Childhood Obesity: Should we be worrying about it from a military recruiting point of view?

SSgt Michael Orcutt — Sun, 10 May 2015 23:49:25 -0400

Obviously childhood obesity is a problem that is unfortunately here to stay. In the past 30 years childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. Furthermore, In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

More than 71% of America's youth would fail to qualify for military service because of their physical, moral or cognitive shortcomings, according to recruiting command statistics, with weight being the primary cause of failure.

So while this is a major concern for many reasons the question I am posing is: in regards to future military recruiting is this a major concern? How do you combat it? Who is to blame for this epidemic?

Army recruit command boss: Overweight youth a growing problem

More than 71% of America's youth would fail to qualify for military service because of their physical, moral or cognitive shortcomings, according to recruiting command statistics.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 10 at 2015 11:50 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 10 May 2015 23:50:55 -0400

Yes, most high school kids can't medically qualify for the military. Obesity is just part of it.

Response by Cpl Patrick Reade made May 11 at 2015 12:05 AM

Cpl Patrick Reade — Mon, 11 May 2015 00:05:12 -0400

If there a fatty and they want to join I say make em run it off to prove just how bad they want it. No room for weaklings anyway. Especially fat weaklings. Odds are that if their a porker they prob ain't gunna be goin that direction anyways.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 12:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 00:06:48 -0400

Obesity...medication...lack of math and English skills. I've been recruiting for almost 10 years and those are the things that have become more prevalent since I started and usually what stops kids from joining. There are many kids that want to join but simply can't.
My hands are tied in how I deal with it as I need to follow regulation and I'm not a doctor or a teacher.
Obesity...tell them to go talk to their doctor to set up a nutrition and exercise plan. I cannot legally give advice.
Medication...go talk to their doctor and then bring me a note when they are completely off for 1 year saying they are ok and we will submit a med read.
Math and English...March2Sucess.com and ask their teacher for help.

Then move on and look for a fully qualified applicant.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made May 11 at 2015 1:52 AM

SPC Angel Guma — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:52:26 -0400

Just make boot camp twice as long, more running and cut down the calorie content of the dfac food.