has totally changed and super expensive. Sadly, your criticisms of them to me is a group that has lost hope for the future.

[@jacobcastro8026]

1 garbage pay and living conditions. 2 weak carrer trajectory and weak rank increase. 3 fighting evel wars for rich alogarchs. 4 life deteriorating after the millitairy, garbage VA care. I realized I can keep going but I'll stop here.

[@lemonadelexus]

I'm a woman can you explain the hygiene quarters. Are recruits really showering in a huge shower room with no diving wall?

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Yes in basic training

[@nonayobiz8511]

Vet here. These yungins are smart.

[@intheshell35ify]

Not everybody wants to end someone else's life.

[@alntr2872]

🏆

[@kicker6274]

That's not why the young men aren't joining. Democrats are the reason.

[@BrianLaverenz]

30 year Army Retirement. Monthly paycheck for the rest of my life. Try to duplicate that in the civilian world.

[@Polemic-2525]

Thanks. But no thanks

[@BigE-wf6zo]

Yep, Retired in 2004. 27 years. USMC

[@avestuart]

Yes, let's duplicate that for a civilian program. That would be beneficial for young people, let's provide other options for service

[@SailorGerry]

I don't know exactly how things are done in the US, however, in the country north of your northern border - anyone who is in a union would be looking at a very decent retirement pension, especially, if they were in construction, a municipal, provincial or federal employee, etc., and who had 30 years of service. Same with most 'reputable' & well-run companies.

[@yolopistolo194]

I love hearing old people talk about retirement but don't know we are currently under BRS vs high 3.

[@elevotv]

Just remember two words- Agent Orange - if you ever feel the weird urge to enlist.

[@LRCW1]

People who were effected by agent orange are now being recognized as being service connected & being treated.

[@musuyanguba4226]

@@LRCW1it also affecting generations. It’s causing health problems in their kids, grandkids, etc.

[@nondisclosure2848]

And the denial of benefits until just before death and to sick to fight

[@chuckless7385]

I served 26 years, and 15 of those years were recruiting. When you look at how the generation has changed and how money is flashed in Gen z's face through social media influencers. These kids want money through the microwave effect. Money Now! These kids see the veterans on the street and in a bad mental state. The respect isn't there for service members. The standards physically, mentally, and morally have been the same for decades.

[@mora103]

It's not that respect isn't there for the service members, The fact is that the respect isn't there for the service branch. The government doesn't take care of their service members, It's why we see so many on the streets or struggling to keep themself above water.

[@mora103]

Who wants to sign up for that? 🫣

[@chuckless7385]

@@mora103 True.

[@oldanslo]

I'm sure that it doesn't help when the ex-President (i.e. ex-Commander-In-Chief) says that soldiers are suckers.

[@Tiberium_Tiger]

No one believes that fake quote and no one wants to be in the military anymore because the country you Democrats have created simply isn’t worth fighting for or defending

[@typocoproject]

Link to any audio or video?

[@Himmiefan]

@@typocoproject Oh honey, Trump has said this several times. You can find it anywhere.

[@Tiberium_Tiger]

White people don’t want to fight for a country that hates them, Democrats did that

[@paulwood356]

Then it shouldn't be hard to provide links or videos to prove what you claim

[@michaelfrank2266]

I remember the name of my recruiter 49 years later. He expressed disappointment I had chosen combat arms because I had scored high enough to do most any MOS. Combat arms sucks and I would do it again. Next time I would buy better socks.

[@harisinam4078]

Do you still wear socks? Do they keep your tip toes warm and dry? Do they help keep the cheese from smelling again? Then why change them?

[@michaelfrank2266]

@@harisinam4078 I assume you are attempting humor.

[@harisinam4078]

@michaelfrank2266 I still got my thick green socks so far they look like they will last another 10 years.

[@michaelfrank2266]

@@harisinam4078 Sadly, I discovered the American - Fox River Socks Co. after I retired from the military. Their military socks are good quality. My son went through 10th Mtn. school with zero blisters.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

I hope you were smart enough to get in the hundo club

[@raylemus72]

Let me get this straight. We are asking people to join an organization that will strip you of your individuality, remove critical thinking skills, rationality, logic, follow orders without questions, and to die for a cause that usually translates as defending the financial interest of a few. And then when they get hurt performing their duties, the government is not adequately funded or able to provide benefits they need. No thank you. Not to be construed as not supporting the military. I do support them and thank them for their service.

[@groberts5337]

Poor people die in the thousands while BLACKROCK get even richer. The last time I check this company controls over $11.5 TRILLION close to 1/2 of US GDP

[@nunyadambusiness3530]

People in my generation don't want to be treated like how the vets are being treated today. Plus alot of my generation is physically and mentally ill, so the US is gonna get weaker militarily as they'll find less and less qualified people.

[@GilJamesJim]

I spent 15 years in the Army. I tried to go back in after all the news of recruitment not meeting their goals. They stated i was too old. I do not believe i am too old, i believe i am too old school. The military, its leaders and the government have their agenda. It is not the defense of a nation but the promotion of contractual weapon sales, politicians stock investments and social BS to support their donors. Veterans are crapped on and veterans are telling their youthful relatives to find another way in life because to serve this nation is not worth it.

[@gregorylyon1004]

Why did you try to get back in the military??? Especially after serving 15 years. Are you crazy????

[@kylebergren4954]

Kids are'nt dumb. All they have to do is talk to a GWOT or Vietnam vet for 30 minutes to see what sort of wars they get us into.

[@toddsmith293]

Speaking as a retired Army officer ('85 - '05) things have turned to shit. Many traditional military families no longer encourage their children to enlist. Yet another example of GO WOKE... GO BROKE!

[@machobandzsavage281]

You're a 🤡. Probably lying about serving boy

[@Merriwether-w8k]

Most families need two paychecks to survive - also the military will not draft women - you made your own mess

[@ericsniper9843]

@@Merriwether-w8k The military isn't currently using the draft so that can't be the problem. Maybe the U.S. should use to the draft to meet the required numbers to safeguard our country.

[@Merriwether-w8k]

@@ericsniper9843 it is unfair that men still have to register and women don't - it causes resentment

[@natashatrump7875]

Lol, yeah, I'm sure that's why. Not because they don't want to get killed or anything.

[@abeybaby29]

Send all the politicians first. They can set the example of America first

[@hia5235]

3:30 "The issue is the military wont allow people that are fat, stupid, and on drugs to join"

[@cpaul57]

I have been in the military for 24 years, reserve and active. We have always had fat, stupid, and people on drugs coming in and continuing to serve.

[@Foolofatook889]

But they will let people with a mental health issue listed in the DSM5 and pay for their medical “transition”

[@bigtoepapa]

Some of my Vet friends resemble that remark

[@CharlesBronson-w8n]

​@@bigtoepapathis story is right on time, heads up they are going to allow illegal aliens in our military. Tucker Carlson did a show two days ago about it.

[@kray97]

Lmao - totally wrong there

[@D34d1y1]

Hilarious. People sawing the branch they sit on and saying "nobody knows why its falling down"

[@black_sheep2520]

They're not being deployed to our most vulnerable spot: our border.

[@michaelboyle1426]

The US active duty military can't be employed in active combat roles. This is limited by the Posse Comitatus Act. However, he Act does not prevent the NG under state authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within its home state or in an adjacent state if authorized by the unit's state governor.

[@CharlesBronson-w8n]

​@@michaelboyle1426threats domestic. .

[@blackurustrikes2328]

Thr fact that recruiting of men has materially dropped why recruiting of women remains stable says a lot about who is really bearing the real load and consequences of military service.

[@AieMem67]

How can this woman be a national security defense reporter when she can't answer anything

[@danieln6700]

Probably why she has the job

[@danielpincus221]

The problem is not necessarily a lack of people who want to serve, but the lack of people who can pass the entrance tests - - health markers, educational attainment, and psycho/emotional maturity.

[@michaelboguski4743]

It's practically Ludicrous when you understand that Capitalist Consumption of Chronic Consumerism means the Opposite of self-discipline and self-sacrifice. And also, shouldn't Trillionaire Corporations and their Billionaire C-Suiters fight their own Wars, since they can certainly afford to.

[@wendylee7542]

Right. You first

[@imperialmotoring3789]

Are you a Communist?

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@imperialmotoring3789when you find out communism is just a scam that super rich globalists (oy vey) use to subvert nations..

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@imperialmotoring3789im getting so fucking tired of comments being removed.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

​@@imperialmotoring3789when you realize communism is just an ideology created by super rich globalists who are capitalist lol

[@Mikell-h2c]

The lies started Aug 1964 in the gulf of Tonkin and have never stoped

[@nightfall3605]

It seems clear that the journalist has not actually interviewed the people who don’t want to join. It’s inadequate just to ask the recruiters who have to turn away those who volunteer. Spend a day on social media (or even the comments section of this video) to answer the question.

[@jerrymiller9039]

Wokeness

[@SteffiReitsch]

And the low quality misfits they're having to take now are problematic, especially the Army, e.g.," I yain't gonna do dat. Dat ain my job, sheeit , know what I be sayin' . "

[@takaogibson845]

Veteran myself here of 12yrs mainly AD. Have two older brothers retired and dad retired marine of Vietnam war and both grandfathers in ww2. I wanted to join the military when I was 7yrs old. Follow your heart, I met plenty of guys that almost join.

[@AMolePerson]

I think we all know why

[@Interglacial_optimist]

You had senior officers resign because of shipping weapons to israel. You should ask them about morale.

[@wendylee7542]

Say more

[@mowtivatedmechanic1172]

Here for the reply also

[@Interglacial_optimist]

@@mowtivatedmechanic1172 oh well

[@harrychu650]

The Abby Gate and overall failure of a withdrawal along with DEI has turned the Midwestern families sour on sending their children to serve. Let's see of the urban kids from Chicago, NYC and Philadelphia fill the gap.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

Why are you insulting Chicago? Are you in China?

[@LRCW1]

The Afghanistan pull out was messed up due to Trump, read below: The Trump administration in February 2020 negotiated a withdrawal (Doha agreement) with the Taliban that excluded the Afghan government, it freed 5,000 imprisoned Taliban soldiers and set a date of May 1, 2021, for the final withdrawal. When Trump lost the election he ordered an immediate evacuation of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in November 2020, according to multiple senior officials in his administration. Biden delayed the May 1 withdrawal date that he inherited. Biden said “it’s going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline. Just in terms of tactical reasons, it’s hard to get those troops out.” But ultimately his administration pushed ahead with a plan to withdraw by Aug. 31 As far as DEI is concerned that is just a new name for EEOC (EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION). This type of training has always been part of military training & readiness. I joined in 1981 & retired in 2003. We received training on this every 6 months. The reason for this training was so you learned how to accept everyone equally & that there could come a day where that would save your life in a war situation. If the person next to you was taking out the next person would be your battle buddy. If you were arguing or fighting with them cause you didn't like something about them(skin color, race, gender etc.) instead of concentrating on the enemy you both could lose your life. Therefore it is very important, it could save someone's life in a war situation.

[@Mageroeth]

City kids on average are more educated so no they wont join.

[@ericsniper9843]

What do you mean by urban kids? I think those urban kids have served in every war since the inception of this country.

[@termitez97]

The U.S. Government really doesn't respect military service like it did after WW2. Even as a two time Iraq veteran with several war related disabilities, a college degree, civilian and military experience? It took almost three years to secure a decent job. Americans don't hold war veterans in the same esteem as they did in the WW2 ERA. Being in the military today is truly a sacrifice for most people, and the benefits that you acquire seem to be less and less every year.

[@TheCALMInstitute]

The public health crisis here is very likely driven by the huge drop in testosterone levels. It’s not that they needed testosterone in order to want to join, it’s that they can’t build muscle or mental health without adequate levels. This isn’t young men’s fault, it’s because of environmental toxins and fragility of the endocrine system.

[@Merriwether-w8k]

Um, it's the fault of corporations who polluted the environment and it - by golly - actually had an affect on people - even men

[@theoccasionalvideo]

The same people who voted for Republicans who allowed these corporations to pollute are lamenting the lack of testosterone in men. You can't make this up. ​@@Merriwether-w8k

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

You are absolutely wrong. It's the explicitly anti white male pro rainbow communist policies. No self respecting white male is going to deal with that.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

Absolutely wrong. It's the communist politics in the military. No white male is going to join the rainbow multicultural army

[@MuscadineMarlon]

Not one mention of the increasing suicide rate among service members and veterans.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

They need to understand how to get in the hundo club

[@MuscadineMarlon]

@@SmokeNGunsBBQ agreed. 10yrs and I'm still fighting for it

[@davidmiller11723]

Michel Martin is not shy with her bias. I’m done with this show.

[@srv14evr]

Veterans are under-appreciated. Show more appreciation by providing 100% free education, significant housing benefits/discounts, and free mental health counseling. Increase pay. Ensure that there is equal opportunity for growth for all. That's a start.

[@danieldinnell4944]

they give billions to other countries, yet no pay raises for military, . . . old veteran!

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

These days it's the crazy politics going on. Lgbtqrsxyz and anti white communism

[@groberts5337]

The people that leads America never serve or want their sons and daughters to serve. Here is a good example, Mr. Netanyahu executing a war in Palestinee. while his son is living the good life in Florida. You go figure.

[@wilhelmheinzerling5341]

1. Incredibly toxic work environment (both literally and metaphorically) 2. You rarely train in your mos 3. You're rated by your superiors instead of your subordinates. 4. No beards 5. Tattoo policy (USMC its 2024) 6. Mold infested barracks and housing (looking at your Fort Bragg) 7. Ship commanders are literally being fired monthly in the USN, and yet the Navy is the only branch to reach its recruiting goal for 2024 lol 8. Allow T H C

[@darrylmuse9948]

Marines have entered the chat. Unlike the Navy we didn’t lower our standards to get people in and still made our recruitment goals😂😂

[@blewflag9928]

@@darrylmuse9948 The Marines also lowered their recruitment numbers by cutting back 10,000 positions. While all branches have been doing this for years (except SF). All the other branches have stopped doing that. This btw was also a greater percentage of number than any other branch considering that the Marines is the smallest branch, (again, except for the SF). Imagine lower the standard by lower the number recruits and boosting about the number meeting the numbers.🤣

[@darrylmuse9948]

@@blewflag9928 yea it was draw down after Afghanistan basically the numbers when I was in

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

So your solution is to lower standards.

[@dpaelliott]

Other branches have drastically lowered their entry standards. You can get in the Navy with a 10 AFQT, that means they can barely read.

[@anamandic4540]

One reason that didn’t get named is that sometimes foreign nationals have intensely negative direct experiences with various state militaries, and when they immigrate over to the US those negative sentiments have a stronghold in their diaspora communities, including their children. And they can influence native citizens with their stories.

[@1962joeshmoe]

Having served in the Navy, I find just the opposite is true. A disproportionate share of sailors are from other countries that have some link to the U.S. and see serving in the U.S. military as a way to vastly improve their life prospects. Thus, you see disproportionate shares of people from the Philippines, Mexico, Korea, etc.

[@anamandic4540]

@@1962joeshmoe it might depend on the region of the world. My diaspora community is very wary of getting involved with the military.

[@billbernhard3582]

America has allowed its leadership role in foreign affairs to become involved with battles and wars - foreign wars, the point of these has become less than needful to some, at this time. The Korean War, the War in Vietnam, and the extended campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq - these were never stamped with congressional declarations of war. Young adults are naturally hesitant to become cannon fodder in these 'conflicts' ! And of course, with 'bizarreries' such as DT in Office, what idiocy might appear out of his 'need to lead' ?

[@olafjohnson6764]

LOLOL They still don't understand why Americans don't want to join the Israeli army.

[@alephnot000]

If I had known back in 2006 when I enlisted that the US was going to adopt DEI and Wokeness, I would never have served in the infantry.