How would you solve the military recruiting challenges currently facing DOD?

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:33:58 -0400

The recruiting struggles continue across all branches. (https://www.wsj.com/story/the-us-army-expects-to-end-up-15000-recruits-short-this-year-b5e9de86). What is causing it and how should it be addressed?

Page Not Found

We can’t find the page you are looking for.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 20 at 2023 1:49 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:49:38 -0400

Big Army needs to realize that the core of its recruits are offspring of former soldiers, and often from the South. Banning names of our Southern heroes was a bad move. Especially when it was done so vindictively. For example, Congress only said to change the names of some PCS, but at Liberty, for example, Longstreet Road became Long Street, a hero of my youth the Gallant John Pelham* had his street canned and John S Mosby, commander of the 43rd Bn Partisan Rangers, lost his street, too. All us kids in Culpeper, VA worshiped these great fighters. Now they are tossed away like so much trash. Then there is the glorifying of deviants and perverts. Talking about disloyal folk, a lot of them were spies. There is an it in Leavenworth that not too long ago was sending classified material to and I cannot remember his name, that holed in a South American embassy in England, I believe. Used to be when I was in they were put out for being sick in the head and would never get a security clearance.
Fix those things and it would help!

*The Peoples Drug Store had a plaque on the front remembering that the house where Major Pelham died had been where the store was. KIA at Brandy Station, just outside of Culpeper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 1:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:53:12 -0400

The military has to adjust to the younger generation. Like it says in the article, influencers aren't promoting the military. Family members who have served aren't encouraging their kids, grandkids, etc to join. 20 years of war...add in sexual assault, sexual harassment. Racism. Leaders not taking care of subordinates. Social media allows people to see things that go on real time in the military. Servicemembers post videos about their experience and people see it.

Covid didn't help with recruiters not out and about. Some jobs in the miltary you can do as sa civilian and get paid a lot more. Then standards - most people can't meet standards for health or have criminal history.

I honestly don't know what they can do to fix it. I know I won't encourage anyone to join. Was all my time bad? No. But the only good thing about my daughter having a transplant and she only has one kidney is she can't ever join the military at all. So I don't have to worry about her. And if anyone asked me about joining I'll tell them the truth especially girls or women.

They aren't advertising right, they aren't offering enough incentives to compete with civilian jobs and people are tired of war after 20 straight years of it with Iraq and Afghanistan and then seeing what happens to veterans when they come home, get out and aren't taken care of...the only reason I joined initially was college loan repayment. Then I have pushed to 20 because of my daughter's medical issues and TRICARE covers it all.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 20 at 2023 3:11 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:11:41 -0400

There are a lot of partisan / political talking points that can be made. But almost all of those are doomed to failure for that very reason. So, attempting to avoid those areas, here are a few things I think may make a difference.

1) I would go back to the ad campaigns of the 80s and early 90s. Or something similar. Quit trying to be so generic we don't offend anybody, or so specific we are only talking to a few.

Marines fighting lava monsters with a sword and Soldiers rapelling out of helicopters were just cool. There is an argument that they are "elitist" and may give kids the impression that they aren't good enough to sign up. But I think the more accurate argument is that kids KNOW they aren't that good - but those commercials encouraged them to sign up so they could BECOME that good.

2) I would also tighten up uniform rules and go back to class B being the "standard" duty uniform. Military members just look BETTER in service uniform, as compared to fatigues. And even just walking down the aisle of the grocery store or pumping gas at the gas station, those service uniforms are an advertisement all on their own.

3) Get recruiters back in to schools. All of them. HS and college. If the school gets even a dime from the federal government in ANY way, even subsidized lunches, wedge in there and get the recruiters talking to kids.

And I mean true engagement. Have the recruiter stop by in Freshman PE. Not even to recruit, but to help out. Maybe an official timer for a 1 mile run. Maybe a grader for some other PE event, or a referee for basketball. Maybe a different recruiter shows up in Civics/government class to talk about the Constitution. Get the recruiters in there being a part of their world. They don't even have to pitch their service, just help out the school and then have time to be available after class/during lunch/after school for anyone who wants to talk.

4) Re-look / re-assess admission standards. Especially regarding health history and mental health history. If an otherwise acceptable candidate is being disqualified for a mental health history, but that concern has been "cured" either through treatment or simply growing up (Yes, you can "age out" of ADHD), let the waivers flow. Same for medications that are no longer being taken, or even medications that are "routine" and can be easily stocked /supplied. (Not things like refrigerated insulin, or highly black marketable Adderall, but things like Welbutrin or guanfacine that are stocked in pretty much every pharmacy, are relatively resilient regarding temperatures, and pose little threat for re-sale if we have to send a Soldier out with a 180 day supply. This would obviously need a lot of medical scrutiny, but I think in today's logistical world, SOME of these meds should be waiverable.) Sure we may still need a waiver, and make the recruit (and recruiter) show that the previous concern is no longer an issue. But loosen the standard on the waivers and let them flow freely.

5a) re-look / re-assess what is a military job and what is not. Back in the early 2000s, we went through and eliminated a lot of "excess military manpower" tasks (mowing lawns, cleaning windows, etc.) to free up Soldiers to train, train, and train some more.

We still have things like post police and road guard, and I don't think these are going away. But do 90% of the military intelligence jobs at Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade need to be done by uniformed service members? What about logistics? Cooks on those "non-depoyable" bases?

I think we are unlikely to radically recover from the current shortages. Short of conscription, we should accept a lower end strength. If that is the case, what are the most critical needs, and let's build our units, MTOE, and TDA that way. Very little, if any, change to ECB. But at EAC I can see room for a lot of conversion.

5b) Those folks who want to join the military, but are unable to due to physical ability or prescriptions or family requirements may be able to move into those previously military roles. We can give them the same basic pay and benefits package, or close to it, but maybe without VA eligibility, as they are not actually military and do not face the same hazards, particularly combat hazards. (Yes, I know a small percentage of the military deploys to a combat zone - and an even smaller percentage actually engages in honest to goodness combat. And that percentage is dropping as we have closed out Iraq and Afghanistan, and the GWOT is down to a simmer. But all military members sign up for a POSSIBILITY of going to combat - and train for it.)

5 options and a corollary. All of them will take work and changes to policy. Most will require legislative action. But they are out there.

Ok.... there's my thoughts.... go ahead and rip 'em to shreds, peanut gallery.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 20 at 2023 3:42 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:42:09 -0400

1. 75% of males/kids are overweight and too fat/out of shape to join. 2. Thanks to Millennials- kids who were too active for their parents were put on drugs or sent to shrinks which require recruiting waivers. 3. A kid ( USAF Brat) posted that his culture as provided by his schools/peers has damaged/destroyed his Patriotism, that they have been taught "When you think of Pride, its the Rainbow Coalition, not America!" Modern parents and teachers have taught that if your feelings are hurt, go and hide in a safe place. Hell, Mass U is offering mental help because the Supreme Court vetoed Biden's Student Loan Payoff. All this makes it damn hard to find folks to recruit! Answer get our Country to start growing balls again and raise Adults, not "Snowflakes"!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 20 at 2023 3:49 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:49:39 -0400

I believe a lot of education was left behind during the Covid years. At school and socially speaking.however, it did create a strength the military should build on. Their understanding of AI and the comfort level with virtual battle decision making. Is far beyond what I have, Thery are ones writing and developing it. So perhaps we look for strengths that already exists and then look for the why of why they aren’t joining. Second, if we look at some of the young folks who have a black mark on their record because they got caught with a small amount of marijuana, they may have crucial skills but on paper we can’t accept them because of the charge. Kids aging out of Foster care. What program could be used to transition them to a preconditioning location and see if there’s any desire to go. We made our recruiting puddle so small, there aren’t any fish left. Think about how each rule or barrier affects the mission as a whole and which ones could be wavered. Kid is 15 lbs overweight because he powerlifts can’t make weight but he has a strong understanding of digitizing the future. Just a couple of thought from an old woman in the group who was told from day 1 I had no business being in the military because I was a female. Not every mission requires brute strength. Many require mental strength and creativity. Are any schools designing recruitment ads? There could be a competition and learn from what they value as the price for their service, Where do the youth see military members? Maybe some veterans who are active listeners can give a safe space for a young person to talk. And shorten that trust gap between the ages,

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jul 20 at 2023 4:01 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:01:05 -0400

As For Myself, It's Difficult To Say, Because I Enlisted On My 17th Birthday.
I Wasn't Too Sure What To Expect; But It Gave Me A Job, A Place To Stay,
And A Few Bucks In My Pocket.
HOWEVER, When I Arrived In Basic & Inquired About Taking My GED,
As I Was An 8th Grade DROP OUT.....I Discovered 1,000,'s Of Educational Programs
I Could Take & Complete, To Get A REAL Education.... And That's Exactly What I Did.
For The Entire 4 Year Period.... FREE~~ Not A Dime.~And ALL Of Them I Wanted To Take
SO,Point Out Those Benefits PLUS The GI Bill, & Even The Possibility of Retirement After Just 20 Years, Regardless Of Your Age.....HELL, Had I Made The USAF My Career, I Could Have Retired at 37
In Addition, The Free Health Care Provided By The VA, For The Rest Of Your Life....Medical, Optical, Prescription Medication...A Full Aray Of Benefits....;
HEY GUYS ... What Else We Got For The New Recruits?
OH Ya, I ALMOST Forgot....... The Lady's Love To See Us In Our Uniform...
~~ That ALONE, Is Worth Enlisting ~~

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 5:19 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:19:56 -0400

It's complicated...maybe ask the Marines, they seem to be the only branch meeting quotas.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2023 6:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:22:23 -0400

I think it is straight forward. As a student of economics and finance, at the end of the day, the employee pool of the DOD are going to go where the money is.

Now.............. it's not all about money. There is a balance................ I think it's simply a balance of how much one gets paid for how much crap one has to endure relative to the skills they bring to the employment market.

My favorite example to use is tuition assistance employers give to young employees. On can flip burgers at McD's or sling coffee and Starbucks and they are going to have access to the same tuition assistance benefits dollar wise they will get in the military.

Additionally............... the amount of crap service members have to deal with to get those benefits will be astronomically more than they would at McD's or Starbucks. For example, in the USAR, it's not uncommon for a student to have to throw away an entire semester because of Annual Training. Service in the USAR is a detriment to young college students. That doesn't happen working for McD, and the benefit is similar. Then to boot, they are on the hook for 8 years, which is nearly half of a traditional career track

Secondly, the wonderful new retirement program, by design gives military employees more mobility to leave and not forfeit a massive economic retirement nest eggs. Again, the DOD has aligned their economic retirement programs with the civilian sector, but kept the level of crap one has to endure for those economic packages at the same higher threshold.

How does the system design in more employee mobility with the new retirement program, and not expect turnover to increase?

So all things being equal................ economically and now even job security wise the military is a less desirable career pathway. The programs and policies are moving in a direction that simply makes the civilian sector more appealing, and they are discouraging the vast majority of the main population of employees, leaving behind those sticking around for patriotic reasons (the super performers) and the "can't find anything else" (low speed high drag)

Just my theory.

Increase the amount of money one tolerates for the crap they deal with, or lower the crap they deal with for the current amount of money they get.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 20 at 2023 6:55 PM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:55:21 -0400

*chuckle* ... I'll just repost the answer to your other question which is almost the same...

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-impact-will-the-new-army-recruiting-campaign-have-on-getting-more-civilians-into-the-military?urlhash=8380600

Personally, I like the return to adventure, possibilities and self-development ... in other words, "Be all you can be!". Last year's "Life in the Army isn't great, but we give you compensation" type of videos* didn't really seem to strike a chord with many.

However, what will the impact of the campaign on getting people to join? I'm sorry to say I'm skeptical of any notable difference. The eligible pool of recruits we draw from (Qualified Military Available (QMA)) has gone down due to poor physical conditioning and mental/physical health problems by about 20% from just the last five years (29% down to 23%).

Additionally with the "propensity to serve" dropping about 30% as well over that timeframe (from 13% to 9%), the numbers aren't that great - down from about 1.25M in the 'high quality potential' to about 685k now ... and the 565k drop is hurting!

The QMA numbers are hurting us more than the desire to serve right now. Recruiting videos and other influence campaigns can change the perceptions of the service (and we do need that), but I feel the programs like the Pre-Boot Camp Course will be critical and give us more "bang for the buck".
------------------------------------------------
* https://youtu.be/nO1wl0yXwGU and https://youtu.be/d1BFA-iTfjo
* Confidence in the military - https://news.gallup.com/poll/1597/confidence-institutions.aspx

What impact will the new Army recruiting campaign have on getting more civilians into the...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 20 at 2023 8:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:47:50 -0400

I wish we could improve the leadership. I am not trying to brag, but when I was in command nobody ETSed.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 21 at 2023 1:51 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 01:51:10 -0400

1. STOP the use of the military as a Sociological Experimentation laboratory.
2. Show the US Military to be a bulwark of traditional American values.
3. Offer educational incentives that guarantee that a Soldier/Veteran can get the degree without having college debt.
4. Focus on the Mission, not the DEI.
5. Promote based solely on MERIT and ACHIEVEMENT.
6. Remember that the person most likely to enlist and to STAY ARMY is not a millennial snowflake but rather a young person that craves structure, discipline and adventure.
7. Control what Service members post on Social Media. NCOs for example, the Staff Sergeant that ranted on Tic Toc about gun control should be Court Martialed for being an embarrassment to the service.
8. Respect the rights and sensibilities of the MAJORITY of the service members serving now, rather than disregarding them in favor of the "Protected Group of the Month" for example the females that are being forced to shower and billet with biological males (See Attached Article)
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/07/18/report-female-army-national-guard-recruit-was-forced-to-shower-with-transgender-male/

https://www.foxnews.com/media/female-recruit-considered-resigning-being-forced-shower-trans-women-full-male-genitalia

Female National Guard Recruit Was Forced to Shower with Transgender Male

A female National Guard recruit considered resigning after being forced to shower with a transgender person identifying as a woman who still had male genitalia, according to a report.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 9:25 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 09:25:03 -0400

This is my very shortsighted opinion that cannot match some of the other answers here, and SFC Casey O'Mally was absolutely on point. But these are my two observations.

Our pull out of Afghanistan and our majority withdrawal of GWOT was a catastrophic failure. As professional, committed, and successful as our troops were for the entire commitment, we never had a worthwhile strategic endgame from home. Getting OBL and dismantling ISIS became nation building for a country that didn’t want it. We got mired down in an unachievable goal. All of the military aged citizens saw that live on TV for most of their lives. It did not negatively impact their opinion of the US military, but it irrevocably impaired their view of how the US military was treated and used by their civilian government. Join, serve, and you’ll spend a career in the lion’s den of a war that will never end.

The only service branch that met their recruitment quota for the last fiscal year was the Marine Corps. Why? Because they never strayed from who they were as a fighting force. It wasn’t about tuition assistance or enlistment bonuses (McDonald’s and Chik-fil-A offered financial aid for college now). The Marines stuck with what they knew. Courage, honor, commitment, and brotherhood.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 21 at 2023 11:26 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:26:14 -0400

Much of the issues happening to recruiting is a result of public perception of the current Administration. You have recruiters trying to round up warm bodies and when you look into recent events the US Government is funding a European theater of War with rumors the US could be more involved depending on what happens. That looming in the future with the failed exit of Afghanistan still in view through the rear view mirror gives potential recruits a serious reason to pause and contemplate. They have seen how this Administration conducts itself regarding Military actions and have concerns for their future.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jul 21 at 2023 5:40 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:40:20 -0400

Army and Navy recruiting numbers have fallen off the statistical cliff. We're not in a "hot" war, so what do young people want? Let's see, hmm...better pay, training, opportunities, and benefits? Oh wait, that's what it was 40 years ago. I don't think Congress and DoD should have to "deep-dive" too far beyond these areas.

If Congress wants to conduct an exploratory hearing, I'd recommend they start by reassessing our national security priorities, which drive the NDAA and budget requests for end strengths. It is important because DoD will look at how to support/achieve those strategic priorities and then conjure up their own endless litany of priorities. DoD then requests a budget for end-strength to meet all those priorities. We need to get end strength requirements right by ensuring we have our national security priorities in check and DoD requirements in check.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2023 4:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 16:05:49 -0400

A lot of it has to do with the message we get out. We think a few commercials are going to work. Who watches regular TV these days? Influencers are the new reporters and the military is bad at it. We need to update our ability to engage the community by show the benefits of the military life and the rewards that will impact your life.

I also think the news is doing a great bit of harm. I ran into an older vet when I was at a high school veteran event. I was the only active duty person there. The older vet asked me about the name changes of the Army bases. I basically said that I like that we can identify heroes there served for unity that didn't rise arms against the US. He told me that I was brain washed. This is the same guy telling others around to avoid the military.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2023 9:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:13:08 -0400

A huge part of this issue is the access to all medical records requiring a significant portion of willing potential recruits to jump through hoops to get in.

More data should mean less risk. We should develop policies tat automatically waiver recruits under certain circumstances. Example: someone was prescribed behavioral medication as a child, in lieu of the current policy where they need a doctor to clear them, we should automatically waiver the condition if they haven't been prescribed the medication in a certain amount of time.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jul 24 at 2023 8:52 AM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:52:06 -0400

Get the woke stuff out, along with the politics. Get back to basics of warfighting

Response by 1SG Brian Holt made Jul 24 at 2023 9:48 AM

1SG Brian Holt — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:48:13 -0400

So many Americans (of enlistment age) are being raised to dislike our nation, and parents (even veterans)are actually discouraging their children from considering service to country:

https://www.foxnews.com/media/eroded-patriotism-teen-shares-wont-follow-fathers-footsteps-military-recruiting-lags

Before you categorize me as 'one of those guys', let me clarify, I am not a fan of any MSM outlet... I just agree with the aforementioned article.

Another obstacle that needs to be addressed, is that the contrast between those who have served vs those who have not, needs to be significant. By this I mean, if everyone gets "free college", "free medical care", "loan forgiveness"... the only incentives left are "adventure" and "service to country".

Not only did I spend 3 years a a detailed-recruiter, but I also enlisted with "service to country" as my primary goal. Every father in my paternal lineage not only served, but encouraged their children to serve as well (myself included).

Unfortunately, it's impossible to rectify our enlistment woes without mentioning "politics". Most modern-day general officers are basically politicians in uniform.

‘Eroded patriotism’: Teen shares why he now won’t follow in father’s footsteps as military...

Amid military recruiting woes, one veteran's son says he's "not moved to serve a commander in chief who seems to value the rainbow flag over the American flag."

Response by 1SG Michael Bonnett made Jul 24 at 2023 10:20 AM

1SG Michael Bonnett — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:20:24 -0400

Too late for all that now. A draft will be coming for the next war, and it is coming.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 11:19 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:19:12 -0400

Harp on the possible benefits. I was talking with our Gen Z intern, at my architecture firm. I let him know that because of my time in, I have extreme job flexibility. I could work a part time job and do school full time and still have a sufficient income. This enticed him greatly and he's now considering finishing his degree, going officer, and doing civil engineering.

What people want is the promise of a secure future, for the most part. Sell that.

Response by SGT Mark Moen made Jul 24 at 2023 11:23 AM

SGT Mark Moen — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:23:56 -0400

Gut the career staffers, replace with warriors rather than politicians

Response by MAJ Steve Richardson made Jul 24 at 2023 11:26 AM

MAJ Steve Richardson — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:26:55 -0400

Bring back the pension.

Response by A1C Brennan Schoenfeld made Jul 24 at 2023 11:32 AM

A1C Brennan Schoenfeld — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:32:54 -0400

I would start with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the lack of congruent medical care and mental health support therein. I became a disabled veteran in 2005, my children (17 and 13) have watched their father give up on his VA benefits and seek out private health and mental care. This is a very big issue amongst many OEF/OIF vets.
So, what can a recruiter say to my kids that would make them believe that Uncle Sam will take care of them after they serve? What propaganda could possibly overcome a lifetime of watching the Veterans of the most recent conflict getting all but forgotten by the nation? My kids will never serve this country, not because they aren't patriotic, because they have full confidence in the government forgetting about them as well.

Response by SGT Mark Moen made Jul 24 at 2023 11:40 AM

SGT Mark Moen — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:40:12 -0400

Gut the career staffers, replace with warriors rather than politicians

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 11:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:42:25 -0400

Eliminate the teachers union so the kids learn that America is a great and flawed country worth fighting for.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Jul 24 at 2023 11:46 AM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:46:24 -0400

New leadership as the Secretary of Defense, the flag officers that let this woke stuff infect the military culture and some real leadership. After Vietnam, I realized how chickenshit the peacetime military can be.

Response by SGT Mark Moen made Jul 24 at 2023 11:51 AM

SGT Mark Moen — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:51:42 -0400

Gut the career staffers, replace with warriors rather than politicians

Response by SSgt Richard Austin made Jul 24 at 2023 12:11 PM

SSgt Richard Austin — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:11:27 -0400

Increase the pay, especially for E-4 and below. Pay for their moves, don’t keep them so poor they qualify for food stamps. That is ABSOLUTELY ABSURD to pay any military member so little they qualify for food stamps. Promote GI BILL as an alternative to huge debt in student loans and give better incentives for retaining those already trained. Be fair and treat all equally no natter what but DON’T GO OVER THE TOP TO NOT HURT FEELINGS. TREAT and RESPECT EVERYONE AS AN EQUAL ADULT and promote family friendly atmosphere through policies and actions.

Response by SN Fae Kuhn made Jul 24 at 2023 12:36 PM

SN Fae Kuhn — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:36:44 -0400

I think part of what is causing it is seeing how little we do for our veterans after they are done serving. The transition process back into the civilian world sucks and there should be so much more done to help our veterans transition. Word of mouth is some of the best recruiting methods so if those that had served could tell others with excitement and enthusiasm how great it is and how well taken care of they were, maybe more people would want to join.

Response by TSgt David Sadler made Jul 24 at 2023 1:21 PM

TSgt David Sadler — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:21:27 -0400

Weak leadership doesn’t bring forth people to serve the country, the best way I can see is to give signing bonuses, maybe guarantee E-2 out of boot camp, possibly add higher education incentives, it wouldn’t hurt to start up a patriotic ad campaign showing the youth of America the benefits they would receive for serving but it’s going to be a up hill battle until we get strong leadership back in the higher offices, all our youth is seeing is America being put down by other Americans I personally don’t blame them for keeping their distance from serving I wouldn’t want to serve under this administration! And using trans people to promote the branches of service isn’t helping.

Response by SPC Barry Bartelt II made Jul 24 at 2023 1:37 PM

SPC Barry Bartelt II — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:37:23 -0400

decommission the old dreadnoughts.... what needs to happen is obvious.... its who is in the way, that is the issue....

"do you want to be a bad ass? then join us"... is the only acceptable message.. and it will work.... redefine the enemy as a "culture of weakness".... use chinese and russian recruiting posters.... seeing that stuff always fires up the good ones...... and our boys can beat their boys at their own games..... so start there.... "look what the chinese are up to... YOU gonna stand for that?"

its the folks pushing soft stances on china............

Response by SSgt Milo Ratbottom made Jul 24 at 2023 2:34 PM

SSgt Milo Ratbottom — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:34:56 -0400

If they want student debt forgiveness, let them serve honorably for six years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 4:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:34:46 -0400

How about doing what Israel does, make military service mandatory at the age of 18 for 2 years, for everybody.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 4:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:53:02 -0400

Few of the factors causing it are new, they're just worse than they used to be. The average American is less fit for service these days: physically overweight, suffering clinically significant mental and emotional issues, and temperamentally unsuited due to institutions that have taught them to be fragile in the face of hardship rather than resilient. Marriage and fertility rates have dropped, so fewer potential recruits have family traditions of service. And of those who do, many parents no longer want their children to follow them into uniform. Neither side of the political aisle still have full faith and confidence in the military, Congress, or our Commander-in-Chief. Much of our country has decided that our nation isn't worth defending in public debate or our history books, much less in any armed conflict. Is it any surprise that students being taught that "America was NEVER Great" are uninterested in laying down their lives to protect it?

How should it be addressed? I've been in recruiting and retention meetings for the Army, FBI, and NSA. I've read the surveys. Yes, there's a baseline of pay, benefits, and educational opportunities necessary for us to even be considered, but that just gets us in the door. It's true that little or nothing at can do will fix the shrinking size of the eligible pool. The biggest issues have more to do with broader culture and where we are looking.

I am a plain-spoken person, so please forgive my bluntness. The military will NEVER have the pay and benefits package to compete directly with the private sector for top talent. We need to focus on pitching what makes us different (challenge, service, comradery, etc) and we also need to be looking in different places for different people than the private sector recruiters. We need patriots willing to work hard, get dirty, and face danger. We can't match the private sector ceiling of six figure paychecks and penthouse corner offices, so we need to focus our recuiting on the people who care more about the floor offer: three hots and cot, a steady paycheck, a boss who will mentor you rather than replace you, coworkers who will have your back when times are tough, and a mission that gives meaning to your work. The heights of the economy may belong to folks with money, connections, and degrees, but we don't need any of that, so we really need to be making our recruitment pitch less to the Ivy League graduates who already have better offers and more to the high schoolers in economically depressed towns who aren't getting any other offers. The military has always said that great leaders are made, not born, so let's actively go looking for the recruits who need us just as badly as we need them, then invest the time, training, and even therapy needed to get them fighting fit.

Then there's retention... I'm a firm advocate that the Army needs to bring back Specialist as a separate track. I have served with far too many excellent specialists who chose to get out because they don't want to be NCOs. Some manage to become warrants instead, and a few return as DACs, but most just leave because when their choices are "Up or Out" they'd rather get out. The Venn diagram of people fit enough for ACFT, technically skilled enough for their MOS, and socially+administratively skilled enough to lead others is too small for our needs. So we're either going to have to find ways to make 2 out of 3 good enough: maybe reduce the physical standards for noncombat MOS SMs, accept that some of our most technically adept SMs aren't interested in being Leaders and we need to find ways to retain that technical talent without putting them in positions that don't leverage them effectively.

Response by LCpl Martin Nicholson made Jul 24 at 2023 5:45 PM

LCpl Martin Nicholson — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:45:57 -0400

Start over with Alpha men. And I mean START OVER!

Response by Patricia McIntosh-Mize made Jul 24 at 2023 5:47 PM

Patricia McIntosh-Mize — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:47:59 -0400

Maybe start by getting back to basics: in the end, recruitment is a sales games, complete with incentives, commissions, bonus structures, bottom lines, and quotas. In order to sell, you must understand -- and I mean really, deeply understand -- your target audience. And you must be willing to accept certain realities and facts about human motivation which may be . . . shall we say . . . unpopular with (or dare I say even offensive to some) in the current political climate.

Enlisting in or commissioning into the US Military can be influenced by a combination of factors, including personality traits, personal motivations, cultural factors, and societal influences. The short list would be something like the following:

1. Patriotism and National Identity: Many individuals feel a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their country, which motivates them to serve in the military and defend their nation. Patriotism can be influenced by cultural factors and societal norms.

Question: Is your outreach and advertising patriotic and designed to appeal to people who consider themselves patriots? If not, you're missing the boat.

2. Economic Opportunities and Job Stability: For some individuals, the military offers stable employment and financial benefits, especially in regions with limited job opportunities. Joining the military can provide access to education, skills training, and career advancement.

Question: Are you allocating enough of that big DOD budget for salaries and bonuses to a) minimize attrition on those you've already vetted and trained into a role and to b) appeal to people who might otherwise be drawn to jobs outside the .mil? If not, most people will seek out less strenuous/dangerous jobs that do not come with a multi-year contractual obligation.

3. Family Tradition and Social Influence: In some families and communities, a tradition of military service exists, and members may feel a sense of obligation or pride in continuing that legacy.

Question: This circles back around to #1 above - Patriotism - but this time it's part of ones family identity. Are you reaching out to Veterans and giving them any incentive at all to refer a family member to join? Are you attuning your advertising to appeal to people with a tradition of service in their family, to instill in them a sense of pride in joining that tradition? If not, you're leaving free money on the table in both cases.

4. Desire for Adventure and Challenge: The military often appeals to individuals seeking adventure, physical challenges, and the opportunity to test their limits in various situations.

Question: In this day and age where people pay money to go to a gym, try all kinds of fad diets and silly "influencers," why not show them Before and After photos of soldiers and sailors? My son was reasonably slim before he went to BCT, but after BCT he was ripped. Show that. People these days are very concerned with physical appearance. Let them know this is a job that actively supports and encourages physical fitness and healthy diet. Then also show the crazy, exciting, dangerous things people in certain roles get to do that would make Tom Cruise envious!

5. Education Benefits: The GI Bill and other educational assistance programs provide opportunities for service members to pursue higher education or vocational training, which can be a significant incentive for some.

Question: When was the last time you saw an ad that mentioned the GI Bill? I can't remember either. Get testimonies from people who served and later became doctors, lawyers, astronauts, law enforcement, and maybe even people who joined various other parts of government service (e.g., CIA, FBI, Secret Service), etc. because their military service not only gave them essential experience and secret clearance levels, etc., it also enabled them to get the education needed to do these important jobs.

6. Personal Growth and Discipline: The military can offer structure and discipline, and for some individuals, it represents a path to personal growth and character development.

See #4. People want to feel they matter, and they want to believe they are important and have agency in their lives. Show how military training leads to that high level of personal development and competence both in the .mil and afterward out in the civilian world.

7. Job Specialization and Skill Acquisition: Some people join the military to acquire specialized skills that can be transferred to civilian careers after their service.

See #4 and #6.

8. Desire to Serve and Make a Difference: Many individuals are motivated by a genuine desire to serve their country and contribute to something larger than themselves.

Question: Are you letting people know that, if you join, you can become not only a doctor, but a physical therapist, an EMT, a nurse, a veterinarian, a chef, or a teacher? People who enjoy serving others would love the idea that the military can provide them with the training to become that thing while serving their country. Again - get testimonies: "I learned how to train service animals!" "I became a photographer!" "I teach others marine search and rescue techniques!"

9. Financial Incentives: In addition to education benefits, the military may offer signing bonuses and other financial incentives to attract new recruits.

See #2.

10. Challenges in the Civilian World: Economic hardships or lack of opportunities in the civilian world may lead some individuals to consider the military as a viable alternative.

Question: How much is your outreach focusing on stability? Because yes, it can be a long and demanding commitment, but also there are so man opportunities, and the chance to explore them in a stable employment environment.

At the end of the day, the .mil is a WAR MACHINE. It doesn't exist for wish fulfillment, or to validate people's feelings. It is designed to kill people and break things, or to at least be prepared to do those two things at the drop of a hat. You need to accept the reality of that and work on attracting people who -- for the 10 reasons outline above -- are willing to get on board with supporting Job #1. Anything else is just political posturing.

Response by FA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 6:17 PM

FA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:17:01 -0400

The military doesn’t pay enough, recruiters are expected to get high numbers but the military would rather offer new recruits high incentives rather than retain the ones currently serving. A lot of the new generation kids are the ones that are entitled and lack the discipline to actually listen to their chain of command. When I went through boot camp, more people dropped out than graduated. If we can’t keep the ones that are invested in serving, that’s the real problem. Not necessarily recruiting new people. If you have guys and girls serving for 5 years, don’t you think it’s important to incentivize them to serve a full 20? There’s tons of money already invested in them as it is, now you’d rather worry about investing that new money in new recruits.

Response by 2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 6:47 PM

2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:47:25 -0400

I think the new politically correct woke military deters the kind of people who would be likely to join, to appease the kind of folks who wouldn’t. In general people who join are conservative-leaning, patriotic, freedom-loving young men who are proud of their country and want to serve it. Talking about gender pronouns or promoting drag queens who are serving on active duty makes most of the aforementioned group uninterested in joining. I was appalled when Gen. Milley said he wanted to understand “white rage”.

In 2007 when I first enlisted in the Army, you were expected to be tough or become tough. We were training to fight and destroy the enemy in close combat, and we’re willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of that goal.

By 2012 soldiers were getting in trouble for singing vulgar cadences, or for offending someone. I recall a specific event at Fort Leonard Wood where a soldier was counseled and berated by multiple levels of leadership for giving a presentation where he included a clip from full metal jacket, despite warning the audience that the clip contained offensive language.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 7:15 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:15:46 -0400

I would stop fighting wars for imperialism, and stealing opium that we sell back to Americans and veterans in the form of opiates and pain killers. Marine corps general smedley butler said all wars are for profit and wall st. Maybe focus on actual national defense, and not harassing farmers, creating generational blood debts, that lead to blowback like 9/11. Just a theory.

Response by SPC Athelred Davis made Jul 24 at 2023 7:30 PM

SPC Athelred Davis — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:30:14 -0400

Win wars. How? Congressional members in office during a lost military conflict are banned from running for Congress. General Officers are discharged for the same and lose their retirement. This will fix retention. Anyone who has a problem with this didn't die in a lost conflict.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 24 at 2023 7:37 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:37:04 -0400

Quit trying to live in a vacuum and in the past. Lots of other countries have issues with recruiting, look at what they are doing and adapt those practices to meet our needs. Society has changed but military recruiting standards really haven't, so the pool of eligible candidates keeps getting smaller and smaller. A top to bottom review of standards for eligibility needs to be conducted and bounced off what the needs of the military really are. Some standards need to be maintained, but I think an honest evaluation will show many can go and/or be waived.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 8:00 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:00:50 -0400

Stop teachng gang members to use weapons, raise recurring standards and pay.

Response by SFC Luis Serrano made Jul 24 at 2023 8:07 PM

SFC Luis Serrano — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:07:46 -0400

Back to basics. Go and ask the active force "why did you join?" Then come up with a recruiting strategy that targets those motivators. There's a lot to learn when we listen to the consumers, because at the end what a recruiter sells is a personalized future. But first, you need to know who's buying. Been there, done that.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 8:54 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:54:29 -0400

So I noticed (interestingly enough) that no Warrants have commented on this thread. So I'll chime in here, since we're opinionated as all hell. Plus we don't have any feelings, so smile on and pile on brothers and sisters!

So first off, I think SFC O'Mally has some great ideas, and one (or all) of them executed correctly could help stem the tide. I joined back in the mid-Eighties partially because I needed a job and the college money, but also because I had family members that had served. Well, the economy is great right now, plenty of jobs, and there are lots of pathways to college (or even success without college) so those aren't big incentives anymore. Also, older family members that have served are becoming increasingly rare.

At the end of my first few hitches (just shy of the critical ten year, career make or break) I got out. It was the mid-Nineties, benefits (college and re-enlistment bonuses) were lousy, and I couldn't get promoted. Adios Uncle Sam!

Fast forward to the early 2000's. 9/11 happened and I got a bump on the head, so I decided to re-up. I wanted to go to Afghanistan and get in the fight. I hadn't been that patriotic since joining during the Cold War, when the USSR was the enemy. And, if you look back, right, wrong, or indifferent, during OEF, OIF, and OIR, none of the Services had any trouble meeting recruiting goals. There were real-world missions, adventures, benefits - all of it! I've never been sorry I came back (OK, maybe a few days in Iraq lol).

Now, I'm not suggesting we go start another misguided war with no exit strategy (far from it!). However, Russia never was anything better than a frenemy, China has joined the list of competitors, and let's not forget North Korea. So I do believe that inspiring a sense of mission would greatly help improve the numbers. We have very real enemies threatening our way of life and we need to show young people how a life of service could help protect it.

Response by SGT Robert Reid made Jul 24 at 2023 10:10 PM

SGT Robert Reid — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:10:26 -0400

I don’t know but I feel like if you fought for your country you should be tax exempt. Just me.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 24 at 2023 10:18 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:18:00 -0400

It's too late. After waiving criminals with felony records and allowing them to serve, it kinda went to crap from there. Retaining people who don't want to be retained and kicking out good to great leaders & troops is also a bad idea.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 11:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 23:13:59 -0400

I did a paper on this exact issue a few months back. Simple fix, a four-day work-week. The military is competing in an extremely tough market for candidates. The benefits that once were very enticing aren’t very comparable to entry-level civilian jobs. A strong statement needs to be made that will let the population know they’re cared about. The internal changes that would be forced by this decision would be enticing just as well.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2023 11:38 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 23:38:43 -0400

First and foremost, stop trying to recruit people who are overly interested in sexual orientation and identity, "social justice", and socialism. Instead get back to go after young men who want to prove themselves by doing something honorable, difficult and badass. Show footage of intense, hard as hell training, high tech equipment, fast paced environments and stuff being blown up.
I honestly don't know who the brass at Recruiting Command thinks their target audience is. They have clearly forgotten that it's 17-24 year Olds with raging testosterone and a gut level love for the red, white blue.
The next that needs to be realized is how much recruiting happens without recruiters being involved. What vets say about the military when they get out and the general perception of the military is huge. One way you can get people lining up is if they believe the military is a financially smart decision despite the common misconception that soldiers are poor. You can do this by giving real meaningful financial advice to new soldiers. Show them that because they aren't paying a cent for housing, food or utilities they can be setting themselves up for their future. That if they set aside a good amount of money each month they can put a very large down payment on a nice car in a year or buy an average used car in cash. And actually break down how much they need to save each month in order to reach that goal in the time alloted. Explain how interest rates and credit cards work and how to build their credit. Anyone that spends just 4 years in the army can easily have a paid off vehicle and 10-20% down payment ready for a house.
You start having a bunch of younger guys getting out of the military talking about how it set them up to live stress free financially, your gunna start seeing a lot more people showing up at recruiting offices. After all, those 17-24 year olds are more likely to hear about the stuff 22-29 year olds are saying about the military than they are to hear it from a retiring E8 or 0-5.
Essentially go back to the old ways and add in some help for the guys that do join.

Response by COL Brian Shea made Jul 25 at 2023 12:26 AM

COL Brian Shea — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:26:26 -0400

SFC Casey O'Mally has some excellent ideas. And I heard they are bringing back "Be All You Can Be" which was great. I also recall a commercial that went something like "Join the Army, travel to Germany...you will work hard and train hard, but when you're off duty you're in Germany!" Over the years when the new troops came in to chat with the "Old Man" I'd hear reasons for joining like school, training, and usually a desire to serve. I advised them that whatever their reason for joining, our job was to train to win wars. One quit on the spot. Sadly it seems the desire to contribute to something larger than oneself has diminished - but not disappeared. Judging from my own limited experience it seems the younger generations have, to some extent, been raised with the expectation that things should be given to them as opposed to earned. Appealing to that IMHO will not result in attracting quality recruits. I am trying to stay away from politics, but since the CINC is a politician, it does have a bearing and again, IMO some of the current policies are impacting recruiting. Unless the services return to a focus on their primary mission - winning wars - which is only possible with support from above - things will not change anytime soon unless the economy crashes. On the bright side, with technology improving by leaps and bounds we have a good shot at maintaining a very lethal military, even if it is smaller.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 2:25 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:25:03 -0400

I would start by sending the right people into the areas we want to recruit from; someone they can relate to in their own lives.

Response by SFC Timothy Benson made Jul 25 at 2023 8:18 AM

SFC Timothy Benson — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:18:25 -0400

Over thought Just go back to the DRAFT! Work for me good old #10!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 9:31 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:31:29 -0400

Well, where to begin? Oh I know, bonuses! It's expensive but, people aren't going to sign a contract to serve for 3 - 6 years for most of the same benefits you could get at Starbucks. Also, Starbucks isn't going to send you to some far off place to fight a war that isn't our business to be in.
Other issues being things outside of service control. More high school kids are fatter, dumber and on meds than ever before. We simply can't bring them in at all. The education system isn't teaching them relevant subjects well enough for them to get adequate ASVAB scores. They aren't getting enough exercise and have poor diets and therefore won't even meet entry standards for weight. Finally, they're all "diagnosed" with some disorder and put on medication, thus disqualifying them.

Response by CPT Leo Coleman made Jul 25 at 2023 9:49 AM

CPT Leo Coleman — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:49:53 -0400

That question is a lot like asking "How should we re-arrange the deck chairs on the Titanic?" after it started sinking. The challenges the military establishment faces are both of their own making (due to a culture which has been fundamentally transformed) and in the American culture writ large. Whatever we get will be a new culture made up of whatever America is now. It won't be the same stuff of the Cold War years, because that country and that military establishment is dead and gone. If you're a white heterosexual Christian male, you already have a target on your back. Bottom line on bottom- you can't fix the recruiting woes if you have an institution which is not welcoming to those who have faithfully served in it for generations, and a nation which is a twisted, deformed version of what it once was.

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Jul 25 at 2023 9:56 AM

SFC Adam Potter — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:56:35 -0400

Recruiting schools need to go back to the "sales" focused training of the 80s/90s. Determine the Dominant Buying Motive (DBM) and determine needs & interest based on TEAMS. (Training, Education, Adventure, Money & Service to Country).
In the later part of my 79R career, recruiters were not trained on how to overcome objections, developing word pictures and lacked the basic sales skills.
I imagine Cold Calling is painful now that Cell phones have for the most part replaced the land line phones, but recruiters have to get after it.
I have a 17 year old going into his Senior year, we have not received any information via mail/phone etc. in regard to military service.

Response by Cpl James Pedersen made Jul 25 at 2023 10:18 AM

Cpl James Pedersen — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:18:04 -0400

Lower the standards. More emphasis on teaching pronouns and more Gender Transition funds

Response by CPT Johnny Simmons made Jul 25 at 2023 10:40 AM

CPT Johnny Simmons — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:40:21 -0400

As a former Marketing OIC for the WIARNG, I know recruits join for various reasons, technical training, college tuition, service to country, etc. The one thing all of these recruits had in common was the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be part of a respectable organization that represents the best of what our country has to offer. Woke recruiting that focuses on the individual will not work! They need to focus on the values, traditions, opportunities & challenges, and honor. I have always had the opinion that the Marines had the best recruiting message..The Few, The Proud, The Marines! This message has stayed constant and demonstrates that this organization is the best of the best. They do not change their message or reinvent themselves with new slogans.

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Jul 25 at 2023 11:03 AM

SSG William Zopff III — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:03:25 -0400

“STOP THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENTS!” All of them, “NOW!” Concentrate on your primary mission, defend the United States of American and the US Constitution from all Enemies, foreign and domestic! The US Military doesn’t need to spend time on defining LGTBQ+ issues or training; let them serve with in US Military regulations….period! The military has never cared how anyone feels yesterday, today or tomorrow…..stop it! Stop Critical Race Theory training, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, race is a very small issue compared (its more a problem of individual beliefs than a systemic issue) to 40 years ago.
Again….Concentrate the DOD core missions….inspire America’s youth to serve with Pride in the USA! Orders are to be obeyed, unless their unlawful, many of the current administrations orders ( from 2020 to 2023) are immoral and therefore unconstitutional!

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Jul 25 at 2023 11:04 AM

SCPO Ken Badoian — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:04:30 -0400

Be honest with ads, no wokeness, and remind the potential recruits it is a profession, not just a job. I have read that the military needs to respond to the new generation. Duty, Honor, Service. There are enough kids, male, and female that understand that - red white, and blue - no rainbow. Stop being cute inn the ads and let the recruiters go back to basics.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 11:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:04:37 -0400

Everyone has their own perspective on this topic and unless you've done the research, talked to young people or even read articles about the topic, most of these answers just show the person's age and how out of touch with Gen Z they really are. (With all due respect.)
In my opinion, the military can't hide who they are anymore. Before social media the military, for many was an honorable position. Now the young people that are in, aren't talking about how good military life is. On the contrary, they're exposing mediocre (at best) living and working conditions, awful and poorly educated leadership, outdated rules that have little common sense and are merely meant for control. No freedom of choice and being treated like an ignorant child; especially for young enlisted soldiers.
Don't get me wrong there are some perks to joining and some decent life lessons to be learned. But when there's more negative media than good, why would they want to join. They're not getting thrown out when they're 18 anymore, they make $12-$20 an hour working for a fast food company, most states legalized smoking pot and they can grow their scraggly beards if they want to. The military is the over-bearing, strict parents they never had.

Response by SPC Martin Landis made Jul 25 at 2023 11:16 AM

SPC Martin Landis — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:16:17 -0400

Everyone must serve for 2 years after high school.

Response by TSgt Jason Jones made Jul 25 at 2023 11:56 AM

TSgt Jason Jones — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:56:38 -0400

Knocking off all the CJW and Woke crap would be a good place to start. The military is an authoritarian institute. Always has been and there is no room for rainbows and unicorns.

Response by SGT Dale Asselin made Jul 25 at 2023 11:57 AM

SGT Dale Asselin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:57:06 -0400

You can do all the campaigning you want. But if you don’t have people to train these new recruits then what’s the point. The Military is pushing people out that can still do jobs. I was medically retired and that was it. They could have put me anywhere and made me non deployable. These kids getting jobs behind desks and never deploy. There is a lot we can do because we are still young enough to train these new troops. What I’m saying is we didn’t want to leave but you made us anyways. God bless you all going forward.

Response by Sgt Ryan Halvorsen made Jul 25 at 2023 12:16 PM

Sgt Ryan Halvorsen — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:16:50 -0400

The service is problematic for a lot of reasons and is easily seen from the outside in today's world.

Sexism, racism, toxic traits encouraged, fighting for corporate interests which do not match the needs of the US, Socialism for corporate losses but they keep profits for themselves, and those who know what the work.. the life.. is like would not choose to have our young loved ones go into that mess.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 12:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:18:56 -0400

Indef bonuses would be a good way to retain soldiers who are on the fence

Response by Sgt Ralph Munoz made Jul 25 at 2023 12:58 PM

Sgt Ralph Munoz — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:58:57 -0400

Start Drafting, again

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 1:25 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:25:44 -0400

Kids today are no longer raised in a vacuum. Their opinions on politics and their awareness of World Affairs is no longer something that is preached to them from their parents, teachers, or like-minded individuals within their community. Information is now so available that many kids today struggle to identify with the goals and agenda of the political class. Moreso, most kids today actually just wholeheartedly DISAGREE with the administrations (plural) because it has become widely known that neither party represents goals that are beneficial to the majority of citizens. Government has gotten out of control. The States continue to lose ground to an overpowering Federal government and kids today do not see themselves being part of the system of “evil” that is the source of the majority of the Worlds problems. Additionally, administrations continue to use the armed forces as “sample groups” and “lab rats” to conduct social experiments while being free from liability for doing it.

What drove recruiting in the past? Two HUGE things:

Retirement (now a 401k anyway so you don’t need the military for that)

GI Bill (now colleges are under attack for fees, the validity of degrees is being questioned, and debt foregiveness is on the table so you don’t need that either)

The question is WHAT EXACTLY -DOES- the military offer a kid today?

Response by SFC Johnny Connor made Jul 25 at 2023 1:40 PM

SFC Johnny Connor — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:40:11 -0400

Let me put it this way. Without a new war that can be justified there is just going to be a shortage of new recruits. The military isn't for the younger generations. They join with the expectation to do a job, the most they qualified for. But we use them for anything. In my time as a soldier I have been teaching children math, mowing grass, being a gate guard, setting up a theater for an officer etc. So when kids don't meet their expectations they take to social media and post to their friends. But the same happens when the army "fails". SHARP cases are way much more frequent than we would like. We would like that to be 0. That s very destructive but the units are ineffective in removing this cancer. Add in genesis screening out everyone and you got a remedy for disaster.

So my solutions? Training. Take the fat guy. Make him fit. Take the mentally weak. Make him strong. Teach people their job. We have too many soldiers feeling inadequate or imposter syndrome because training is severely lacking in some units. A good NCO can turn a wimp into a confident hero.

But here s the kicker. Without getting deployed soldiers have nothing to feel pride. Soldiers that were never deployed feel like their service was in vain. Sometimes soldiers that were deployed feel that way. Especially if you lost friends for failed policies. So we need victories. We can't fix the middle east. It is beyond saving. We need to fight in wars that we can win but also that the younger generations believe in.

I will also add that politics have a big deal to do with lower numbers. Recruits have to adopt the army culture but it has grown so foreign to normal citizens that they may not want to be a part of it. So our military culture needs to return to American values that won't make recruits compromise their integrity for a pay check.

If that is too long my main ideas are a change to military culture, more training, clear expectations about army life and work with recruits instead of discarding every single problem.

Response by PO3 Kenneth Suvanto made Jul 25 at 2023 1:50 PM

PO3 Kenneth Suvanto — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:50:10 -0400

Bring back the draft...simple and easy peasy, problem solved.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 2:20 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:20:42 -0400

Realize that the military is different than working at McDonald's. There are standards...health and weight standards, fitness standards, age standards, education
standards, etc.. Not everyone is eligible. Select the best that are out there, train them and treat them well.

Response by PO3 Scooter Joe made Jul 25 at 2023 2:26 PM

PO3 Scooter Joe — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:26:17 -0400

invoke the 60's draft again. a min. of 2 years of service

Response by LCpl Christopher Pickett made Jul 25 at 2023 3:10 PM

LCpl Christopher Pickett — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:10:44 -0400

My best idea would be to first stop using the military as a social experiment and/or stop pandering to the lowest common denominator. The whole trans stuff in the military doesn't belong, for several logical reasons and not related at all in hate to anyone experiencing such; if it is true body dysmorphia, truly believing they are not who they are, then that is also a psychiatric issue, which is supposed to be disqualifying. Then there is the factor that the number of people truly living and identifying as trans is very low population percentage wise, so why are you making the military change for a tiny number of persons but ignoring the rest? Then you have those that are just identifying as such for attention and yes, this exists a lot, again allowing a recruit minority to dictate how the military works, there is purpose to conformity in the military where there is supposed to be a clear hierarchy, not one laiden with political land mines of accidentally "dead naming" or "misgendering", or even bad reaction to inter-company teasing. This is already clearly impacting morale among the ranks. Finally we have the biggest issue of all, the cancer growing in the deepest part of the military. Lack of true leadership accountability. Under O4-O5 and expect to be used as a scapegoat for the mistakes of those above you. Same in the enlisted ranks above E6-E7. Instead of practicing the leadership mantras drilled into our heads as lower enlisted, it has become a free for all of who can screw who over for the better promotions, awards, and accolades, no matter how minuscule.

When you take a strict and regimented process of the military, and then start bending everything to fulfill the desires of a tiny few, who likely won't be good fit for the military anyway, all while confusing and destroying the espirit de Corps and trust in their leadership. How can you expect anything less than the complete lack of morale and interest in participating in such risky activities, both physically and politically. But what do I know, I haven't been in for 20 years now...

Once you stop with political grandstanding in what is supposed to be apolitical, and show that there is true honor and commitment and show how those that abuse their leadership roles will be punished, not rolled downhill to the lower ranks. Show consistent expectations in the requirements to join, maintain rigorous standards (with room for very small bending as needed), start showing the badass stuff about the military. These would be easy starts. The military is about grooming the best POSSIBLE fighting force, not the best looking on paper for the politicians force. We are supposed to prepare the deadliest warriors so that we will never have to use them. The whole warrior in a garden thing... The problem we have is we look weak, feckless, willing to weaken the bonds of brotherhood for political points, and more willing to sound progressive than producing the deadliest military. This is how our enemies see us. The longer we continue this path, the higher the chance we have an enemy state test out how weak we really are... but as I said before, I probably know nothing as I have been out for so long, so it's just my 2 cents.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 3:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:22:51 -0400

Im going to try and avoid any politics because a lot of the posts and replies have turned into that.

1) Pay needs to be increased; private sector jobs pay much better and provide an incentive for troops to get out along with aspiring men and women to not join.

2) The rampant SHARP and EO issues need to be clamped down on. If a huge swath of former military members are telling folks that SHARP and EO is rampant and not being worked on in the military then people are going to be turned away from joining.

3) Grooming standards need to be realigned. Allow men to have beards for example, it works for our European allies I am sure it can work here.

4) Military skills need to be able to better translate over into civilian careers and those skills need to be marketed to the public as a resource worth joining for

I’m sure there are more ways to fix the issue but that’s my two cents from what i’ve seen and heard from people in and out of the military as issues

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jul 25 at 2023 3:41 PM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:41:00 -0400

Great question! My question is, would the DoD listen, or simply continue down the road to ruin? WOKENESS and "diversity" are the Achilles heel of a force that should be focused on LETHALITY on the BATTLEFIELD, not pronouns, elective surgeries and pre-existing conditions, skin color, etc. The enemy doesn't care about any of that, and neither should we. Whatever happened to, "Everyone in the Army is GREEN"? The military is NOT for everyone, and the DoD needs to understand that. Being an equal opportunity employer needs to also keep in mind the MISSION of the military, and that EVERYONE who joins needs to pass the MINIMUM requirements for combat. Everyone who joins needs to be able to FIGHT. Beyond that, the military is a meritocracy. You EARN your promotions, rank, position and awards. The DoD needs to resume the campaigns that worked in the past because they appealed to the type of person who would excel in the military. DoD should renew relationships with organizations like NASCAR, NRA and professional rodeo associations. They should push into high school career day events and make it clear what the mission of the military is and what the benefits are.

Response by PFC John Roscoe made Jul 25 at 2023 4:14 PM

PFC John Roscoe — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:14:15 -0400

Bring back the draft, with no exemptions. everyone (including women) everywhere- with alternatives for public service (firefighters, education iniciatives,toxic clean-up etc. etc.)

Response by SrA Joseph Garrigan made Jul 25 at 2023 5:10 PM

SrA Joseph Garrigan — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:10:01 -0400

The next generation of possible troops has a generation of vets from over an 20 year war being mistreated by the va, the current politicization of the military, the covid shot discharges, and other issues. And we're surprised they don't want to join?

Response by SPC Robert Mizic made Jul 25 at 2023 5:28 PM

SPC Robert Mizic — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:28:12 -0400

Get rid of the horrible Biden administration. If I had kids? I wouldn't want them serving under this pitiful Potus.

Response by SrA Allan Yates made Jul 25 at 2023 5:48 PM

SrA Allan Yates — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:48:08 -0400

There will be no resolution of this crisis until the generals, the Pentagon, the U.S. Congress and the vermin who currently infest the White House face the reality of the situation.

That reality is this: A large percentage of young men and women who enlist in the military do so because they are filled with revulsion for the so-called "woke" mentality that the liberal Amerikan sheeple have been brainwashed into blindly accepting.

Those young men and women seek a lifestyle that includes service, discipline, integrity, decency, code and honor. They are not getting that in today's "woke" military; they are simply getting uniforms to go along with the "woke" filth that permeates the civilian sector of Amerika.

If the Pentagon, the U.S. Congress and the White House are serious about changing the recruiting disaster that they themselves have created, they will stop forcing sodomites, shemales, trannies and child molesters down the throats of the U.S. military.

But they are not serious.

Response by PO3 Raymond Neal made Jul 25 at 2023 6:49 PM

PO3 Raymond Neal — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:49:30 -0400

I would impeach the buffoon in chief for starters.
After that, I would get rid of DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion).
Then I would bring back standard physical tests in schools. (I would foster the mentality of young men who are proud of their country and are willing to serve).

Think about it, in the '40s, young men lied about their age so that they could go to war and serve our once Great Nation. Today, young men pretend to be young women so they don't have to do anything challenging in life.

Response by Sgt Jake Jones made Jul 25 at 2023 7:45 PM

Sgt Jake Jones — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:45:21 -0400

Gee, what could be causing the recruiting issue we see? Hmmm… could it be:

The direct conflict between progressive left ideology being pushed and the type of corn fed middle American psych profile that makes up the majority of combat jobs in the military- specifically the infantry- I’ll give you a hint- misty people that are willing to lay down their lives for the ideals this country represents- are what is now considered a slur by at least 50% of the country. They’re called patriots. They’re also predominantly conservative.

The laughable pay and miserable living conditions that a lot of military families are forced to deal with- that is, if they want to serve and have a family. Oh by the way- let’s not forget that this problem is almost entirely relegated to the enlisted ranks, so throw in some class bitterness while you’re at it.

The fact that the eligible pool of young men is being castigated by society so they’re opting out- almost entirely. Can’t say as I blame them. Why would you serve a country that every day in a variety of social venues, your society tells you that you’re oppressive, bigoted, misogynistic, sexist, racial homophobic, xenophobic etc etc etc. The real problem is that patriotism in general is in decline thanks to a myriad of factors- not the least of which are Iraq and Afghanistan and the WMD lie in general. That shit turned even die hards like me into someone that’s way more critical of any foreign intervention and the US agenda that’s being obfuscated from the population. Also, culturally, trying to recruit people that are generally self-centered, more easily offended and far less physically fit into a culture that ostensibly demands submission to authority, physical fitness, and the mentality of sacrifice of an individual for the greater good of the whole- is pretty much a pipe dream at this point.

The answer is yes. It is because of all these things and more.

We’ve allowed the multicultural bastion of individual rights and freedoms be consumed by corruption, political perversion, hedonism, consumption and moral decay, then question why we can’t recruit something that requires selflessness, sacrifice, mental, physical and moral fortitude.

LOL. Anyone still perplexed as to why recruiting numbers are so low is really beyond saving. It’s so mind-numbingly obvious to anyone that has served in any unit that doesn’t spend the majority of their day riding a desk in the AC. Most of you motherfuckers have lost the plot, and it shows. Bullets and shrapnel don’t give a shit about your race, your gender, your history or your feelings. The sooner the military can get back to that and make the culture attractive to the people required to keep it going again, the trend will continue.

Prediction: Pentagon will double down on the ideological nonsense and become more and more dependent on fat pasty nerds to operate it all. What a goddamned shame.

Response by LTC Art Hall made Jul 25 at 2023 8:26 PM

LTC Art Hall — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:26:10 -0400

My humble opinion is if you want to recruit Gen Z and beyond, you have to listen to them and what's important to them. Some of its easy, computer literacy and drone proficiency, but others are understanding their view of the world and that they are the most educated and fair minded of the generations. That's my take.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Jul 25 at 2023 8:27 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:27:19 -0400

Stopping making the Military a "Woke" entity. Stop using the Military as a "Political" tool. The only "Rainbow Warrior" I will accept is Jeff Gordon. His "Rainbow" was because of Tide detergent NOT for puffing penis.

Response by SSgt Todd Hoffmaster made Jul 25 at 2023 8:31 PM

SSgt Todd Hoffmaster — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:31:48 -0400

We need to use the same old style of recruitment. If we change and start to cater with this new weaker generation America will become weaker and we will be the laughing stock with the world powers.

Response by SSgt Ted Knickerbocker Sr made Jul 25 at 2023 9:26 PM

SSgt Ted Knickerbocker Sr — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:26:48 -0400

Need to restart the draft for a couple of reasons: to strengthen our military and give it a boost; to give this younger generation especially the ones that don’t want to go to college the discipline and knowledge they need to figure out what they want to do with their lives; to teach young people things that they will never learn as a civilian and build their confidence; and lastly if they make a career out of the military that’s a great thing for our country!

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Jul 25 at 2023 9:56 PM

PO1 Todd McMillin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:56:39 -0400

Ironically, the fact that every Scandinavian Nation-State had mandatory military service along with our supposed allies of Israeli and most of the British Empire. However, they also have mandatory mental health screening banning the mentaly unhinged and psychological deranged from owning firearms for life or they simply put them into specific units where they're brainwashed and trained to be the "pet monsters" of the state.

If you wanted to actually recruit the Gen Alpha and beyond the simplest solution is for the Government to honor their promises to their Veterans after the service. The joke of the post 9/11/McCain GI Bill is a fucking insult to every enlisted person who joined with the promise of "Free Education" after military service. The complete clusterfuck of the VA and VHA being underfunded and trashed by assholes in both Congress and the Oval Office who see Enlisted as nothing more than criminals and deserve to die for the country because of their own asinine beliefs of White Supremacy or Religious Delusions of Grandeur like every shit stain National Conservative or Trump sycophantic bootlicker.

A token good start would be to throw out the McCain GI Bill and bring back the Montgomery GI Bill. To match the funds to cover both Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and the whole education costs at around $3,000 a month while in school vs the half assed funding it is now. When I was it it was a pittance for what they deserve back in 2010--2013 I had to use both my Montgomery GI Bill and Illinois Veterans Grant to barely get my Bachelors Degree in under 3 years. I still had to take out a $15K loan to survive at University; I should have been able to get it completely covered and only believe it's twice as horrific today to go to college/university because our Government's real owners don't want a Wel Educated and Well Informed Public.

It's why all the smart people who joined like Pat Tillman happened to be murdered by "Friendly Fire" because of realizing the whole War of Terror was BS and being an Atheist. Tillman wanted to blow the whistle on the War Profiteering of evil Corporations like Blackwater/Xe and other Private Military Contractors who engaged in illegal actives including trafficking in arms, drugs, and human slavery while in war zones. So he was murdered to prevent anyone from listening since he was a celebrity football player who quit to join the Special Forces only to be killed by Blackwater/Xe PMC and the US Army because he was planned to speak out against the War of Terror.

It's no wonder that no one wants to join because asshole in Congress want to use Student Loans and Education Debt to force folks under 35 into mandatory military service for debt forgiveness and pay off their student loans by dying for military service they don't believe in. Especially; when their own family, friends and relatives died in all those wars after 9/11 that were completely unnecessary since we didn't even actually punish those responsible for 9/11 (Israelis, Saudis, and the US Military Industrial Complex).

Honestly, the biggest problem is that no one wants to die for a bunch of Parasite Billionaires of the Industrial Military Complex anymore. They're sick and tied of being lied to about the Wars for Corporate Profiteering and Greed vs the actually caring about people. They saw what 20 years of false flag military propaganda and the War of Terror which was created by the USA, Israeli and Saudi Arabia to justify the illegal and unlawful invasion of the Middle East.

The fact that several retired Army General including Westley Clark about the fact the Pentagon had planned to invade 7 (Seven) Countries in 7 (Seven) Years was preplanned and since the #ErrorofReagan and the whole 9/11 was clearly an inside job. The fact the Veterans of the past several illegal wars have all said not to join the military including myself. Thankfully, my own offspring will use my GI Benefits rather than be forced into service or have to choose it. If the US Government hadn't been so horribly corrupted by the 12 years of Bush Sr secretly running the country followed by the Clinton Syndicate and then Bush Jr we'd never have been placed into such a horrible deal.

The fact is that if you want to recruit people then stop preying on them in schools because the Government has intentionally created by destroying our Education system, creating inner city drug addiction and poverty to intentionally force Minorities and Low Income Folks in mostly Red States to be slaves to either the Mining industry or join the Military to get out of whatever shithole they're currently in they're then further psychologically traumatized and made into damaged human being that are trained to murder people in the name of their Government's latest shit foreign policies and if they don't do that oftentimes they wind up joining law enforcement to find a way to pass their childhood abuse on to their victims of being nothing better than thugs with badges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAIBwq21z1I

Wesley Clark: US Has Created Havoc in Middle East

This clip from the Miller Center's American Forum features Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Democratic presidential candidate. You can ...

Response by CPL James Anderson made Jul 25 at 2023 10:49 PM

CPL James Anderson — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 22:49:55 -0400

If I told the truth I'd be immediately banned from this website. If you were/are enlisted and were in the military before and after about 2006-2008 you KNOW what changed.

I'll say this much: young men who join the military do so to learn to be a warrior. To challenge their limits, spit in the face of those limits, and push beyond them to become a soldier of the greatest military the world has ever seen. If you think that is how ANYONE on Earth sees the US military today, congratulations. You are part of the problem.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2023 10:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 22:57:24 -0400

Make it tougher. We are soft. This business is dealing with death. Honor, integrity and courage. I think JFK said it best; "effort and courage is not enough without purpose and direction". Leaving any of the four out of the equation means failure

Response by SPC Michael Brown made Jul 26 at 2023 1:43 AM

SPC Michael Brown — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 01:43:45 -0400

First of all, our standards are too high. We should allow people with minor convictions and those overweight and over the tape measure to join (pt will help them get in shape anyways). Some of the testing is outdated and should be based on a wider variety of intelligences. The military should allow those with mild ADHD to join. The age range should also be increased people are living longer now we should allow people to enlist up to 50 years of age. Also, we need to allow beards and goatees, and a variety of mustaches in uniform. It

Response by FleaWalters . made Jul 26 at 2023 5:19 AM

FleaWalters . — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:19:47 -0400

Stop promoting the WOKE Agenda and go back to having structure. Leadership has become weak!
Why are they trying to save this private that willingly ran back into China, this person is a deserter!?? Wasting time and efforts on unworthy individuals.
#XoFlea

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Jul 26 at 2023 7:50 AM

AA Loreen Silvarahawk — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:50:00 -0400

Like so many countries that I have been to who really have no recruitment problems --- a mandatory 2 year year enlistment for everyone who graduates from high school. It may stop some of this "entitlement feeling" that many have and it would bring a state of maturity that many need.

Response by SFC Jim Thurman made Jul 26 at 2023 8:39 AM

SFC Jim Thurman — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:39:04 -0400

Part of the issue is the image portrayed by the media of the military, and the options available for service versus the alternative options. Currently the military is behind the power curve on training if we look at the Air Force if properly applied, you can go through the university of the Air Force And come out with a degree in viable job skills with options. It is part of their command philosophy. The army in the Marine Corps do not have said options for years. If you were in the army, you got out with skills and no viable job opportunities the G.I. Bill is no longer enough. We are now in competition with trade schools, employers colleges, and we need to improve the image, not as warriors, but as a place that you get viable skills and experience that I can turn into dollars, and cents at the end of my military journey whether that’s for years or 24 years With our current up-tempo in our fridge in cycles, we need to become the preferred location for training where you don’t just get trained, but paid to train in the very best skills on the cutting edge, we need to change the way America looks at the military we need to get back in the Hollywood bowl or whatever they’re making movies or TV shows. We need to stop showing the PTSD that going psycho. We need to stop having a beer bank, robbers for their buddies or the bad guy, and every third show. We need to make service members the hero again show up and high schools schools of every level and bring patriotism back, make it a good day for people to serve the country.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 8:45 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:45:41 -0400

I would build a force focused on winning wars and not bending to social pressures. Focus training and marketing on national defense in order to attract people interested in defending the nation. Greatly limit the influence politicians and lobbyists have on military branches, their training, and their use.

Response by Isaac Shelton made Jul 26 at 2023 8:56 AM

Isaac Shelton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:56:35 -0400

Quite frankly, people today don’t want to join for the simple fact of the transgender movement. The military is no longer about being tough, it’s about “being you.” Let’s call it for what it is: Transgenderism is nothing more than a mental illness and it should not be tolerated. Do you honestly believe those individuals can handle a high stress situation? Back to my point, it keeps the ones who are mentally stable from wanting to join because they don’t want to work for a “woke” military. As the saying goes, “go woke, go broke.” The military should be about preventing wars, not identifying one’s pronouns.

Response by MAJ Fred Zacher made Jul 26 at 2023 9:12 AM

MAJ Fred Zacher — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:12:53 -0400

As the late, great Rush Limbaugh always said, "The military's main job is to break things and hurt people." I think all advertising should be in that direction. Wokeness, CRT and anything else takes away from the mission of being able to go anywhere at anytime and deliver lethal destruction to the enemy. Shooting artillery and flying a helicopter in combat assaults was a rush. As Forrest Gump said, "You never knew what you was biting into." That's what I think the military needs to sell to get young people to enlist. There are still millions of qualified kids who have a love of country and adventure.

Response by SFC Tracy Scott made Jul 26 at 2023 9:23 AM

SFC Tracy Scott — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:23:50 -0400

The military recruiting problems...
One way to reduce cost, recurring spending, and recruiting problems would be to allow service members to remain on active duty.
Each year thousands of good-quality soldiers are removed from service not because the soldier wants to leave the service but due to oversaturated MOS fields and stagnated promotions with the military attitude of move up or move out.
Yet within the civilian world, a person can hold and maintain a job if they continue to strive, perform, and do their job.
With the increasing cost of recuring, materials, and travel, along with a number of inductees failing the minimum standards to enter the service would it not be indicative to maintain soldiers that are trained, can meet or exceed the standards, and want to remain on active duty even if they remain as an E-4

"Army ― the largest service ― estimates it spends about $15,000 to bring someone into the service and another $50,000 to $75,000 to prepare them to join their first unit, depending on their job." with 68,000 new soldiers each year.
Army officials estimate only 23% of young Americans are eligible for service, mostly due to obesity and low academic ability. The service is increasingly relying on a new set of courses for applicants who are slightly too overweight or performed poorly on the ASVAB to come into compliance with military standards. The Army this month expanded that effort from a pilot program in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to Fort Benning, Georgia -- which can accommodate roughly 12,000 troops who otherwise wouldn't have been eligible to join. That figure comes close to making up the recruiting shortfall last year.
Army planners are looking to expand the program even further to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
"What we're not willing to do is lower standards." Gen. James McConville, the Army's top officer, said at an Association of the United States Army conference Wednesday. "Quality is more important than quantity. But what we are willing to do is invest in young men and women."

Response by PO2 Steven Hardy made Jul 26 at 2023 9:25 AM

PO2 Steven Hardy — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:25:49 -0400

1. Fighting in wars without any clear obtainable objective, so that we just stay there a long time, loose a bunch of men and women, injure many more, then pull out without having accomplished anything long term, doesn't seem like something a lot of people want to do.

2. After serving and sacrificing greatly, having the government turn their back on you, label you as a domestic terrorist, and deny you the heath care you require due to your service is not really appealing either.

3. This country is a sh!tshow right now. Turn this country back into something worth fighting for, and more people might be willing to do so.

Response by Ellen Pope made Jul 26 at 2023 9:38 AM

Ellen Pope — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:38:33 -0400

I joined the Army in 1978 after seeing a TV ad showing a female air-traffic controller in uniform. I realized that could be me! I stayed in for 9 years.

Response by SPC Larry Cook made Jul 26 at 2023 9:43 AM

SPC Larry Cook — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:43:13 -0400

Get rid of this woke and liberal garbage.
Get a cadre of leaders who can be respected. Stop looking at our military as a social experiment.
Get LGBTQ out of the military, completely out and do not allow them to appeal.....

Response by PO3 Mitchell Haynie made Jul 26 at 2023 9:47 AM

PO3 Mitchell Haynie — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:47:36 -0400

As with so many companies that have gone WOKE, so has the Military. AB and Bud Light should serve as the poster child for this agenda, and now the Jason Aldean song, "Try that in a small town", you better believe it, I am from a small Texas town. Now the Movie, "Call of Freedom" by and independent producer just topped 100 million at the box office. The WOKE need to wake up!
Basically the FJB administration has dismanteled the mission, focus, and purpose, of the WAR Machine and pussified the Military at large. Sensitiviy and tolerancce training, gender pretenders wanting surgeries, gender neutral uniforms, sodomites and queers. What TRUE American Man or Woman who takes the pledge of aliegence, and is willing to raise their right hand and put thier life on that line, and go kill the enemy, would want to be a part of that?! When did the Military become an EEOC employer?!
God help us if we have another Pearl Harbor, or 911, we are not prepared to defend anything, much less take the fight to them!

Response by SSgt Easy Rider made Jul 26 at 2023 10:00 AM

SSgt Easy Rider — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:00:18 -0400

Problems I believe the military need to move away from to make military service attractive to recruits and currently serving members again:
1. Criminal records: More people have criminal records today than ever before, not because they are committing more crime but because the information systems of today allow/require every record to be recorded on every interaction with law enforcement for ever. Raise the bar on what disqualifies someone from service. Make a proper risk assessment of individuals and move the recruits who have a chance into the system.
2. Fitness requirements: In the Marines everyone is a rifleman first. This is their baseline fitness requirement. All other MOSs add to this standard to meet their needs. The common path taken by leadership has been reinvent the wheel for each MOS or everyone should be special forces level. Both of these paths introduce professional fratricide. When professional advancement comes along leadership uses these superfluous attributes that do not add value to the service but do weed out personnel that would be of benefit to the service. They also, dissuade anyone else from targeting those MOSs causing personnel that are in them to leave the service as they "fail" to achieve their goals. This creates a manning sink that drains the numbers slowly but constantly in an unnecessary way.
3. Stop expanding tolerance of individual characteristics. Diversity is good, but members of the services needs to be as uniform as possible without causing undue effort to comply. Why is the USAF allowing ponytails? I understand the logic behind African American hair styles as the physical characters of their hair demands specific care needs. Other ethnic considerations should also be allowed for more hygiene needs, but allowing the loosing of standards only for people to have more individualism is a short term gain and long term loss. By reducing the sacrifice of individuality for service you cheapen the value of people's commitment to joining and staying in the service. We have seen a small bump in people joining for this change, but it is fading quickly as it is very visible to possible recruits that the current members are less committed, making the service less attractive. It's counter intuitive, but true.
4. Benefits have lowered overtime that were low cost, high return. Base services such as auto hobby shop, moral centers, and loan lockers were cut to save money during the 2008 sequestration actions. This lowered the value of being in the service on post that attracted new recruits and helped retain current members. Many of the cost saving initiatives over the last 20 years needs to be reexamined to see if reversing those choices could attracted new recruits at lower cost than newer benefits and plans.
5. Support for families has notably diminished. Whether it's lowering services such as base housing quality through privatization or eliminating family events hosted by base services such as base movie theaters. The lowering support for family quality of life has devalued being an active member of the services. Part of the value that attracts recruits we want is gaining the ability to start and support a family. This also helps to raise the next generation in a way that makes service an attractive career.
6. Stop holding on to obsolete missions. The military has several units that exist to support hardware and mission needs that no longer exist or that are soon to be decommissioned. These units tend to be at locations that the military or Congress wants to keep people at encase of a possible need or to keep federal money flowing into local economies. This motivation can still be satisfied without keeping personnel trapped in obsolete mission positions. In the age of information networks, you can relocate many units and manning to those locations that are not geographically dependent. Need to retire a low frequency early warning radar, but want to keep the post manning up? Just relocate some satcom training units from the internal CONUS to that coastal post. This reduces parasitic positions while maintaining manning levels at sensitive geographically locations.

These are just a few of my ideas to increase recruit numbers and reduce manning requirements. Many services have been running at 80% or less manning levels chronically for decades with little mission impact, but that comes at the cost of running troops into the ground making recruitment harder and retention lower. It's time to work smarter and reduce the mission requirements on the services to allow lower but more effective manning across all services.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 10:13 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:13:24 -0400

First and foremost, get rid of this strategy of having our military reflect a corporate environment. Secondly, military recruiting should have recruiters dedicated to reaching out to semi-recently separated servicemembers, and see if they would be willing to come back. A lot of vets realize that life in the civilian world is not what it's cracked up to be. Thirdly, young people naturally gravitate towards stability and discipline unconsciously. Promote the military as an opportunity to a better life, and don't harp on the sacrifice of one's own liberty.

Response by SCPO Rick Hunter made Jul 26 at 2023 10:31 AM

SCPO Rick Hunter — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:31:01 -0400

First off, I'd emplace REAL leaders in top positions in both the Pentagon and DoD civilian side. Obama pretty much saw all the true Warfighter Generals and Admirals leave. Next, I'd get rid of EVERY bit of "woke" "DEI" nonsense. I would RAISE rather than lower recruiting standards, e.g.; no felony convictions, no drug possession/use convictions, limited waivers for 1 or 2 times drug usage. (Regardless of what States and "society" are doing, they're still ILLEGAL at the Federal level), at least a High School Graduate, score in top 1/3d of ASVAB, absolutely NO men pretending to be women or women pretending to be men. The Military is no place for such people. And YES, I know the same was said of Blacks, Indians and women, but at least those groups didn't have mental disorders, at least not on a wide-scale.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jul 26 at 2023 10:37 AM

SPC Robert Bobo — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:37:47 -0400

Change in leadership at the highest levels

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 10:49 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:49:09 -0400

1. Eliminate the stupid pronoun b. s.
2. Make the physical fitness requirements MUCH tougher for all services.
3. Force those who exceed body fat regs OUT of the service if they continually fail performance tests.

Response by CW3 James Ives made Jul 26 at 2023 11:08 AM

CW3 James Ives — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:08:56 -0400

After this administration killed 13 service members, would you want to join.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 26 at 2023 11:16 AM

SFC Dennis Yancy — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:16:04 -0400

Get woke culture out of milirary! Leaders that civilians hear/read about are too political. Check out Administrations new Joint Chief Staff.

Response by LTC Pete Moore made Jul 26 at 2023 11:18 AM

LTC Pete Moore — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:18:54 -0400

Focus on war fighting: fighting and winning our nations war by means of firepower and maneuver. All the social engineering has killed our military. When the draft ended people were afraid about readiness but the change to an all volunteer Army was great…. If you want to join the military for any reason other than fighting and winning our nations wars you are not needed. I have worked in various capacities and still work for the military (44 years in November). Many positive societal changes have come from the military but that is a second order effort. Primary focus must be war fighting…. The military has lost ifs focus…. Return to one Army, one purpose!

Response by CPT Andrew Reed made Jul 26 at 2023 12:19 PM

CPT Andrew Reed — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:19:02 -0400

Radical idea, and not necessarily my personal opinion: go to a male only force. Maybe keep women in segregated units that do not come into contact with BCTs, in select MOSs (my mother was a paper-pusher in the 80s/90s, and had a very poor experience with fellow Soldiers, something I witnessed repeatedly over my decade of service).

The Army tries to be a big, friendly organization for everybody. It's task is war, period. Remove the headaches of a gender-integrated force and see how many young men line up for what was once considered a right of passage, an obligation to your country, an honor. Not a jobs and benefits program.

Just take a look at the mental health/ dating/ education attainment numbers for young men. Anyone have any ideas what is going on? Crickets (at least in most controlled forums).

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Jul 26 at 2023 12:24 PM

Sgt Ed Beal — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:24:57 -0400

Woke is a problem, next is news articles like I saw yesterday where a marine was killed during the withdrawal in Afghanistan the gov was going to charge her family 60K for transport to Arlington after a stop for a funeral in California,,, really bad optics there, the GI bill is not worth much as 4 year degrees don’t mean as much. I did read about a pilot program for setting up business the same amount as the go bill offered, help more become plumbers and electricians needed jobs on the outside. So my advice would be less woke, more real help at separation for needed blue collar jobs that pay well.

Response by SP5 Joyce Eikenberry made Jul 26 at 2023 12:40 PM

SP5 Joyce Eikenberry — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:40:39 -0400

Reinstate the draft -- for women as well as men. Unfortunately, history isn't taught in schools any more, and today's young people are all for socialism. It needs to change before the United States we knew is gone.

Response by SSG Bouke Meyer made Jul 26 at 2023 1:19 PM

SSG Bouke Meyer — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:19:39 -0400

Stop being WOKE. There are still plenty of good men and women that would join the military if there is a challenge for them. Stop rewarding the special interest groups.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 1:24 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:24:15 -0400

The Army has become “Zero Defect”, but people aren’t. The Army understood this in the 90’s. Now, there is no infringement too small to ruin a career (enlisted or officer). We expect 18 year olds to act like 40 year olds. Now, the Army has lost the trust of parents, including military parents like myself. All 4 of my boys are capable of service, but no way would I consider sending them to be lead by self serving, “Yes” Men/Women. As the military can “lose faith” in a Commanding Officer, so has the public “lost faith” in the organization, refusing to send out kids is the ultimate demonstration of that.

Response by PO2 Carol Hicks made Jul 26 at 2023 1:38 PM

PO2 Carol Hicks — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:38:10 -0400

Use common sense in recruiting and give military members real technical training skills like they would get at a two year college so they can walk into a job making 45,000 a year. Also fix the pay. No one serving in the military should ever be eligible for food stamps. Improve housing for members and their families and have social workers assigned to both barracks and housing areas kind of like the idea of block wardens who are responsible for a city block. Then if something is found to be wrong, quietly get them help. Do not pull people’s security clearances unless absolutely necessary so they can continue in their job and get help quietly. Also superiors need to not be so vindictive about giving their subordinates the times off they request so they can get the help they need or attend their children’s events.

Response by Cpl Tony Rod made Jul 26 at 2023 1:41 PM

Cpl Tony Rod — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:41:44 -0400

Today's kids cannot even score high enough to pass the asvab . First we need to see why today's kids are not getting the proper education so they can pass a basic test.

Response by PO3 Stephen Rich made Jul 26 at 2023 1:52 PM

PO3 Stephen Rich — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:52:35 -0400

Keep it simple, I present this ad campaign for your perusal....
The Army (Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, Draco/Grey Empire, et al.,)
will help you ° Find what you can achieve.
° Find your sense of Duty,
° Your moral compass,
° Find Fellowship,
° Find Greatness, find yourself.
Find out more at your local recruiter, TODAY.
Or visit AwwwwYeeeaahhh.mil
You're welcome.
Oh! Remember to add the effects laden backgrounds, etc.,

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 2:16 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:16:58 -0400

Ditch the present social justice agenda and focus on mission. The people who we want to join the military are those that want to challenge themselves and be part of a cause bigger than themselves. However, the current social justice agenda has incorporated Marxist ideology into the highest echelons of leadership where it is most visible and it has resulted in the hemorrhaging of personnel and reduced recruitment.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jul 26 at 2023 2:19 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:19:41 -0400

Bring back civilian recruiters. Army recruiters who have retired or separated from the military honorably. Used to be L-3, MPRI handled the Army civilian recruiting. The number sky rocketed during those years back in the 2010's. Also bring back recruit referrals that paid $2k per soldier that shipped to Basic and graduation AIT...

Response by MSG Nathaniel Higginbotham made Jul 26 at 2023 2:19 PM

MSG Nathaniel Higginbotham — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:19:52 -0400

Started recruiting for the ARNG in Michigan in 1975. Have been a field recruiter worked in the recruiting command, been a MEPS counselor and an area supervisor, and a retention NCO in my 25 years in recruiting. The issue is the pool that we are trying to get our recruits from is not only getting smaller but has been getting smaller for years! I sat in a class with 5 PHDs that studied demographics and they more or less said that the pool of qualified male applicants(QMA) has shrunk and will continue to shrink in the near future. I have watched recruiters struggle to make missions that were not attainable or maintainable in the long run! I have seen young applicants come that were not able to pass the physical when they could pass the test and then balk when they couldn't get the MOS they wanted and leave for training when they want.
The answer is the services must either commit the ultimate deal breaker and bring back some sort of draft or set their goals lower and realize they will have to make do with what the demographics can provide them. I know that that's not what they want to hear but the truth and the facts are what they are. I have watched recruiting go from the fat times in the 70-80's to the lean times in the 90 and on and I can't see it getting better.

Response by CSM John Schofield made Jul 26 at 2023 2:21 PM

CSM John Schofield — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:21:32 -0400

The military is to fight, stop all this wokism and diversity. Best man for the job!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 2:25 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:25:09 -0400

Stop promoting woke nonsense, encourage parents to raise good humans and stop fighting pointless wars to line the pockets of politicians. Promote the military for what it’s actually for, defense of our nation and our interests abroad.

That’s probably a good place to start.

Response by PO2 David Ball made Jul 26 at 2023 3:33 PM

PO2 David Ball — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:33:08 -0400

Downsize the branches of the Forces IE under Article One Section of the Constitution the Congress is allowed to have an Army and Navy. The Corps of Marines is part of the Navy. The Air Force and Space Force are NOT part of the Army..

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Jul 26 at 2023 3:40 PM

SP6 Greg Jetter — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:40:00 -0400

Get rid of ALL of the people who got us into this situation , who ran out all the solders who had love for the country and replaced them with confused sexual mental patients . Get rid of those assholes who enticed people to recruit their friends/family and acquaintances with a bonus , then turn around and take back the money and charge them with crimes , yes it's that simple , people are not joining up because of leadership thats thinks it's a great idea to promote based on if you got a vagina or not and not promote people with the skills and experience needed to win a war . That along with forcing a experimental MRNA shot on their people , knowing full well that the side effects could kill or cripple them for life ...... We could go on and on but it's pointless to do so , you people have destroyed the military, whats that old saying ? you made your bed now lie in it .

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Jul 26 at 2023 3:40 PM

TSgt Ken Vandevoort — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:40:32 -0400

There was a time when the recruiter didn't have to convince you to join. You did that yourself and went to the recruiter to tell them you wanted to join. We were influenced by our father. He had been a photo technician for the atomic bomb group and we grew up with a huge photo album. When dad was discharged, he was given a card that stated he was a member of the atomic bomb group and would forever be welcome at any Air Force base. He used that card twice during a 1961 family vacation at Roswell (his last base) and Lowry (where he went to photo school). Little did my brother and I know that in 6 years we would be wearing those uniforms. When dad put on his uniform, his aunts and cousins were under German occupation.

All three of dad's grandsons also put on the uniform - two Army and one Navy. They still wear them as reservists. Nobody was recruited. All have done it on their own.

We need a climate where today's youth want to do it on their own. Last week, a 19 year old soldier that wanted to do it on his own and died in basic training was brought home to Pella, Iowa. The streets were lined with hundreds waiving flags as the procession went by. The soldier's funeral director strongly supports veterans and the military. The same funeral director was also the one that ordered my father's burial vault with an Air Force seal, unknown to us that he had done it

There is hope for the future.

Response by SSG Diane Corchado made Jul 26 at 2023 3:54 PM

SSG Diane Corchado — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:54:16 -0400

The military starting declining recruitment in my opinion for the following reasons:
1-The media coverages of our actions in our Wartime Operations...
2-The negative coverages about the Soldiers that are committing crime and delinquencies i.e. robberies, murder, DUI, etc.....
3-The policy changes trying to adjust the Military to individual choices, instead of them adjusting to the Army Standards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-if your religious beliefs or norms or whatever is not aligned with what the Armed Forces is looking for, THEN FOR GOODNESS SAKE THE ARMED FORCES IS NOT FOR YOU!!!!!!!
-if your personal sex gender is different from the one God gave to you at birth, then the Armed Forces may not be for you!!!
-if you have a problem with the way you want to do your hair and it impedes the use of military uniform and standards, THEN FOR GOODNESS SAKE THE ARMED FORCES IS NOT FOR YOU!!!
-if you don't want to be away from your family for long periods of time without communication, THEN THE ARMED FORCES IS NOT FOR YOU!!!!!
-if you are the only son, or daughter, then you must consider about all possibilites that can occur.....and are you or your family strong enough to deal with it, INSTEAD OF BLAMING THE ARMED FORCES OF WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-if you are married, your whole family will be joining...not just you! They must know of the sacrifices they will have to endure.......
-if you don't practice good personal hygiene then the ARMED FORCES IS NOT FOR YOU!!
- If all you want is to get a college education, then THE ARMED FORCES IS NOT FOR YOU!!
4. Leadership always putting UNREALISTIC SUSPENSE DATES ON IMPORTANT issues, that we were not striving for EXCELLENCE JUST A DATE!!! AND IN THE PROCESS SACRIFING SOLDIERS DAILY LIVES, WEARING OUT THE HARD WORKING ONES, AND KEEPING THE LAZY ONES AROUND AND THEY ARE BENEFITING AND NOT CONTRIBUTING ANYTHING
5. Leadership has weaken since they started the BOSS program a long time ago and promoting Soldiers with degrees that don't have anything to do with their MOS KNOWLEDGE!!!!!!!!
6. SQT should of never been taken out....You have senior leadership that given an SQT at their level would fail miserably!!!!
7. The caring, kind, strong, strict but fair NCO's are long gone. Now is each person for themselves....they don't care who gets crushed on their way to the top!!!!!
8. There are some great and terrific Soldiers everywhere but they are the minority!!! And they get burned out and they are NOT REWARDED AS THEY SURELY DESERVED!!!!
BEING PROUD, COMPETETIVE, STANDING TALL, ETC. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY BEING A TEAM PLAYER AND CARING is greatly lacking!!!!!
The public enjoy what we do and the privileges we have in peace time, but come wartime and hard training and something happens, they crucified us!!! then all of a sudden THE ARMED FORCES SUCKS!!! THEY FORGET THAT THE SOLDIERS CAME IN VOLUNTARILY, THEY DIDN'T GET DRAFTED!!!!
ULTIMATELY, ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL TALK TOO MUCH NEGATIVE ABOUT THEIR UNITS, LEADERSHIP, ETC. OUTSIDE OF WORK, AND THAT GEST AROUND AND PEOPLE BE SAYING FORGET IT i AM NOT JOINING OR DISCOURAGED OTHERS TO JOIN, WHEN THEY DONT HAVE THE FACTS!!!

Response by SFC Larry Greenlee made Jul 26 at 2023 4:54 PM

SFC Larry Greenlee — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:54:36 -0400

Here's an idea...how about stop the social experimentation and woke BS. The military has one purpose. Destroy our enemies. Concentrate on bringing in combat oriented warriors and leave the flake social justice warriors in San Francisco where they belong.

Response by LTC Eric Coger made Jul 26 at 2023 5:06 PM

LTC Eric Coger — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 17:06:15 -0400

I just finished 30 years; I won't suggest service to any of my kids, friends' kids, or anyone I know; environment is not conducive to honorable service. Too many policies based on politics and agendas over readiness. Too many tasks and duties not related to fighting and defending our nation. Many "easy" fixes could be fixed with a stroke of a pen, but our nation has become far too political and too many people only support when "their side" is in power. Bring back true meritocracy and keep politics (all sides) out of our core tenets of service. Our society also needs a decades long education of what it means to serve and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. I would advocate for a draft lottery with an updated GI Bill to start but none of this matters without pride in Country.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 5:22 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 17:22:16 -0400

I would say look at the Russian ads for there military and then look at ours and then you will see how we can fix our problems with recruiting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZgu80JfCqc

Russian army ad vs US army ad 2021

Response by MSG Francis Picray made Jul 26 at 2023 5:50 PM

MSG Francis Picray — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 17:50:46 -0400

I was a retention nco and I received new recruits that were supposed to show up for duty, but never did. The reason was, no incentive. When I enlisted, you signed on the dotted line and you damned well better show up or face prison time. Now if you get cold feet or chicken out you just stay home.

The problem with the military is the politicians have tuned it into a social experiment and it is failing. We have lost three wars because of the policies of the politicized military, Korea, Vietnam, and the Mideast. The military is no longer allowed to fight the enemy. It is no wonder the U.S. has lost respect in the world and is shoved around by any and every half baked dictator in the world.

You want to increase the military strength and might on the world stage, reinstitute the draft. Three year Mandatory service. the benefits would be astronomical. Not only would you increase our military strength, but it would instill respect and self reliance and teach job skills that could be used in the civilian world, and a world view as to how other people live.

The military teaches respect, pride, and self reliance that so many lack today.

Response by PO2 John Larsen made Jul 26 at 2023 6:25 PM

PO2 John Larsen — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:25:25 -0400

Its a new generation and the military as a whole has not shifted accordingly. My first thought would be find military influencers from each branch of the military, both enlisted and officers. Show the highlights of military training and how it will translate into civilian jobs at the end of their tour, adventures, show the ports and duty stations of the world, etc. When I joined in 1982, i saw the world as my playground. In actuality I saw parts or the world that otherwise I would probably have never made it to.

Response by TSgt Norman Snead made Jul 26 at 2023 6:32 PM

TSgt Norman Snead — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:32:18 -0400

Relax both the age limits and discharge requirements allowing older veterans and those who were discharged under anything but dishonorable to enlist. Think of the money and time saved training prior service vets.

Response by LTC Judah Whitney made Jul 26 at 2023 6:53 PM

LTC Judah Whitney — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:53:38 -0400

Trying to remain non-partisan...I suspect that between a war in Iraq that led no where for no good reason, a war in Afghanistan that was justified...that led nowhere and was a disaster at the very end. A tight labor market and some very strong feelings about our political situation, we have a serious problem. Add to that the FACT that a significant part of the recruiting demographic are military families, and they apparently are not encouraging their sons and daughters to serve, well then you have a serious recruiting problem. Also, most Americans don't serve, don't want to serve and or are scared to serve...you can surge money but you cannot surge patriotism and we have relied on money and patriotism to fill our ranks. I DO have a solution though. How about all of the amazing leaders in our Congress and Senate and the influencers out in Hollywood actually lead by example and get their kids to serve? That would show everyone that it's OK to serve and not scary and dangerous. You know, Lead by Example?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 7:51 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:51:07 -0400

Many things can make it better. Will any of them actually be done, maybe not, but here we go.
The standards to join and become affiliated are too high. To meet the requirements without a waiver you almost have to be a kryptonian. When I say that I mean if you have a mole that doesn't quite look right you get sent home without a contract. If you have ever had a surgery most recruiters don't even try to get you in. Recruiters are looking for someone they can put in right now, not maybe 2 months later with a waiver if at all. This is a problem. When I went recruiting I couldn't find anyone that didn't have something, and I ended up getting taken off the bag and transferred to the shipyard. In the mean time while I waited I processed the waivers whether they were medical or legal in nature and accessions went up three-fold for my division. I was persistent and got many people affiliated that would have otherwise slipped through the cracks.
The other problem with leadership in recruiting is they are looking to cut as many recruiters as they can. Have you ever heard of an "NC Hug" (Navy Counselor)? It's a hug with one arm and a knife in the back with the other hand. If you have any issues whatsoever the recruiting leadership comes after your rank and your paycheck as if its a recession and they get to keep the difference. Recruiters are miserable, the leadership makes them miserable, and as a result, it is physically displayed by the people that are supposed to be convincing 17-39 year olds that thus is a good choice for them to he making. It's hard to sell someone on that when you yourself don't even believe it in the moment.
All I wanted to do was hop in my truck and drive away, obviously I didn't. One of my shipmates developed epilepsy due to the stress he received on recruiting duty from the Chain of Command. It was rough. Long story short leadership needs a face lift, big time.
People talk, it's easier to talk and share experiences than ever before. If you find out how unglamorous you are treated by your boss in recruiting would you actually pick it willingly? Never!
A lot of people are obese and don't even get a shot. I say give them a shot, lower the standard to join but keep the standard to graduate, and keep them in basic until they meet the current standards. It makes sense right? Sure it's pricey but so is offering $150k for affiliating as opposed to spending an extra month or 2 at camp cupcake for fat kids.
Advertising is an issue, stop showing what kind of people are in the military and show them what kind of things they can do, maybe some development into a sailor or soldier, the bonds and friendships they can forge along the way. None of the latest commercials have really been inspiring.
Politics suck. Leave the politics put of the military. Civilian politics only cause division and push people away. I'm not going to sugarcoat it but there have been a lot of decisions lately in the last few years that have been made that have caused recruiting, and retention to take many steps backward. It's not the not services fault. The controlling leaders decisions have simply pushed away anyone that is remotely interested, made many people want out, or forced many others out.
All of this is true and unadulterated facts that sadly have taken place. If anyone wants to truly make things better, public apologies will have to be made, lots of crow will have to be eaten. It will be a while before the government can ever begin to earn the trust of the children and parents that would be willing to offer themselves up to the services.

Response by PO1 John Kairis made Jul 26 at 2023 8:25 PM

PO1 John Kairis — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:25:09 -0400

I was a Navy Recruiter just after the All Volunteer Force became reality. What helped me most to make my numbers was the sales training the school provided. They actually had professional trainers teach us how to sell, I was taught the basics of sales, how to initiate a conversation, how to identify the prospective recruits hot points, how to satisfy what was important to the prospective recruit, and how to close him. I know that sounds bad to some people but recruiting (sales) is a profession. Get back to that! Speaking in public; We were drilled on how to make a speech. In the field I routinely went to service organization meetings (all the military ones and civilian ones like the Lions, Rotary, Elks, Moose, etc) as the guest speaker at lunch, dinner, etc. Just the ability to ask these members to help us meet new prospects worked. Many were veterans as I would believe they are now. Advertising; Get the best advertising firm in the USA to put together a plan that hits the target age group's interest. The best slogan that worked back in my day was - It's not just a Job, it's an Adventure. I'm sure that came from a professional advertising person and not some guy in the Pentagon. The advertising needs to be saturated on all mediums. I personally had a TV commercial running on the local TV station that they produced and ran it often. The Navy provided the photographer, script writer, and film crew. I worked with the TV station crew to provide the voiceover. We delivered a 30 second spot that featured me as a family man that chose to serve his country as his career. One comment on here mentioned access to schools and colleges. YES! That access is essential. Many enlisted recruits came from my ability to go on high school campus routinely. Officer aviation candidates came from the local University. Another mention was to participate in no recruiting activities. I personally coached youth football in town and did the other service branch recruiters that had played in their youth. We participated in the younger generation activities. The Marine Corps Recruiter and I would run long distance with the high school track team. We needed to stay in shape and it gave us great exposure on campus. We didn't pitch our respective branch, We just ran with them. Our clothes stated Navy and Marine Corps but that was it. One thing I initiated in our town was the Thursday night cruise night participation. I'm a hotrodder, been so since 16. I'd take my hot rod and the Navy logo'd van to a parking lot on the strip. As I cruised with the other cruisers my partners in the office manned the van with soft drinks, snacks, etc. It was a way to "hang out" with the young recruit age guys and gals in town. These are just some of the examples of what all 4 branches did routinely at our recruiting station. I wasn't alone here. All the recruiters did these things. There is absolutely no reason why these techniques, modernized to today's youth wouldn't work. Qualification for physical, mental, and legal deficiencies are an issue today but they were back then too. The 1970s had their education deficiencies, drug use issues, crime issues, and troubled kids just like today. As in sales, its a numbers game. Prospects to qualified candidates to closed recruits percentages would probably be about the same in my opinion.

Response by PO3 Estee Andrews made Jul 26 at 2023 8:27 PM

PO3 Estee Andrews — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:27:33 -0400

Present the military as an alternative to college. Present ABVAV Scores(if that’s what they are still called) as recruiters present ACT/SAT scores. Hey man/woman, with you score, I can make sure you get into this MOS/Rate. Don’t lie to them; just to meet your quota. They talk to their friends.

Response by SrA Lawrence Baiocco made Jul 26 at 2023 8:32 PM

SrA Lawrence Baiocco — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:32:17 -0400

Sh&t can woke policies for a start.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 8:36 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:36:47 -0400

The Army just isn’t the same as it was 10+ years ago. Soldiers are too soft. The regulations are too soft. This country is becoming too soft.

Response by Cpl Michael Saxton made Jul 26 at 2023 8:40 PM

Cpl Michael Saxton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:40:14 -0400

Answer is simple, end the woke crap, get back to training men for war and women for support, and end abortion / sex change coverage. Go back to being selective based on merit, not ideology / ethnicity / sexuality. 3 easy steps, and if you reallye wanna see numbers jump, bring back don't ask don't tell.

Response by CPO Melvin Miller made Jul 26 at 2023 8:44 PM

CPO Melvin Miller — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:44:54 -0400

Simple bring back the draft. No deferments. Have mini sessions for those overwight etc. If they do not qualify you train them to get GEDs lose weight. Mini boot camps. Look at what Israel had been doing for many many years. You can always have these kids do other things beside the military. Get them right out of high school. No college etc deferments. Mandatory two years foa all. It has worked for other countries. Some kids just not cut out for the military but a lot of options to look at. Training, training to become tax paying citizens. I have grankids and great grand kids. I would like to see them all get a little respect and discipline plus learn some skills. Whether it be at a nursing home, National forest firefighting, or helping out in schools, hospitals, VA clinics, hospitals and homes. Or just working for the local parks and recs. Just getting off the couch and learning. Two year delay before college for some. To exceptions. We need to look at what other countries have been doing for years

Response by SFC William Smith made Jul 26 at 2023 9:07 PM

SFC William Smith — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:07:09 -0400

Let Retiree's fill admin roles at battalion levels and higher. That would free up officer's and senior NCO's to do more training and lead at the company levels.

Response by SPC George Grimm made Jul 26 at 2023 9:29 PM

SPC George Grimm — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:29:59 -0400

Unfortunately with the way information moves, there is no single answer. However, raising age limits and increasing waivers for service connected disability for GWOT veterans could be part of the solution.

The reason for my answer has to do with the understanding of the sacrifices that GWOT veterans have already made and many are still willing to serve, regardless of the rating and are still trained to some extent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 9:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:41:29 -0400

This has nothing to do with being Gen Z. They said the same thing about millennials like myself. Most of my Gen Z and millennial age soldiers are fully willing to commit to a mission without a problem.

Bigger issue (to me at least) is this: I can go to a trade school and make 30-40 bucks an hour, along with (relatively speaking) making my own hours (including working odd hours for extra pay). Why would I join an organization that will dictate what I do and where I will go? Nor do I get paid extra when asked to do extra. What about the high schooler or college graduate with coding experience? Nah, they can make way more on the civilian side. What about if the military also streamlined how it prosecutes sexual assault? Why would parents want to send their sons and daughters to organizations that allowed Vanessa Guillen to get sexually harassed and murdered by fellow soldiers, along with obscuring the evidence around it?

I agree that some of the medical DQs are BS. ADHD is one of them, and certain surgeries are another. The amount of the paperwork that the DOD chooses to do to see if a medical waiver will be accepted is ludicrous. I waited 6 months for a shoulder surgery 5 years prior was being considered for waiver, to include having to see a contracted orthopedic surgeon. That's long enough to turn a lot of recruits away. Sports teams and school systems can do these way faster; there is no reason the military could as well. For example, what if we could take reservist PAs and docs who aren't doing anything at annual training or drill to do clearances and consults? Or use AI to screen waiver packets and do risk assessments?

Response by SrA Lawrence Baiocco made Jul 26 at 2023 10:30 PM

SrA Lawrence Baiocco — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:30:55 -0400

Do away with Woke first thing. A start.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 11:17 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 23:17:08 -0400

The Afghan pull fubar probably made kids think twice...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 11:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 23:50:00 -0400

Current active duty, prior recruiter, and going back to recruiting duty again. There are many, many issues regarding this. First, while confidence in the nation and government are at an all time low, there are many patriot hearted individuals that can and will say yes to the call. They see their service to the country as an honor still, even if they're all almost unanimously fed up with the current government. However, I can tell you from personal experience, the new medical system, which can and does find ANYTHING out on you medically, even stuff you forgot about or happened when you were an infant, (and mom and dad forgot to tell you about), is drug up. Its turned what would normally be a 2 week application process into an 8 week ordeal. In the mean time, people often have to have a plan for survival, and in that period of uncertainty, they will often go out and seek something outside the military and decide to go with what is paying them now versus what they could make. Another major issue is social media; its given a voice to the younger generations to vocalize their dissent at some of the normal hardships of military life. It spreads a negative message on what is often perceived to be a personal level. As is often the case, the 1% of non-hackers cause 99% of the problems. And third, its a much more incumbent problem, the truly toxic leadership exhibited in many, many cases. What would normally be grounds for the future leaders of the military has turned into a politically charged race-to-backstab, or to pump up the egos of those calling the shots. It turns many people off, and they don't re-enlist. End result of all these issues causes and completes a self fulfilling prophecy; less people in the military equates to a tougher life for those within it, which drives down retention, which creates more problems, which creates more social media posts, which further dissuades many from joining. To solve the problem is a simple solution, yet dauntingly challenging in its execution.

1) The new medical system is here to stay. Some will say its good, some will say its bad. Good for finding the truly qualified, bad for turning away people that have historically been able to join in fair time allowances, with issues that are amongst the usual problems that people whom are in now may have had and completely unhampered their contribution to the military as a whole. I am unable to provide a solution for this, as saying "lets go back to the proven way prior" will be met by people reminding me that the new system was implemented to streamline the application process and to find out whats truly in someone's medical record, and probably some words of 'the military only wants the best of the best', while not realizing that people can, and have, been incredibly delayed or turned away for not disclosing something as benign as having their tonsils taken out at such a young age that they don't remember it having happened.

2) Social media posting. You can't stop a person from saying whats on their mind, even if its a totally exaggerated, emotionally charged script used to gain attention. "I was in for four years, never join, life sucks, etc, etc." Before what was word of mouth to a few people close to the individual, is spouted without care to an audience a thousand times the size. And since people in masses are cynical as a whole by nature, they will err on the side of negativity and write off the military as a viable option. The best you can do here is to fix the underlying issues of the military and encourage those that hear the trumpet of the bereaved to step up and voice back the truth and positive reality of what the military is, does, and what it represents.

3) Toxic leadership. This is the largest angle of attack, in my opinion. Without a biblical tirade of examples of such leadership, I'll throw a few blanket statements out there. Making mid level rank is a very quick endeavor, and with retention as low as it is, it shortens the gap of time that would allow a normal person the time to learn true leadership skills, and side with continual band-aid patches of blunt, brute force over compassion and finesse. Rank and evaluation go hand in hand, and instead of being the best at what you do, competition turns many people into Yes Men, scrambling for padding and numbers for their performance reviews, often collecting said titles and prioritizing themselves over unit cohesion. Lastly, many view their fellow servicemember as replaceable. "Oh, he's unhappy? Tough it up, this is the military, get out if its too hard for you. Hey, we're gonna need a new guy." Tough love, while still used, is fading into obscurity as young leaders choose to not invest their time in building someone up and instead demanding a replacement that falls into line with their own thinking, without question. Easier to roll the dice and replace instead of pause, evaluate, plan, and implement.

I can state, and to much objection by most all, that its not the way of thinking of the newer generation; the most basic question has always remained the same: Do you want to do good for your country or not? Broken down to such a base form, the reasoning itself changes from generation to generation, but the end result does not. The X amount of people in the country to Y amount of people whom join scales approximately the same. But in that same breath, if you become convinced for any of the new reasons to not join, its not that you don't hold that patriotic flare in your heart. Its because you have become convinced that the military is not what its been sold as, and instead, a festering pit of toxicity, hard life styles, little to gain, for a flag that increasingly feels less and less proud to represent. Objectivity kicks in, and while they may choose to remain an America loving patriot, how they express that will not be by raising their hand and taking the oath. This change requires a combined effort of the branches senior most leadership to take a hard look at themselves, at the state of the active duty military, and make the hard decisions to move back from the current political / social fads and return to traditional military values. I will be branded a foolish optimist, and I accept that mantle with pride as I say this: Promote cohesion, comraderies, install better leadership mentoring, and -mean- it, instead of going through rough motions to mark a wicket on a check list and say "Yes, we do do that", and the problem will begin to solve itself. Retention goes up, day to day life becomes better, the military is something to be proud of joining again, and more people will decide they want to join up. Next year is my 20th year active duty, and I have a few more in me after that. I've seen the rise and fall of trends, and the current one is unprecedented. But I truly believe that fixing, (or at least, planning for and around), these few core issues creates the domino effect that leads back up to a properly manned and prepared military.

Response by SSG Henry Sutherland made Jul 27 at 2023 7:02 AM

SSG Henry Sutherland — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:02:17 -0400

Hello my fellow Vets and Friends! As a bunch of us NCO'S and Officers went to Elementary and Middle Schools, in uniform with the "Be All That You Can Be! Something has to change!?

Response by SPC Ray Rigsby made Jul 27 at 2023 8:46 AM

SPC Ray Rigsby — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:46:17 -0400

Stop with the social experimentation and start training fighters again! The military is not a place for social experiments! When you recruit people that want a free sex change and social justice you get weak kneed social justice warriors, not fighting men and women!! And reinstate the draft!

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Jul 27 at 2023 8:49 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 08:49:33 -0400

Want your student loan forgiven, do a couple years of military service

Response by PO3 Virgil Bierschwale made Jul 27 at 2023 9:18 AM

PO3 Virgil Bierschwale — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:18:18 -0400

I would create a way that us older folks who can no longer find work could be working on the back end supporting our younger troops.
As example, I was radioman in navy, electronics technician after that, 30 years software development after that.
Can't buy an interview these days.
But I have a lot of skills that could be put to use

Response by CPT William Harris made Jul 27 at 2023 9:53 AM

CPT William Harris — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:53:36 -0400

We will not survive the current Marxist administration's destruction of the U.S. military. The leadership of the U.S. military is totally incompetent and incapable of anything other than promoting LGBTQ DECADENCE .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 10:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:13:23 -0400

First Dre the issues for us still surviving on Active Duty, listen to our voice, concerns and recommendations. Thisway we don’t continue to lose great Soldiers thus adding to the already struggling numbers. Next a significant pay increase will speak for itself in terms of both initial enlistment and reenlistment. There’s more I could write but as with many I’d be here all day lol

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jul 27 at 2023 10:30 AM

SPC Kevin Ford — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:30:32 -0400

Interesting question. The military, and the overall society that it protects, has a couple of challenges that they are facing with young people.
- There isn't a unifying enemy. During the cold war we had the Soviet Union. For years we've had the Global War on Terror. It makes me feel old to say this but today's eighteen year-olds were born after 9-11 and it doesn't have the same impact on them. In media narratives, today's "enemy" are other Americans and that doesn't help with recruiting, in fact it hurts it. Speaking of which...
- There is extreme partisanship. The right has been using deep state and woke military narratives that will lead to young people on the right being distrustful of the military and the government in general. The left has been using income inequality and lack of upward mobility narratives that will lead to young people on the left thinking that the military is supporting a system of plutocracy. Neither of these are helping attract people to the military either.

So the military is less likely to attract people based on feelings of duty, service or patriotism. Historically in periods of social unrest recruiting has always been hard. What's left? Well quite frankly it is one of the few ways to climb the social ladder and have a secure future currently and the price of admission is more or less free (monetarily at least). Money for college, VA loans for houses (that young people struggle to get) and pensions / lifetime healthcare for retirees are benefits the military offers that exist in a very few other places in our society. We are in a society that has made it very difficult for young people to get ahead and the military is a place that can help with these modern challenges.

Response by PO3 Lou Colasanti made Jul 27 at 2023 10:34 AM

PO3 Lou Colasanti — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:34:41 -0400

I think we should bring back the draft, but with a twist. Everybody's got to give 2 years. {I'm tempted to say 30 months to 3 years, but let's keep it do-able.} Folks could choose to enter service before or after OJT training or college. The twist? They could choose which national service they want to serve with -- the military, AmeriCorps {including NCCC, VISTA, etc.}, the Peace Corps {hearts + minds do matter}, etc. In exchange, we can get rid of the whole national feud about free college {or other training} if all who serve receive ed benefits in exchange. ... I think it could help boost enlistments. But more than that, it will be bring back the idea that we are, in fact, like it or not, ALL in this together.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 10:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:42:17 -0400

1. Reevaluate enlistment minimum standards and what needs waivers (and how difficult GETTING those waivers are). Some 'issues' that were/are automatic DQ or require a waiver are becoming more common and should not be something that creates a mountain to overcome in order to join. Some of those issues probably should not have been a mountain even 25 years ago.
2. Stop dicking around with benefits. People are seeing our Veterans fighting for V.A. benefits and don't want that for themselves, and how many times have they changed our retirement plans in the last 20 years in general, and for people that joined expecting one plan, then being told they are not going to be grandfathered in for the retirement plan they enlisted for, they must change it to something else?
3. Look at who we've been turning away and consider if we can turn them into a recruit with some investment - one of my classmates couldn't make tape back in 98, so our recruiter worked with her to lose weight/body fat until she could pass, and she was able to ship for basic just a few weeks after me.
4. Check on what recruiters might be doing that is costing us recruits. My daughter was trying to enlist in the Air Force a few years ago, and every time she would do what the recruiter told her she needed to do (take this test, fill out this form, get this documentation), there was another thing she had to do. She gave up after a YEAR of trying to enlist because she kept getting jerked around by her recruiter.
5. STOP THE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA!!!! Normalize seeing a psychologist/counselor/therapist, even when someone isn't suffering from severe PTSD. Make it EASY to get the help so that people know that they can get it without justifying themselves to 20 people with no qualifications to determine if it is justified (yes, I've seen Soldiers get told they needed to cancel their appointment at mental health because it was interfering with their unit schedule to prep for a 3-day field exercise, and they didn't really need that mental health appointment. I've also seen a Soldier given a command referral for a Psych eval so that his CoC couldn't make him cancel it, but then every appointment for anger management counseling was canceled because he was sent TDY on back-to-back missions.)

Response by Cpl Peter Risatti made Jul 27 at 2023 11:09 AM

Cpl Peter Risatti — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:09:01 -0400

Because of the current recruiting dilemma and the multiple date rapes in the military we have a problem with sexual behavior. If sexual relations are occurring between workers it can create a hostile relationship within the ranks.
Especially between senior ranking members and vet junior. There are predatory homosexuals that can openly express their sexuality. This has always been the case with females and is the case with vulnerable males. This can only be addressed by seperation and military law. If ignored the problem will persist.

Response by CPL Christopher Thomas made Jul 27 at 2023 11:11 AM

CPL Christopher Thomas — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:11:50 -0400

The newer and younger generations are not being taught to take pride in America and that to serve your country is an honor and should be an option to give back. They are being taught to hate the military as a bunch of baby killers. The left has an agenda to weaken our military which it has been able to do across all branches and across the board. Regulations has loosened up, changing base names, bad press, unpopular career choices, etc...

Response by SPC Zoe Jane Halo made Jul 27 at 2023 11:43 AM

SPC Zoe Jane Halo — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:43:57 -0400

Well, first you have to tackle the problems that caused this issue. For the last 20 years, you’ve had soldiers ran ragged, and when they finally do come home all war torn, the VA isn’t taking good care of them. The current recruiting generation isn’t stupid. They’ve seen this happen. You’ve got to remedy this, wholesale. Second, you need to offer something that they need and want. Most kids today know this is a late stage capitalism hellscape, and that a college degree only guarantees them barely livable wages. You have to find a better way to get them. Free healthcare for life without having to get fucked up in a combat zone might be a good place to start. Lifetime tax breaks? Be creative. They’re not stupid. They know what’s going to carry them through life and what’s just shiny bullshit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 11:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:57:36 -0400

fire the Commander in Chief, and some of the woke top generals would be a great start. Start mandating freedom, not feelings and teaching kids about HOW and WHY this is the best damn country not teaching them to hate it.

Response by MSG James McGuire made Jul 27 at 2023 12:36 PM

MSG James McGuire — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:36:09 -0400

Mine may be the most unpopular opinion for this thread. 1. Elect some politicians who have the intestinal fortitude to take the necessary steps to reinstate the draft with NO exceptions. 2. Make the draftee choose between military and civilian service with bonuses for military service (payment contingent on successful completion of the initial term of service). 3. Stop the PC bs and get back to the basics of Military service and try to inspire some pride in the country instead of sefl.

Response by CPO Ronald Ross made Jul 27 at 2023 12:45 PM

CPO Ronald Ross — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:45:05 -0400

Recruiting was difficult in the 90s when I did it not one tour but returned for a second in 97.
It's my understanding that Civilians do a lot of it now. I don't know that for a fact, but IF so, that's a huge problem. At the least, a Civilian Rep in a recruiting station for consistency might help, not huge turnovers every 3 years with recruiters relearning schools representatives. But UNIFORM Members need to be talking to Recruits with the Civilian in a separate interview giving the applicant confidence what they just heard from the recruiter was factual and their choosing the Military is a Great Option for X,Y,Z reasons coming FROM "trusted" civilian(in the applicants mind at least). I hope I'm wrong and Uniformed Recruiters are still doing all the footwork.
Want to make Recruiting improved, make it Better for Recruiters. They should simply be the Carrier of the Message, NOT the USED CAR SALESMAN Personality. Give Recruits incentives, GREEN ones, that mean something right away. Just an idea, but say $3000 goes into their bank account the day they arrive at boot camp. How MANY knowing that would consider it because they're in Debt, or Mom needs a New Stove or Car? And that' $3000 NON Taxed. Not part in 30 days and the rest spread out over a year, but a Payment DAY ONE! I know Navy schools would earn credits toward certifications. Make THAT step Faster/Easier. THey need to complete the class as normal to do their job, but are given the option at the end of taking an Examination for Certification, that if passed will Go in their records immediately but not be valid for 24months, this way they aren't Quitting and using the Certification. These UP FRONT Guarantees, Money and Certifications are More than Any College classes will do for them. ANd show them, what kind of Money first they'll be making in the Service, how much that puts them ahead of their College Counterparts going into debt, then what that Certification can Earn them after they get out, UNLESS they choose to make a Short Career and retire at 38yrs of Age, get retirement pay, THEN begin a second short career.
GO NAVY
EWC(SW) ROSS

Response by PFC Brooke Tunstall made Jul 27 at 2023 1:23 PM

PFC Brooke Tunstall — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:23:27 -0400

I don't think the recruiters always go to the right places. My sons row for their HS and I always saw recruiters at the big regattas. The only part of the military the kids at these events want would be to go to one of the academies. They say "is this for Annapolis?" The recruiter says no, for enlisting, and the kids keep walking.

To be clear, I'd have no qualms with my sons enlisting if they wanted to, but most of the folks at rowing regattas don't feel the same way. Why waste recruiters time/budget targeting a demographic that is very unlikely to enlist?

As for the overall problem, I think greater college benefits would go a long way. College is expensive - here are some ways to help. It's why I joined, but the military benefits haven't kept up with the increased cost of education.

Lastly, it would be nice to have a POTUS - from either party - who had served. I mean, without naming names, we had a POTUS who went to military school but didn't join the military. Regardless of what you think of that POTUS, that doesn't send the greatest message about serving.

Response by SPC David Batterson made Jul 27 at 2023 1:26 PM

SPC David Batterson — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:26:58 -0400

Hire individuals from HS and/or colleges who are majoring in Communications. Let them compete to create the best commercials, with cool VFXs and original music. Some cash prizes would be offered.
Keep politics out of it. Let the statement be emphasized that military service is NOT for everyone. But it can be an excellent career for those who can fit in. My uncle made it to full bird Colonel, and had a wonderful retirement He never had to fire a shot, either. He was in the Adjutant General's Corps.

Response by SPC Frank Scurio made Jul 27 at 2023 1:39 PM

SPC Frank Scurio — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:39:36 -0400

It's very obvious what's causing the low numbers. The military is invested in WOKE culture, LGBTQXYZ BS and people don't want to join the military only to be lectured about which pronouns are "safe". The LGBTQ segment of society is estimated at 1 or 2 % of the population. The pentagon is destroying the fabric of military culture for that small number. Vaccine mandates don't help either. People don't want to join an organization that forces them to get jabbed by something that could kill them. This is all being orchestrated by communists who are actively undermining the entire country and the military is part of that. This is all political and needs to be reversed.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jul 27 at 2023 1:48 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:48:41 -0400

I hate to say it but the idea of "serving" is outdated, we've become a country of "everyone for themselves".

That said, The military has to answer "What do you have to offer?" with something competitive.
* "Fight the war on terror" is over... "Defend Europe from Russia." isn't going to fly.
* The Federal government doesn't have the best reputation for taking care of Veterans.
* "Pay for college" isn't going to cut it as long as there's talk of forgiving student loan debt.
* An E4 makes $2,400 a month, that figures out to be $13 an hour IF it's a 40 hour work week (which is unlikely) McDonald's is paying $17/hr here locally. No McDonald's doesn't pay for a room in the barracks, but sleeping in a tent has always been a possibility in the military.

You asked for how I would fix it... it's time for a reduction in force. Probably down to pre 9/11 levels. It would be nice to convert a lot of the force to reserves in case Putin decides to take a stab at conquering Europe like Kahn, Napoleon, or Hitler, but I don't think leadership is smart enough to "scale back"... they'll go "all or nothing".

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 2:00 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:00:17 -0400

Young people no longer see the benefits of joining the military. Why put in any extra effort to pay for college or make money or get health insurance when the federal government will just bail you out?

The federal government needs to start a new system where you can't apply for federal benefits until you have done at least two years in the military. No college loans, no SNAP benefits, no mortgage loans. Then they can get out if they want (some won't), and go to college or whatever.

Response by SSgt Richard Lowe made Jul 27 at 2023 2:22 PM

SSgt Richard Lowe — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:22:26 -0400

Unrealistic contract lengths. Lowered standards. Poor pay. Generals are of one mindset that recruits are a dime a dozen. No no, not when faced with 6 years active plus inactive reserve time. Oh, and who can live on 1600 a month? A know nothing lieutenant starts at twice that.

Reward excellence. Top Track team people, swimmers, runners... smart guys. Military has pretty good educational benefits if they stop trying to take things away. Post 9/11 was a knee jerk due to people bailing after a tour. You got to come up with better incentive, and not 50k in hiring bonuses.

Such prestige. Look, I did my 16 till i had a back injury that put me out. Loved the time in service, however these new recruits are way too soft, so services have been dropping the standards because recruits cant make it. Wait till you have a war with China, we will get clobbered.

Oh sure, coddle them, help them across the line... it comes down to mental toughness, which very few in this generation has. Not making excuses when they cant cut the mustard. Shouldnt have been let in to begin with. Prescreening test, no pass, no send to boot camp.

The Marine Corps has said they arent lowering standards.. go figure that out. Of course if I had to do it all over again, loadmaster on a C17 looks like a great job to me. Closest thing to working at Delta Airlines haha

Response by MSgt Brian Gundlach made Jul 27 at 2023 2:23 PM

MSgt Brian Gundlach — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:23:40 -0400

I'm afraid that the only way this turns around is an existential crisis. From my perspective the current trend in our society is until a situation has a direct effect on a person they are not bothered.

Response by MSG Carolyn Hunter-Drake made Jul 27 at 2023 2:36 PM

MSG Carolyn Hunter-Drake — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:36:07 -0400

When blatant politics play a part in everything, why would a kid die for people that don’t care for them? When mostly kids that were signing up were black and brown people. Poor white kids were signing also, but not in the numbers as inner city kids. Now when the military commercials are playing in black and brown neighborhoods, the channel gets switched real quick! Let’s call it like we see it. One white, one black recruiter walking into the high school’s campus are reading “desperation”. On top of all of this, kids struggling with ADHD, can’t be tied down to a contract that requires them to be on a Post/Camp/Base only to go AWOL because this is not what they signed up for.

Response by Sgt G. Joseph made Jul 27 at 2023 2:40 PM

Sgt G. Joseph — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:40:10 -0400

Once and when the collective consciousness of the USA shifts into a consensual perception of wielding promise and hope in terms of having access to provision, only then will such trends as the recruitment rate will climb.

The USA is way out of balance in terms of where and how, for example, (1) the US Senate administers the federal budget -- it's terribly mishandled: money proves ill-distributed and wasted; (2) military recruitment ploys as were administered and marketed 40, 30, and 20 years ago cannot presume to yield the same successful result today... indeed, a prospective recruit of today wants style, panache, swag, and insight on his or her future; (3) such manifestations as the 2008 Wall Street financial debacle truly affected America's assumptions on daily living and its sense of recourse; (4) the ill, mistaken planning to undertake war and unrest in the middle east was a grave error, and (5) the COVID pandemic woke everyone up --- all of these and more affect military recruitment.

Congress and the Market need to listen to the very phalanx of people to whom It makes the appeal for enlisting -- ay find out what 'they' need and want in terms of futurity... Congress, the Market, the Institute needs to obtain suggestions and a consensus from the very men and women whom the military asks to serve. People are sharper, ay more cynical, than the people were during the earlier wars, and they have rocketed past even the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Americans are not the naive lot that they were just 20 years ago, oh, no. The USA needs to be a lot more inventive, less restrictive.

That $886,000,000,000 billion DOD budget had better be used to dedicate a substantial portion to military members' salaries, housing, and family support, -- ay offer better pension structures.

Response by SSG Walter Corretjer made Jul 27 at 2023 3:25 PM

SSG Walter Corretjer — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:25:46 -0400

I have mentioned this several times right here in Rally Point,but it seems that my opinions have fallen in deaf ears.I have stated several times,that the service image is the most important point when recruiting concerns is the issue.The most effective and economic tool to project the best organization image, is the use of the right dress uniform for the public as well to the soldier wearing it.I can remember myself,as a boy, during the '50s,'60s and '70s,how much I use to admired soldiers every time they were on pass coming home in their Class B's or A's, and the pride they reflected been dress that way.
We have to stop the use of the fatigues or combat uniforms indiscriminately to all sort of military activities the way it has been done for the last 20 or 30 years,and begin to use the dress uniforms as a daily uniform,out of the field environments,and for all indoor work and formal ceremonies and activites,including traveling on orders in and out of the country.This action will mark a great difference on the recruiting efforts been done today.

Response by Cpl Jack Taylor made Jul 27 at 2023 3:31 PM

Cpl Jack Taylor — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:31:13 -0400

Emphasize duty, honor, and country, and forget about all these sociological theories.
Young men want to travel and see the world, plus learn a trade or occupation that will last.

Response by Sgt Jeff Farlow made Jul 27 at 2023 3:35 PM

Sgt Jeff Farlow — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:35:39 -0400

There are 4 major reasons the recruiting is such a struggle today.
1. Patriots are and were vilified for standing up for Democracy on January 6, 2020. Secondly parents who stood up for our children were called Terrorist. If one is treated as a terrorist for standing up for our Constitution and Children then why would one think treatment would be any better while serving in our military.
2. The current administration shows no love/protection for our country. Leaving our borders wide open and giving more support to illegal aliens than we do our own veterans is a clear sign we have failed as a nation.
3. The experimental jabs that were mandated in the military wrecked families, careers, and introduced our own soldiers to a list of side effects and life threatening harm like never seen before in history. The democratic party shot down reenlistment for the servicemen that were forced out because of not taking the jab.
4. Lastly but the major factor in the struggle to recruit for the military because they too are "Woke". No one cares about inclusiveness of the extremes. It has no part or place in the military. To make accommodations for the extreme few that does not fit in a "gender" is foolish and backwards thinking as the military's goal is to make us unified as humanly possible. These special accommodations only further divide and cause friction.

Response by PO3 Gary Tolle made Jul 27 at 2023 3:50 PM

PO3 Gary Tolle — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:50:18 -0400

I would reevaluate the testing, my son was an excellent Corman and exceptional 4.0 sailor, with great evals, but a poor test taker. He was an E4 with 10 years and was forced out when he wanted to stay in while other shit bags that were crappy at their job stayed in and advanced because they test well. Big Navyi is forcing good people out just because they can’t test well and the quotas are ridiculous! They were horrible as a PH when I was active in the late 80s early 90s and they’re not any better now, it’s not changed for many rates while other rates make E-4 out of A school. Advancement needs to be more individual based. Ask those guys you just forced out if they want to come back in with advancement to the next rank automatic after 1 yr. Just this old salty dog’s 2¢!

Response by SP5 Gerald Santomassimo made Jul 27 at 2023 4:11 PM

SP5 Gerald Santomassimo — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:11:49 -0400

Get rid of every bit of wokeness and get back to work.

Response by SPC Mike Harrell made Jul 27 at 2023 4:19 PM

SPC Mike Harrell — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:19:52 -0400

get rid of the woke garbage. transvestites being used in recruiting ads are not a positive image that projects strength

Response by SGT Gary Stemen made Jul 27 at 2023 4:45 PM

SGT Gary Stemen — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:45:56 -0400

Mandatory draft. Each should contribute as they can.

Response by PFC Ivan Saenz made Jul 27 at 2023 5:11 PM

PFC Ivan Saenz — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:11:47 -0400

Funny how when I was in (2013-2015) all you heard leadership say was the Army was downsizing and people were getting booted left and right. Funny how that came back to bite them in the ass(KARMA)!

Response by PFC John Dooley made Jul 27 at 2023 5:11 PM

PFC John Dooley — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:11:57 -0400

Stop trying tp be so "woke" and go back to the "Be all you can be" era. Create more "I do more before 9am than most people do all day" ads re-instill pride in service and pride in country.. Promote brotherhood and team building. Go back to teaching skills that will promote employability after service.
Just my humble opinion

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Jul 27 at 2023 5:14 PM

1SG Rick Seekman — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:14:12 -0400

bring back the draft!

Response by SP5 Liston Matthews made Jul 27 at 2023 5:54 PM

SP5 Liston Matthews — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:54:20 -0400

Go un-woke!

Response by SGT Jay Cristy made Jul 27 at 2023 6:25 PM

SGT Jay Cristy — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:25:53 -0400

Since the Zillennial generation is hyper focused on cost of School, I would probably have AD campaigns that focus on GI Bill and what it could do to cover cost of education.

Or Maybe they should focus on getting back veterans that have served? Zillennials really aren't the creme de la creme.

Response by PV2 Robert Longo made Jul 27 at 2023 6:38 PM

PV2 Robert Longo — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:38:03 -0400

Recruitment is not the only problem facing the military. They are also having problems with increased suicides, increased incidences of unwanted pregnancies, and low morale. There is nothing we can do about these problems. The problems stem from the current Administration's WOKE demands on the military. The military is assigned to be a fighting force, not a place where the troops should be worrying about offending someone by using the wrong pronoun. The military's mission is war readiness, not political/social correctness.

Response by SN Walt Boyer made Jul 27 at 2023 6:40 PM

SN Walt Boyer — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:40:19 -0400

Gee this is easier than baking an apple pie. First thing is to stop using identity politics to target certain demographics whether by race or gender. The US Military IS NOT A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT nor is it the place for social justice crusades. The US Military exists for one reason and that is to defend the United States. The ability to defend this country is based on readiness and readiness doesn't recognize Race or gender. Stop trying to make the Military conform to individuals and start making individuals conform to the Military. If you are a biological man, you should be held to that account. If you are a biological woman, you should be held to that account. It does not matter to me what the pigmentation of your skin is if you or I are wounded Nor does it matter what your sexual preference is... It does matter to me if you are having a mental crisis on the battlefield. If I cant take seeing a male military officer running around in drag while on duty, imagine what are enemies think. We exude such a sense of weakness by exchanging the focus of military readiness to coddling the steady dismantling of our nations security. I said what I said and this should actually be a non partisan position.

Response by SGT Jay Cristy made Jul 27 at 2023 6:43 PM

SGT Jay Cristy — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:43:38 -0400

The zillennial generation seems hyper focused on the cost of education and believes that education isn't as affordable or unattainable as it once was. I would believe that it would behoove military AD campaigns to focus on the GI Bill as a means for people to pursue education while serving, Also I think the government can assist by giving tax breaks or benefits to employers who hire veterans, Increase veteran visibility in the workplace, increase job placement for veterans after contracts expire, really hammer home how useful the military is when it comes to future job prospects.

Unemployed individuals have better benefits to employers (corporate) than Veterans, they have more incentives for hiring, unless its a government job

Response by PO3 Grace Riley made Jul 27 at 2023 6:54 PM

PO3 Grace Riley — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:54:55 -0400

Commander-in-Chief surrender to the Taliban $80 Billion in Military Equipment and weapons shows the USA in a very bad light! The diversity agenda hurts morale, and he mandated shot destroyed morale with discharges other than honorable! Weakness is what America is showing to the world.

Response by SFC Luis Rodriguez made Jul 27 at 2023 7:07 PM

SFC Luis Rodriguez — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:07:10 -0400

Get rid of the MAGA Republicans and Cooperate political system!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 7:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:07:38 -0400

1. Get rid of the blended retirement, this is not an American Corporation. Reinstate the 20yrs for 50% retirement pension and if soldiers want to contribute to TSP, well that is just great!
2. Get rid of all the woke policies and reinstate old-school drill instructors and make Basic Training what it once was, a place where we make soldiers, not summer camp.
3. Understand that the military is the most prejudiced organization in the entire USA, an individual cannot join unless he/she has an HS Diploma or GED equivalent, No FAT people, No out of shape people, and No Handicapped People. Enforce the standards, DO NOT COMPROMISE THE STANDARD EVER!!!
4. Individuals want to belong to something bigger, with standards that are enforced, they want to do their jobs and train, be ready and relevant, in order to do that, BASIC Training needs to be a culture shock, a place where we make soldiers, not individuals and AIT soldiers need to be treated as soldiers not as recruits.
5. Leadership starts as an E2 and it is develop from there. The Marines have a great formula, but the Army's excuse is that we are so much bigger and larger than the Marines so it is harder, I call BS on this pathetic excuse. Enact reforms that make it harder to be a soldier and you will see how the quality of soldiers improves.
6. The Army's mission is the fight and win America's war, where ever they may be. In order to accomplish that mission we must have a trained, relevant and ready force that is both mentally and physically resilient; in order to do that we must get away from WOKE culture and embrace the warrior's ethos and creed.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Jul 27 at 2023 7:30 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:30:18 -0400

Raise pay, to be competitive with place like McDonalds

Response by CPL Jeffrey Solomon made Jul 27 at 2023 7:33 PM

CPL Jeffrey Solomon — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:33:44 -0400

Become warriors again. Get rid of the woke tranny agenda. Let men be men.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Jul 27 at 2023 7:42 PM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:42:06 -0400

Fire all the feckless woke leadership a d start over.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 8:05 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:05:39 -0400

Allow beards...

Response by 1stSgt Ronald Sheps made Jul 27 at 2023 8:27 PM

1stSgt Ronald Sheps — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:27:51 -0400

The military is not being marketed (I can't believe those words together in a sentence) to these newer generations in a language they understand. Specific career opportunities, opportunities to "save the world" and blatant rewards are the current motivators. The career path into Hi-tech has not been exploited at all, and most certainly there has been a reluctance on behalf of the military to even approach Tech companies to aid in recruiting. There is a failure to paint a picture beyond face paint and rappelling.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jul 27 at 2023 8:28 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:28:53 -0400

Have a Better retirement system in place, Senators and Congressmen as well the women who serve in that capacity receive BETTER Benefits then our troops who actually serve, I know there are Veterans serving in DC, so I’m certain they will benefit, putting something Better would help, I hear Tatoos can be a major Disqualification unless they get a waver, another one is Better Pay

Response by SFC Richard Genzlinger Jr. made Jul 27 at 2023 8:32 PM

SFC Richard Genzlinger Jr. — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:32:09 -0400

Unfortunately the US Military has become a sad parody of what it once was. The vast majority of folks who really wanted to be in the military look at it now and run the other way. Thank God I retired before all this nonsense started.
Stop making us look like the laughing stock of the planet and bring back pride and honor to the US military. Then you might see more people signing up.

Response by Sgt Jake Jones made Jul 27 at 2023 9:18 PM

Sgt Jake Jones — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:18:06 -0400

Do a count of how many comments on here start with the sentiment “get the woke shit out”. It’s almost 200 out of a little over 400 comments at this point. Why everyone is pretending that isn’t a huge contributor to this problem, is beyond me. I’m 47. I haven’t been in the military since 1999. I still find myself around men half my age of good fitness and character through various athletic pursuits- rock climbing, martial arts, weight and resistance training, etc. I talk to these young men because I like them, and because they are different from the predominant social culture of their generation. They’re more direct, more social, more generous, have families, more interesting and less predictable, and more relatable to the previous generation. Yes, I am aware that is bias. The funny thing is, this clearly discernible difference - it’s across several demographic lines- race, religious affiliation, or lack thereof, varying degrees of education and occupational choice, and even class- though most, I would say are middle to lower-middle income. They all say the same things as these NCOs in this very comment section are saying. They’re saying they feel unwanted in society because everywhere they look- Netflix, Disney, all social media, corporate America (even church was cited by some of them), as the typical places that they are accused of or have it insinuated that they are guilty of; toxic masculinity, sexism, cis-heteronormativity (one of my personal favorite activist drivel words) simply for being what they are: white straight. conservative, or some amalgam thereof. Men are withdrawing from college pursuit, the digital dating scene (which some might argue is the ONLY contemporary dating scene) and society in general. We see the data https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/01/30/whats-the-matter-with-men https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-and-society-we-will-only-get-out-what-we-put-in
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/09/young-men-college-decline-gender-gap-higher-education/620066/
We see the journalism on the topic, I hear young men say these things, we see young men IN THIS VERY FORUM saying these things. Why don’t we believe them? Why can’t we admit, with all this evidence supporting it, that we need tough, aggressive, masculine, smart, agile, strong young men to sometimes do UNSPEAKABLE things in defense of this country. Some of it is corrupt, but that’s not their fault. Any real warfighter knows one thing first and foremost: WAR SERVES POLICY- not the other way around. This fact of the necessity of the “bad” type of man is intrinsically and diametrically opposed to the progressive sociopolitical agenda that has permeated every facet of American life- particularly over the last three years- because that movement has been particularly effective in making a connotation that is now highly acceptable socially, between the historically masculine man, and amorality and self serving privilege. And everyone is like “wow, this recruiting slump is a real mystery!” Do you have any idea how dumb that sounds? Why do you refuse to listen to young men, review the data and studies conducted on this subject and try to develop policies that will at least slow the trend? It’s not that hard to figure out, people. You increase pay and quality of life, you make retirement what it once was, you make an effort to make the point mission readiness and decorum like it USED TO BE and reject everything else. You’ll only attract the best, most willing to sacrifice, the type of character that others will follow. Hint: it’s the opposite of this embarrassing nonsense: https://youtu.be/U9DibTD66TA

Or you know, you could just double down on needing to adapt to a generation as a whole when the majority of them don’t want to be there- instead of trying to attract the minority that are far more suited to be there and would be far more effective. But you know, whatever. Things seem to be going swimmingly with some of the logic I see in this thread. Good luck with that.

What’s the Matter withMen?

They’re floundering at school and in the workplace. Some conservatives blame a crisis of masculinity, but the problems—and their solutions—are far more complex.

Response by SrA Stephan Forrester made Jul 27 at 2023 9:18 PM

SrA Stephan Forrester — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:18:43 -0400

We need to go back to tradition. Get the woke trash out. No MAN wants to serve with that. Once the 2024 election is complete then that should help also. Current CIC is brain dead.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 9:27 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:27:50 -0400

Stop testing for Canabis use and clear the records of everyone they ran off for using Canabis related infractions and let them rejoin if they want. I would swear back in tomorrow (been out three years and got lucky when I left and got a solid mgmt gig for a large distribution company after separating on marijuana use charge, no drug test, with RE4 reenlistment code) if I could. The military at large, but USCG specifically, can’t continue to train and release motivated individuals simply for using Canabis. Recruiting is all fine and good but how bout you don’t chase people away over trivial things.

Response by CAPT Carl Robertson made Jul 27 at 2023 9:39 PM

CAPT Carl Robertson — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:39:18 -0400

Having been in both recruiting and later in personnel management one factor has the greatest effect: unemployment rate. High unemployment, anyone can succeed in recruiting. Low unemployment rate, recruiting is very difficult at best. The military has to compete with up front incentives. VA benefits, great retirement doesn't compute with most potential recruits. They just don't,can't or won't look that far into the future. You compete with all those out of high school candidates with an up front incentives.

Response by SGT Joey Landry made Jul 27 at 2023 9:43 PM

SGT Joey Landry — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:43:15 -0400

Ditch the woke LGBT crap and focus instead on selling the US Military as the most advanced and powerful force that also prepares its members for either a great military career or for advancing farther in civilian life with the skills learned from serving. My 31 years with a state police agency was only possible because of my earlier 3 years as a military policeman. The army/military needs to focus on fighting abilities and quit trying to indoctrinate and intimidate the majority of its hiring pool. Only about 3-5 percent of our population has ever served, and it’s usually someone in their families or circle of friends who currently enlists. But now, because of leftists, those veterans are advising their family/friends not to enter service. I’m speaking from experience and not theory. Same thing happened with law enforcement during the antifa riots and anti police rethoric, I couldn’t bring myself to recommend that career path to any young person because I saw the constant harassment from activists who were directly controlled by our own governor who was a traitor.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Jul 27 at 2023 9:58 PM

MSgt Mason Manner — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:58:52 -0400

Stop committing military members to war's we are not committed to WINNING. Stop lying about the college program and EXPECT ALL MEMBERS TO LEARN AND PERFORM THEIR RESPECTIVE MOS/AFSC EQUALLY

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jul 27 at 2023 10:49 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 22:49:45 -0400

As I have aged, I have started come to believe we should bring back the draft, we should require every single able body male to serve 4 years of Military service, no exceptions , they can chose the branch of service. they can attend a collage or University of there choice after they complete four years of Military service.

if a male student gets in trouble with the law, or drops out of high school, then has trouble with the law, I believe a judge should give them a choice, attend a military ROTC high School or go to Juvenile Detention.

upon Graduation from the ROTC high school , the Young Male will chose & Enter the Military Service of there choice as a E-3.
those that went to Juvenile Detention will be selected or drafted by one of the services

after they complete there 4 years of Military Service they should have a skill set, they can use in the Private Sector .
they will also have there GI BILL to pay for any trade school or advance education of there choice, if they are happy with there current skill set they can pass there GI bill to there wife or children.
this is just my two cents .
I do not believe it will solve every issue, I do believe it would help a lot of young adult males who are adrift searching for something or trying to find themselves , it will help a lot of young male adults to become Productive young men in todays society.

sadly I do not believe this nation will every bring back the draft.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 11:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:29:49 -0400

Football and bbq. I’ve been in two state national guards now and there’s no hang out culture. There’s tiny clicks at most. So word gets around, hey how do u like it, and young folk says don’t do it, it sux. They can make more money at chipotle, so at least have a bond. I enlisted 20 years ago and I enlisted again because im from the 9/11 era, what can I say. But that’s what I’m seeing on the ground with the youngins. I’m E4, so I’m day in and day out with them. So have football and bbq and hang out with newbs, versus we offer what fast food offers. Ex college programs, money.

Response by SGT Steve Talley made Jul 28 at 2023 12:56 AM

SGT Steve Talley — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:56:03 -0400

Bring back the Americas Army Game, That's definitely something the younger generation can relate with.

Response by 1SG Arthur Kristiansen made Jul 28 at 2023 6:33 AM

1SG Arthur Kristiansen — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 06:33:14 -0400

An ad campaign that promotes duty, honor, patriotism, strength and courage should always be the basis for encouraging young people to join. I believe that those things are still generally respected and sought for. The folks who join are young and will be forged into proud young men and women who believe in and promote those things. They are smart; the women are all beautiful and the men are all handsome. Hey, it's an ad. Social warriors and those seeking a surgical procedure need not apply. Everyone who joins has already shown that they are a cut above the general population, and they should be respected for that. Use our military heroes, medal of honor winners, action heroes, etc. to verbally put that message out. Reinvent the propaganda campaigns of WWII.

Response by MSG Mamerto Perez made Jul 28 at 2023 6:59 AM

MSG Mamerto Perez — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 06:59:26 -0400

Bring back the Draft.

Response by SSG Raymond Cope made Jul 28 at 2023 7:11 AM

SSG Raymond Cope — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:11:51 -0400

Bring back thet drift make every man and women serve two year after high school

Response by SrA Rick Brown made Jul 28 at 2023 7:17 AM

SrA Rick Brown — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:17:01 -0400

Get this woke mentality out of the military. Quit cramming this woke agenda down Americans throats. I have no problem with gays but don’t force it on people. PDA! Once in uniform your a soldier and nothing else. Outside of that you do you.

Response by PO3 William Hals made Jul 28 at 2023 8:05 AM

PO3 William Hals — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:05:41 -0400

i enlisted in the navy to avoid the draft into the Army, i did not want to get shot or learn a job that would not translate into employment after service -
I learn to become an Electrician and work at that long enough to go to college and become a nurse - which i did for 44 years -
I do not see any ads telling youth about anything other then computer jobs, show us the truck drivers, divers, airplane mechanics, sailing expertise, corpsman, parachute folders and so much more - there DAM LITTLE translation to civilian life in saying I can shot someone

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2023 8:20 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:20:12 -0400

100% PAY more. Back in the days people would join to serve their country with pride. But it's no longer looked at as a patriotic thing to do, yet a job that you can lose your life for. People with high risk careers in the civilian world get compensated for that (before dying) the army should do the same. They should pay soldiers outstanding Salary's to show this is career that could truly benefit your future. Show the military stands out and also has high standards. More people should be expressing that because in the real world most people would call someone stupid for joining the military 99% of the time because of how their compensated salary wise. 100% PAY MORE for enlisted solider's you'll solve this problem easily. It's a JOB so treat it as such.

Response by MAJ Mark Bolton made Jul 28 at 2023 8:23 AM

MAJ Mark Bolton — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:23:10 -0400

My understanding is that a large portion of recruits don’t make the weight standards (or they’re obese according to Army regulations and guidelines). As a prior Commander of a Fitness Training Unit (FTU), these recruits were allowed to enter military service/basic training, completing all other BCT requirements, but failed the final APFT. They were sent to our FTU for an additional 3 attempts (2-3 weeks) at passing the APFT. If they didn’t make it then, they were released from military service (chaptered, failure to adapt). I’m not sure if these units still exist at BCT? Just my 2 cents…Respectfully, Mark Bolton, USA (retired).

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Jul 28 at 2023 8:41 AM

PO1 Don Uhrig — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:41:51 -0400

Easy. Stop fighting wars on behalf of other countries. Once you do that, you need less people. Recruiting goal problem solved.

Response by CPL Bob Thomas made Jul 28 at 2023 8:45 AM

CPL Bob Thomas — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:45:42 -0400

Unfortunately there are to huge issues and nobody whats to talk about them.
1. we don't have much of a country left to die for.
2. the current batch of 18 to 20 year olds are about 90 percent pussies.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2023 9:30 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:30:59 -0400

I am a recruiter in civilian work and a 1LT in the Army reserve. I can only speak to my experience. The younger generation joins the military for 1 of 3 reasons in my opinion:

1. Patriotism/duty to country/duty to family
2. Benefits of some kind that the military offer/steady income
3. Some people truly want to be in an organization where they can legally harm other people.

This is just my opinion but the majority that I have met are from categories 1 and 2. Category 1 is getting close to non existent in my generation (I am 24) and therefore most people joining now are category 2. The biggest problem is that we are trying to recruit people with benefits and when you do that people simply do 4 years and get out and use their benefits. We need to be recruiting people that love our country and we are not because there's less of those people and many of those people think the military is no longer about loving our country because of recent political events. Btw this has nothing to do with certain politicians just an observation on my part.

Response by Sgt Brian Hoffman made Jul 28 at 2023 9:52 AM

Sgt Brian Hoffman — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:52:05 -0400

We do not need to beef up our current force. Contrary to popular belief, we have ample manpower to protect our nation.

Response by CAPT Tom Kap made Jul 28 at 2023 9:56 AM

CAPT Tom Kap — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:56:55 -0400

Outlaw the democrat party

Response by SPC Lane Wallace made Jul 28 at 2023 10:29 AM

SPC Lane Wallace — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:29:44 -0400

How to solve the military recruiting challenges?
First of all get rid of the Pedophile/Wokeism administration. Fire General Woke Milley and all woke officers, do NOT encourage woke/Trans/Gays, etc. Into the Military, find REAL MAN, not mama's boys. Stay away from G.I. Janes!
We all heard this saying: Old School is the only way..........

Response by Cpl Brandon Pierce made Jul 28 at 2023 10:34 AM

Cpl Brandon Pierce — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:34:40 -0400

How about we stop with these bullshit wars that nobody wants to die over.

Response by SPC John Thomas made Jul 28 at 2023 10:44 AM

SPC John Thomas — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:44:43 -0400

First think, stop this woke bullshit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2023 10:48 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:48:40 -0400

stop enlisting women and homosexuals to cohabit with combat troops.

Response by Col Dennis Dabney made Jul 28 at 2023 11:27 AM

Col Dennis Dabney — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:27:02 -0400

STOP blaming everything on so-called, right wing hi-jacked term "wokeness." It's a lazy, fear-mongering cop out talking point. The services need to find out why the military career is no longer relevant to our younger generation not politicians and pundits. I joined because of my family environment and proximity to two major bases. I also was surrounded by solid veteran and military role models who influenced and mentored me. If we are not out there in the schools and orgs promoting our career path to the next generation, then we only have ourselves to blame.

Response by PV2 Henry Davis made Jul 28 at 2023 11:30 AM

PV2 Henry Davis — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:30:08 -0400

The DOD needs to stop focusing on social issues and get back to making Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines. That's why these young men and women sign up. Our daughter and my neighbors son both serve right now, they are fed up with the DOD pushing a woke agenda on them. That and the retirement has switched to a 401K it appears. My daughter and her fiancé will not re-up due to what I just said. Trust me, neither are slackers either and both had internal offers from SOCOM. Both turned it down because what Washington is doing. Do we want warriors or social justice warriors?

Response by MSgt Mark Waller made Jul 28 at 2023 11:44 AM

MSgt Mark Waller — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:44:19 -0400

Hire fat bodies with disqualifying tats and can't pass a drug test to do the behind the scenes work. Enlist the people to do the lethal work.

Problem solved

Response by SSgt Malakhi Reynolds made Jul 28 at 2023 12:34 PM

SSgt Malakhi Reynolds — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:34:21 -0400

This is a philosophy problem. It is very difficult to imagine the cynicism of the modern world if you were raised in an even slightly more earnest environment. Science, information & news travel at unprecedented rates today, this has a numbing effect on the mind, an insensitivity to idealism is a natural consequence of being faced with many sides of a discussion. To the outside, this manifests as apathy, laziness, or an unwillingness to commit. The youth are simply not convinced by the rhetoric of the military; honor, self improvement, etc. Instead they, not wrongfully, believe simply they are being emotionallly manipulated into serving the coercive power of a capitalist machine. In order to change the problems with recruitment, you have to completely change the undercurrent of their perception. Transforming helicopters & futuristic technology only appeal to some enough to convince them to take the plunge. Instead tell them what they want to hear; that they can change the system from inside, that they can be themselves, that they will find genuine friendship & maybe even true love. You cannot fool their minds into believing anything anymore, you have to strike at the core of human loneliness.

Response by SGT Bruce Trice made Jul 28 at 2023 12:47 PM

SGT Bruce Trice — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:47:38 -0400

The military is a role model for our country and we need to step up and show the world that we are the best in the world! Reach out to them. Our leaders need to be mindful that they need incentives. God bless../Reach out to these young People, male and female. They will respond because they will know U care.

Response by PO2 Tom Hauser made Jul 28 at 2023 2:06 PM

PO2 Tom Hauser — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:06:49 -0400

In a previous post I brought up the damage the Democrats & Biden have done to the military by mandating the indoctrination of their WOKE, Marxist, racist social agendas as part of military training which has demoralized our military. Like the USSR we now have "political officers' to make sure our military buys into their political bull shit. They all need to be killed quickly! As to how I would correct the issue of recruiting short term I would offer the following observations. I served 6 years federal service in the Blue Water and Brown Water Navy, two tours in Vietnam and 9 years state military service in Texas and for 6 years attacked to the Texas Rangers SOG for intel related to border security & interdiction of narcotics, wetbacks and bad guys like those IRGC QUDS Force assholes we captured. We have a son who was career Army now a Wounded Warrior that served with 1st CAV, SOF CENTCOM & Army CID HQ in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other locations who now spends one day each week at Polytrauma at Audie Murphy in San Antonio. Going back to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan etc. we have fought wars without a win with politicians fucking up the end game every time with no victories just a lot of American KIA's, WIA's, MIA's and billions of lost dollars and equipment. So why would I enlist in a military with that fucked up track record? American blood being shed in wars with no victories and with tragic outcomes for the people we died fighting for on foreign soils like the most recent political fuck up in Afghanistan by a incompetent, senile, corrupt, pedophile, career politician, shit bird Democrat POTUS Biden. We need to re-evaluate are priorities. Iran, Russia, China are our enemies (the new AXIS all working together) and who need to be killed every single time they confront our military whether it is at sea in the Strait of Hormuz, or while on patrol around Taiwan or while we do air recon over Syria or when an air balloon loaded with intel gathering cameras and sensor flies over our air space. Are we doing that - hell no - why? Because we have a traitor in the White House and a Democrat political party that has allowed this shit to happen - our military has become a joke because we won't and don't pull the fucking trigger on these enemy attacks on our sovereignty overseas. These Democrat asshole politicians are allowing our country to be invaded by wetbacks, unvetted Illegal Aliens, CCP military age assets, Mexican drug cartels, criminals etc. I've been on missions or supported missions where we have captured Iranian IRGC QUDS Force personnel doing recon on our infrastructure including a nuclear power plant here in Texas, along with Islamic Jihadists conducting night training on Texas ranches near the border that we observed and reported to Texas DHS. If our leadership won't protect our own nation, our own borders from our enemies then the enemy can assume we would not have the balls to do so overseas which has proven to be a correct assumption time and time again. So, what the fuck are we waiting for? Some of these kids don't remember what we did in Panama or Urgent Fury the rescue of those students in Grenada. When that happened the morale of this whole country shot up and there was nothing but praise for our military. Why? Because that took place close to home in our hemisphere our backyard. You want to increase recruiting numbers start attacking and taking out enemy attacks and harassment of our personnel and assets like drones, take out the fentanyl labs with drones in Mexico that is killing tens of thousands of Americans each year made with CCP chemicals provided by the Chinese Communists our enemy. We have been killing Communists since Korea and need to start doing so again. Taiwan needs to be protected by Air, Navy, Marines with boots on the ground in Taiwan - that sends a message. At one time we had a huge AFB at CCK in Taichung - I was in the Armed Forces Police stationed there - the CCP didn't dare fuck with us. Why aren't we blowing to shit any naval threat or hijacking threat in the Strait of Hormuz especially when it fires on a ship we are protecting. If our enemies attack us or our allies or anyone else international waters kill them and level the base where they launched from - when they threaten Israel with nukes - then take out their fucking nukes. You want to increase recruitment then get rid of that traitor cock sucker in the Whithouse & the Democrats controlling the House & Senate. Our military is perceived as having no balls - a joke that is more concerned about LGBTQ perverts, CRT, DEI, ESG, WOKE, BDS etc. than protecting this nation or our allies because we lack the will to even protect our own borders from the ongoing invasion. We need to make a statement to the world that we will protect our borders and our allies with lethal force and we will keep the Sea lanes and the Air lanes open. We will meet any challenge with overwhelming lethal force. General Patton had it right the politicians are the lowest form of assholes in the world and Liberal/Progressive Democrats are the lowest pieces of shit that make up those lowest forms of life. You want more recruits start killing our enemies at home and overseas instead of having the Fake News Democray Sycophant assholes report our failures and lack of success or unwillingness to engage a belligerent enemy, and protect our own border from our enemies. Take out those shitbirds at DHS, FBI, DOJ, DOD, JCOS and CIA that is allowing this overt plague of cowardice to happen to a once proud nation feared by its enemies. We don't need soldiers with dicks wearing panties, bras and lipstick in uniform worried about calling these fucking perverts who are a security risk by the right pronoun. Time to get rid of these political officer shit birds and replace them with real military people who have the guts, skill sets to kill our enemies not shirk away from battle.

Response by Cpl Ross Curtis made Jul 28 at 2023 3:39 PM

Cpl Ross Curtis — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:39:35 -0400

This is very simple: stop spreading WOKE/INCLUSIVITY GARBAGE!!! Advertise and reach out only to the strong (physically and mentally) and the smart! Immediately disqualify the easily offended, the self-entitled, the politically correct, and those who HIDE BEHIND gender rather than a uniform. Weak/woke/inclusive theologies/ and easily offended types are the first to die on the battlefield. Save their lives by keeping them out of our way! Recruit warriors not symps, not PC/Woke, Not those who only see race! Recruit those who only want to serve our country rather than have our country serve them!

Response by SGM Bill Schroeter made Jul 28 at 2023 4:27 PM

SGM Bill Schroeter — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:27:32 -0400

So reading through these comments I find it interesting the course the conversation has taken. I honestly believe we’ve forgotten who we are as a military, the country, values and norms we’re supposed to represent and the purpose for which we were created.
How do we solve the recruiting problem?
We have to remember what the military’s mission has been and always will be…To Fight and Win. We were built for no other purpose.

I’m pretty sure that back in the mid 70’s a bunch of military folks of all tanks were bitching and complaining about the new “breed” of Soldiers, an all volunteer force, and how we were soft, and weak as well.
We survived and got through that. We’ll get through this as well.
We all have our opinions as to the specifics of what the cause(s) are for the current struggles facing our military, and I for one don’t advocate for going back to the “old” ways necessarily. However there are some very important and relevant ideals and concepts that SHOULD be taken from the past and payed forward to our current sisters and brothers in arms.
Our military is most successful when we realize, understand and believe that it always has been and always will be…ONE Team, ONE Fight.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jul 28 at 2023 4:38 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:38:43 -0400

They all say they're struggling with recruiting and retention; yet they take actions that completely contradict any solution other than a draft where the only requirement is one's age.

---MEPS can now access any shareable medical history of any prospect, and they're not lessening their scrutiny. This alone needs to go away. Either stop the scrutiny other than verifying one's birth date and citizenship, or take completely away their access to someone's medical history.

---Bodyfat measurements are going away from the neck/waist ratio to machines that are either significantly less favorable than the N/W, or to taping only the waist; so heaven help if you're trying to compete for something like the World's Strongest Human. They'll take you if you're undergoing trans stuff but heaven forbid you're overweight by, well let's face it, arbitrary numbers and standards that are outdated considering they go back to the early/mid-19th century.

---Tenure/RCP for each rank isn't being adjusted to allow whoever didn't get promoted to be able to reenlist and stick around a little while longer. In the case of the Marine Corps they need to get rid of the "two strikes and you're out" for those who are Sgts and above (basically you got passed for promotion twice) regardless if they were really good or really bad Marines.

---They really need to readjust the means of sticking around depending on one's MOS. The military is literally the only side of the music industry where one has to train to possibly become a conductor when in all civilian ensembles you can stay on your respective instrument until you decide to move on/retire. Musicians aren't the only ones who suffer that circumstance in the military (premier bands notwithstanding).

---Stop targeting small groups of people. Stop targeting the ethnic minorities, the trans, the homos, etc. A lot of prospects move away from us because they want to get away from those safe spaces they witness protected groups of people get.

---Redo all recruiting commercials (except maybe the Marine Corps'). The Army in particular figuratively shot itself in the femoral artery with its anime cartoon-style commercials from a few years ago. What they should do is interview folks whose lives literally got better because they joined, and feature them in the commercials.

---For every parent or relative who doesn't want their kid to get employed in a "risky" industry remind them that car accidents reign supreme as one of the top ways people die these days, and joining the military would not aggravate that risk. It might actually lessen assuming the kid doesn't have a car yet nor the financial prospect of buying one. Anyone not wanting to sign a contract needs to see the hiring process for literally any company on the civilian side; especially those that have probationary periods. I've never seen a paying job that didn't have a contract of some sort.

---Instead of trying to hush up the disgruntled veterans of their experience from 9/11 onward every recruiter should have an effective retort to every issue addressed; especially when addressing toxic leadership.

This isn't a single action that'll turn the issue around. There are multiple actions that need to happen to get recruiting/retention back on track, and the above are simply off the top of my head.

Response by Cpl Rafael Angel LopezFerrer made Jul 28 at 2023 5:21 PM

Cpl Rafael Angel LopezFerrer — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:21:50 -0400

Can we do a felix culpa like Hollywood did with "Stripes"? They were making fun of the Army and ended up boosting recruiting.

Response by Sgt Skip Riffle made Jul 28 at 2023 5:40 PM

Sgt Skip Riffle — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:40:21 -0400

Not that it would fill all the needs of our military I think with the 'overcrouding' of our prisons judges use to give a first time offender or blue color minor crime the choice of prison or the military. Why not do it again. It turned a lot of people around and made the good citizens.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2023 11:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 23:00:31 -0400

I would say that wokeness and the hate of all that represents patriotism has hurt military. Let’s get back to focusing on winning wars and staying out of politics. Let’s promote traditional values and inspire real men to want to join and fight for the USA

Response by CPL Angelika Guilbe made Jul 29 at 2023 1:13 AM

CPL Angelika Guilbe — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 01:13:31 -0400

The reason why the military isbhaving low recruit rates is because the military has drastically changed from its standards amd regulations. They keep trying to fit in with societal standards when the military is supposed to be a different standard and lifestyle. Im ex-army and things have changed. I would NEVER rejoin the service with the ridiculously loose changes that have been made. I trust old school military with my life not this new age military

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Jul 29 at 2023 5:02 AM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 05:02:41 -0400

I would like to add one more thing to my previous remarks, I also believe every single city, State, Federal Employee along with every service member, FBI, CIA , IRS etc should be Required to take a year long class TO BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE FIVE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY, THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION & THE BILL OF RIGHTS WERE WRITTEN . By reading and answering those five basic question I hope it would help the Young Officers and Enlisted personal understand why they took a oath to protect & Defend the United States Constitution & the Bill Of Rights , & why they did not take a Oath to protect any single political party or elected Official, but Swore to Protect & Defend the American Citizens Individual Constitution Rights & Freedoms from all Foreign & Domestic Threats.
I remember when I was on active duty, I was Shocked at how many young and old service members never even read the Declaration Of Independence, the United States Constitution or the Bill of Rights, I would give the service member a Pocket copy of the Declaration Of Independence, the United States Constitution & the Bill of Rights, while telling them, you did take a Oath to protect and defend these Documents , don't you think you should at least read them, for a few different reasons? such as to help you understand what is a Constitutional lawful order, and what is a Unconstitutional order. to get a basic understanding of Why and what you are defending .

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2023 12:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:01:54 -0400

I think it is a multi-faceted issue. First, military life is not glamorous, nor is it easy. Today’s teens and young adults are looking for the easy button. The recruiting and Retention efforts need to be focused toward those that are willing to put forth effort. Call it OJT, but it’s so much more than that because you get formal training in your MOS, but in my opinion it’s been watered down to very basic knowledge in many cases. Leaders at all levels need to understand that just because it’s automated, doesn’t make it easy to do in some cases. They need to get out of the us/them mentality and train their soldiers, not just worrying about when’s my next promotion. The good ole boy/girl system is alive and well. It really needs to stop, but people are people and we always tend to help those that help us succeed. Rules and regulations are there for a reason and they need to be adhered to, not brushed off or swept under a rug when someone breaks them. If you lose it, buy it. …I could go on and on. When you focus on those that want to be there, you will not only retain, but entice those to join.

Response by SFC Eddy Weezar made Jul 29 at 2023 12:59 PM

SFC Eddy Weezar — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:59:25 -0400

Get back to the basics and get rid of this woke train they’re on right now.

Response by SGT Paul Russo made Jul 29 at 2023 1:20 PM

SGT Paul Russo — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 13:20:06 -0400

Reading Social Media, an various News articles. There is a Extreme Shortage of ppl coming into the various Trades in our Society. One of the biggest issues is A Living Wage . Ive been screamed at called a Boomer , a Gate Keeper. That I'm outta touch with the Real World . Over & Over I've seen the complaints they can't get hired cause they have no experience, an how are they supposed to get experience if they can't get hired. I've tried to explain it was No Different for Our Generation. They dont want to hear that , the reply is so your just doing the same an have changed Nothing. An it really ticks them off when I tell them as a Manager with yrs & yrs under by belt I can just about tell if they are going to be a good fit or not just by the way they appear We have Big Signs - do not block bay doors an I be damn if they don't park their car right in front of the sign . An then the ones that do make it to the interview stage well their wants are just over the top . Things like $20-$25 @ hour to start , No Overtime, No Weekends, No On Call . An yes many have a negative view of The Military it's too hard ? It's just not for them , they don't like being told what to do Ive asked them so how should I give directions ? Young Ppl are tethered to their phones , I've even seen here how they couldn't believe they had to give up their phones during Training hours . I've had to let a couple guys go cause they just won't stay off their phone . They dont even want to discuss taking vocational classes . I dont know I'm at a loss loss you can't help someone if they are unwilling to help themselves. Myself I joined to learn a trade as I couldn't afford additional education after High School. But the big thing I learned was Leadership. I spent right at 6 yrs Active Duty , Getting out was a personal choice that even today I still wonder what if I had stayed . But the Time I served was instrumental in the person I am now an that experience has guided me thru life .Every place I have ever worked It was easy to standout over my peers , in a supervisory position it allowed me coordinate my personal . Several times Upper Management during conversations or yearly reviews They have pointed out how I take care of my people , Which to me has been the greatest compliment I've received. My last job I was Shop Foreman for a Major Equipment Mfg the Regional Manager commented it's rare I hear from you , I explained you hired me to run this operation due to my qualifications, when the situation arises I'm not quite sure how to address I've contacted you either by phone if it was critical or by email if it wasn't a major issue . The whole time thru our discussion he kept getting interrupted by Shop Foreman's from various other Stores for things that I just took as day to day operations, I even commented to him I shouldn't have to ask you if I need to wipe by backside after using the head . To which he laughed saying if he had just 2 more ppl like me he would have a dream job . 3 months later he asked me if I would be interested in a Assistant Regional Manger position overseeing Shop Operations thru out 3 states .

Response by Cpl David Miller made Jul 29 at 2023 3:36 PM

Cpl David Miller — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:36:36 -0400

Recruitment into our modern military has a single problem. We are asking our young people to do something that they do not want to do, or something that they feel there is no future for them in the long run. Although not a current emphasis by recruitment ads, the ultimate goal as seen by many of our young people is to go to war. Greater emphasis should be shifted from war, to the prevention of war with a strong military. A deterrent to war as it has been in the past.
With that being said, given the fact that our young people are faced with so many technical opportunities in civilian life, the military must place an emphasis on training and the development of tools for war fighting more like the tools used in peace time. Using technology and related processes to connect people on common data bases to ensure faster and better decisions to ensure that mission success is achieved should be a recruitment principle.
Training opportunities must be developed to insure that whether it is intelligence, strategic, logistics or tactical that all processes are in a common technical data base that can be utilized throughout the entire military complex to accomplish the strategics, regardless if it comes from Sun Tzu, Du Picq or even the Weinberger-Powell Doctrine
Military training to the recruit needs to be seen as an alternative to higher education provided by our colleges and universities. Obviously advanced technology and advanced technological training is going to cost money, but in order to recruit into the MOSs that is necessary it will take additional funding.

Response by Rory Schultz made Jul 29 at 2023 5:29 PM

Rory Schultz — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 17:29:36 -0400

As an outsider looking in my statement is based from a "civilians view" and have not kept up with all the changes within the Armed Forces so do not get all miffed, it is just an outside observation.
To me, is not really a difficult answer. I know that restructuring is long and a massive undertaking, so this is just an observation point only. You have to ask, "What is "the" issue turning recruits away." It is Who is running it and how it's being administered. Are the DECISIONS in the best interest of those in the Armed Forces.

1st. Remove every CHIEF OF STAFF, General, Admiral or Officer who have endorsed and are making decisions based on this new liberal, DEI , WHITE RAGE HORSESHIT political movement. The Military is supposed to be neutral and act in a cohesive function, not divided, or be taking sides when it comes to political agendas that serve the interests of those who act contrary to the Interests of the Nation, military personnel and citizenry. Each Chief of Staff do not have to follow this new liberal thinking.
( Show me any LIBERAL thinking in the Chinese Military, the Iranian Guard, or ISIS, Taliban or any Communist Military, not even Israel IDF does this BS ) When you have leadership within the Military Hierarchy pushing a divisive agenda then they have been incentivized financially or more into enforcing this Liberal Agenda. That alone creates an atmosphere of distrust establishing that this leadership is acting in their personal interests not the welfare of the Nation's Forces tasked with its Security. It is a no brainer- it is not popular among the Civilians and you see the conflict in the streets. So how would it work within the Armed Forces???
Remember, the Military does have the ability to Contest any Commands from Congress or the President if those decisions compromise the Security of this Nation and its Military Personnel and it is direct conflict to Constitutional Law and International Law. The Constitution is very clear as to the function of our Armed Forces and how it is applied. Going to War that violates both the Constitutional Laws and International laws is an illegal act. Over the last 12 decades numerous Amendments were created and worded in a way that circumvented Constitutional Laws and made it ambiguous. Too many branches of the Military/ Federal operate outside of the laws.
Too many times this Nation has gone to war for the purpose of enriching those in Power who have personal investments in the Companies that build all the Military Hardware and R/D. Or wealthy Lobbyist that donate for favoritism. Now you have those in Office who intentionally change policies that benefit other Nations and not our own! Massive waste of Tax Payers money and loss of lives squandered out of greed.

2. Hold HIGH RANKING OFFICERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR CRIMES and Violations of the UCMJ!!!
( They sure as hell hold EM and lower ranking officers accountable for the Uppers fuck ups!) ( Pissing down the leg syndrome ) Especially when they violate the Lower Ranks Civil Rights! Like the Mandated Covid Shots! To dismiss them from their military enrollment for refusing this is a violation of their civil rights! Yes, people you still retain your civil rights even in the Military.

3. Reduce the amount of Redundant Military Bases in countries where those Nations are "grown up" enough to take care of themselves. This Nation was NEVER meant to be the Police Force for the World and we shouldn't have to. All those NATO Nations are big boys and we have paid the bills long enough!!! A great deal of our tax money already supports numerous countries and it is time they start learning to take care of themselves. All that money being squandered is also being grafted to line the pockets of many Politicians both Foreign and Domestic so don't kid yourself.

4. Redirect that money used in redundant bases to better pay scale for the Enlisted Personnel, they do all the real work and are the most vulnerable in casualties. BETTER BENEFITS TOO!!!

5. Take down how the VA has been operating and rebuild the administrative function. A great deal of money goes into the system and it is not truly going to the needs of our Veterans and Wounded Veterans. Very OVERPAID administrators!

6. Oh, I failed to mention that there should not be any draft. That is forcing people to lay down their lives. That should be up to that individual to make that choice if they are willing to act altruistic for the Nation. Also, it may violate a person's conscience and no one should be forced to make such a choice...because remember...freedom of choice. The draft removes that freedom. Once a person has willingly joined then of course the freedoms should be within reason. Example: During the time of King David when protecting the Nation of Israel he let be known that those who could not feel comfortable with having to go to battle, taking a life, if it comes to that then they may be excused from such service and not place the Military in jeopardy because a soldier may have second thoughts in the heat of battle. King David was considered very wise in these matters and made more decisions with outside nations based on negotiations and treaties with peace in mind, not greed or malice. Modern nations should take note from wise leaders from Antiquity who led Nations successfully.

This is just my .02 worth

Response by CPL Rick Berry Jr made Jul 29 at 2023 6:34 PM

CPL Rick Berry Jr — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:34:56 -0400

Draft,

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2023 11:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 23:18:01 -0400

After yet another deployment, The Balkans-I was "selected" for Recruiting Command of a "large metropolitan area" comprising more than 2 million...blah, blah-
1. ALL 5 COs in my Battalion got "cancel career, or drive your but here" type orders, fresh outta combat- we were literally beat down, no type of acclamation- at Ft Jackson Pre Command. Only officers who wanted to 'get out" somehow volunteered for this? Idk
2. There are no QUOTAS- back to the COs-
Since I was in that large metro area, I was ACCESSED hella more than say, CO responsible for Uvalde, or Austin. Battalion needs ~ 8000 contracts signed annually. COs sign Accessions/ negotiations- intense, fight like hell for your NCOs to reduce STRESS, contracts or exploit weaknesses of peer commanders to gain leverage. My Command thrived on special missions. 2 major Joint Medical facilities, 1 in my a/o.
79R Cadre=permanent AOC" assigned, usually injured RA and Reserve Recruiters who volunteer to change AOCs, not officers -
BLUF:
1. Offer Cadre 79R the incentive to be more than Station Commander-
a. either push for Warrant Direct Commissions FROM WITHIN USARC 79R Cadre
b. Let Cadre flourish at Command responsibility by evolving NCO Cadre into Company Commanders as proud, COMPETITIVE NCOs.
Commissioned officers need only respond to waivers AT BATTALION or higher
3. Allow voluntary return to active duty INCENTIVES- if contractors make so doggone much, then why not reappropriate defense spending back into uniformed services??? - 79Rs shiuld recieve +++bonuses plus the Master Recruiting upgraded badges, Rings, etc.
4. Push Education, medical FOR LIFE Benefits even for 5 to 10 year blended retirees- they are young and nervous- I'm sorry, but I say, unravel that complex "earned benefits" NOT entitled, just earned.
Extend bonuses to darned near every MOS, AOC. Short on every job??? Pay properly!!
5. Allow advace payments of fines, records retreval [i was born overseas and waited a long 13 months for replacement of US Consular docs, not my birth country's required docs. Recruit can pay back with discretionary allotment, or accept reduced bonus.
Tutoring to improve scores ASVAB, FST, OSB-standardized while preparing for IET.
These are some solutions to challenges I can recall.

Response by MGySgt James Dillon made Jul 30 at 2023 9:21 AM

MGySgt James Dillon — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 09:21:32 -0400

You can pick any of the aforementioned reasons as the cause. Lowering standards will always be a “short-term gain, long-term loss” scenario. Can you name any other industry that lowers standards and succeeds? I can’t.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Jul 30 at 2023 10:29 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:29:19 -0400

Maybe the problem was in the advertising used for recruiting, and perhaps it is already being solved.

Until recently the Army and Marine Corps advertised that service was a challenge; the Navy advertised travel and adventure; and the Air Force advertised that everyone would be an ace fighter pilot (except for their brief experiment advertising "No sweat, it's just a job")

Now all the services are advertising how woke they are. Enlist today - Pick your MOS - Pick your gender.

Response by SPC Michael Stager made Jul 30 at 2023 9:15 PM

SPC Michael Stager — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:15:43 -0400

The current problem is cow towing to the reaction to toxic masculinity. We need to continue to be a force that grows young men and women into capable adults. Show them in recruiting how they can "level up" in ways their non service friends will struggle to. Don't make it all about school benefits..but speak about the benefits of schooling with military service. We need a strong military, not a military full of wimps and frightened children who can't cope. Recruit harder the ones that can break the current mold they are in vs the ones that think they can go in and try to change what serving means.

Response by PFC Edward Krinsky made Jul 31 at 2023 12:46 AM

PFC Edward Krinsky — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:46:34 -0400

#1…Get rid of Traitor Mille
#2…Get rid of Woke
#3 Reinstate don’t ask, don’t tell….no one needs to know your sexual preferences….

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jul 31 at 2023 6:04 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:04:03 -0400

You're probably not going to agree with this but my solution would be a mandatory enlistment for all American citizens who are able to pass the enlistment requirements. I've felt like that for years.

Response by SGT Jacob Yuhas made Jul 31 at 2023 11:08 PM

SGT Jacob Yuhas — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 23:08:06 -0400

Listen, most of this is going to be a rant, but here is my take.

Marketing Needs To Change: As someone who understands the tail end of millennials and generation z, the commercials/advertisements for all branches of service suck. What I mean by this, is the marketing team needs to get rid of the old Army recruiting soundtrack theme; it's not as impactful. Throw in some G-rated war scene with guns blazing, helicopters flying, yelling/screaming chaos, and some high speed joes rescuing some hostages and hopping onto a helicopter. Have Hans Zimmer come in and make some sick soundtrack THAT WILL GRAB some people's attention. This sounds cheesy but the commercials should be like Call of Duty commercials or some sick war movie trailer.

College: For Guard, Reservists, and Active Duty, the DOD needs to come together on a singular system on how to pay for college degrees. There are too many confusing things to go through for whichever program you are on. MAKE IT A SINGLE PROGRAM DOD WIDE. Only Massachusetts National Guard has 100% tuition and fee waiver and they had a simple system of requesting it for each semester. Other than that, you had to have deployed and found a yellow ribbon school anywhere else in the country to go for "free" if you were not in the Guard. (Aside from Voke rehab and the other very few programs). Maybe there are some other options, but this chaos of figuring out was just asinine. Yes, I get it, ROTC is available, but not everyone wanted to go officer. Final thing I will say on this is make it easy to sign up for.

Drug testing: Marijuana is now recreationally legal in 24 of the 50 states. Time to drop that as a disqualifier. But that is going to take an act of congress to do.

VA Home Loan: With anything with the VA, it is a headache. But this one took me by surprise. After 6 years of honorable service, I got out. While I was in the IRR, I simply just wanted to retrieve the Certificate of Eligibility (which can be re-used for life, you only have to get it once), to show that I am eligible for a VA Home loan. I submitted my NGB-22, among other forms and my god, it was like going to the fucking RMV. "Oh we need this now, we need that now." Their brochure did not match what they were asking for in order to provide this for me. I ended up having to reach out to someone who I knew and they sent me my entire iPERMs file just so I could grab my orders to prove that I was released from the National Guard to the IRR.... even though I had a NGB-22 already showing I served honorably.

(Not based on my own experience) Tricare: Great for Active Duty from what I heard, had to jump through some hoops if you were a reservist.

Barracks: Holy Jeebus Christmas, we need to get mold out of some of those barracks. We literally have our own horizontal and vertical engineer companies that BUILD BUILDINGS overseas. Why can't we use them to build some new state of the art barracks here at home? This would provide them with direct, real world experience.

Jobs/Matching the current industry: Not every MOS in the military transfers 1:1 directly to a job on the civilian side. This was the biggest case for Information Technology/Signal Series folks 10 years ago when in 2013 I was still installing Windows XP on a machine. Majority of the FORTUNE 500 companies had already moved on from Windows XP by 2013. If you aren't doing the engineering or true administration of a network switch/windows PC/servers, you aren't going to find anything more than a help desk job outside of the military. Just being the guy that knows how to simply setup a SINCGARs radio and a BFT isn't going to cut it. Being the SME on CPOF (Command Post of the Future) isn't going to cut it either. I really hope the DOD as a whole has fixed this since 10 years ago for my fellow 25 Series.

Leadership & Process Improvement: Toxic leadership and the chaos of hurry up, wait and disorganized training plans. Listen, I knew what I signed up for, but there needs to be an organizational wide process improvement put into place for many things to have good retention and to have people that are in encourage others to come in. By the time I was getting out, I told others, "the only reason to go in, is to get college paid for. Otherwise, it sucks." I still stand by it quite possibly for the rest of my life.

Am I still glad I did it? Yeah absolutely. Will I let my kids someday join? Sure that's their choice but I'm going to lay out the warnings that may or may not still apply by the time they are of age. I definitely won't be pushing them to go in.

Response by CDR Brian Erickson made Aug 1 at 2023 2:50 PM

CDR Brian Erickson — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:50:33 -0400

Maybe the wokeness should go...just saying a dude parading around acting like a woman and claiming diversity is our strength. Not to mention the nearly endless waivers for both physical fitness and deployment for the 'transgender' people isn't helpful. Who wants to serve when you're nearly guaranteeing the regular gendered members are going to have to pick that slack.

Response by CPT Jim Nygaard made Aug 3 at 2023 6:19 PM

CPT Jim Nygaard — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:19:58 -0400

Get rid of all the woke BS. The military is for war fighting, not your social proving grounds. Trans members have different height/weight standards and they're exempt from PT tests and deployment? Get rid of CRT or whatever the DOD calls it. Keep the names the bases had. Bragg. Hood. On and on. The world looks at our idiot SecDef with his mask and shield and just laughs.

Response by Cadet LT Riley Dosh made Aug 4 at 2023 7:47 AM

Cadet LT Riley Dosh — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:47:31 -0400

There's two competing political issues, and then a third structural one. Conservatives (including many in this thread) complain the military is "too woke." While progressives complain about sexual abuse numbers and lack of LGBTQ inclusion. Also many far left youth don't want to be a part of an "imperialist empire." Both sides, left and right, are partially right in terms of perspective. Both sides politically benefit by saying how far the military has gone the other way politically. The reality of course is somewhere in the middle. That's all smoke and mirrors.

What the people in this thread are missing is what it's like to try and join the military these days. It takes months, and you have to scrap together every bit of medical documentation going back to when you were a child. The slightest problem, like childhood asthma, or ADHD medication requires a waiver. Don't even get me started on the difficulties put in place if you're trans. The process takes months and requires obscene amounts of paperwork. Recruiters famously coach their recruits to lie on official documents (is that really how we want to introduce recruits to the military?).

I've worked on the military medical documentation (specifically GENESIS) as a Soldier, a recruit, and as a civilian contractor data scientist. It's a disaster.

Simply getting through the accessions process, for little pay, high chance of sexual harassment/assault, little social support, is impossible. Kids are just not finding it worth it, and they are absolutely right.

Response by PO3 Justin Bowen made Aug 4 at 2023 1:36 PM

PO3 Justin Bowen — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:36:16 -0400

First, actual reports from real military authorities have stated that the transition to a new electronic health records system that is being used as part of the recruiting process is having a significant impact on recruiters' ability to recruit qualified individuals. As stated in numerous articles on this, they can no longer fudge the information for the purpose of getting recruits who might otherwise not be qualified.

Second, the base pay needs to be increased. Bonuses paid out over a five-to-six year period while enlistees are making peanuts isn't going to cut it anymore.

Third, recruiters are going to have to be honest with potential recruits about the physical impact of service and how the military and VA address that. Younger generations are seeing veterans come back with severe problems that recruiters aren't honest about. Those with options are likely not-to-keen on the whole "I might have PTSD or severe joint and back problems when I get out and may want to commit suicide as a result" thing that's reality for so many of our troops.

Fourth, the military needs to seriously address the rape epidemic in our military. It turns out that young people - especially women - aren't too big on rape or on the military's lackluster response (to put it lightly) to the problem. Sweeping it under the rug and calling it "military sexual trauma" is disgusting. It's RAPE. That's what it is. And people don't like it, no matter how much older male enlistees and officers try to blame the victims for it.

Fourth, military and political leaders need to be honest about what it is that people are serving for. Young people KNOW that it's not "to serve the country", be patriotic, or whatever else recruiters are telling them. They KNOW that its' to server energy companies', military hardware companies', and other contractors' interests. They KNOW that we're in the Middle East not to defend the US but rather to defend energy companies' interests (exactly 100% of everyone here who believes otherwise is a fool. Period.). Being honest with potential recruits and why taxpayers should pay for what energy companies should be doing on their own dime might go a long way towards building trust from the beginning.

Fifth and finally, stop demonizing LGBTQ people. It turns out that younger people aren't as bigoted as older people. Just like people eventually got used to the idea of black people and women serving in the military (and doing so with distinction), they need to get used to the idea of LGBTQ people serving openly. People who object are no different in any way whatsoever from the bigots who objected to black people from serving because their presence might offend the delicate Southerners' fragile feelings.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2023 9:34 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 21:34:43 -0400

There are a lot of issues and not one specific item that can be pointed out as the main cause (it’s a large combination of different variables). However, what I wouldn’t do is blame the recruiters on the ground. Sadly, that is something that I have seen consistently from my time in USAREC. If anything, that adds to the issues. Recruiters are out there doing their best but they can only achieve what can be achieved. Old data may suggest a station put 100 people in a year but the current market propensity could very well only be 40. You cannot fault the recruiters for that.

Response by SPC Thom De Rosa made Aug 19 at 2023 9:07 AM

SPC Thom De Rosa — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 09:07:41 -0400

Step 1...
Get rid of present Administration
and the far left.
Observe...
The rest will fall into place...

Response by A1C Courtney Mullins made Aug 20 at 2023 8:09 AM

A1C Courtney Mullins — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:09:57 -0400

THE WORLD FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LARGE NUMBER OF RECRUITABLE CITIZENS WHO DONT HAVE THE WILL POWER TO STOP SMOKING LONG ENOUGH TO PASS THE DRUG TEST. WAIVE THE MARIQUANA REQUIREMENT TO GET IN! BUT HEY IM NO ONE. I JUST HELPED MY FRIEND WHO IS A RECRUITER RECRUIT TWO PEOPLE WITH NO EFFORT AND I HAVE 8 FRIENDS WHO WOULD LEAVE TOMORROW IF THEY WERE NOT REQUIRED TO STOP SMOKING PRIOR TO LEAVING. THE TIME IT TAKE TO GET CLEAN IS LONG AND MAYY SEEM BLEEK TO SOMEONE WHO ONLY MAY HAVE A CHANCE AFTER THEY QUIT. PEOPLE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THEIR DEMONS DURING THAT TIME AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT ISNT BEING ADDRESSED. SAME CONCEPT OF THE ADDICT WHO DIES BC THEY COULDNT BE SOBER TO GET INTO THE REHAB. OFFER DETOX WITHIN THE TRAINING. THIS WOULD BE LIFE SAVING. IT MAY ALSO BRING ABOUT AN INCLUSIVITY TO SOME CITIZENS WHO MAY FEEL DISENFRANCHISED DUE TO MARIJUANA USE. THEY CAN DETOX IN BASIC AND THE CHARACTER THAT IS BUILT AND THE LIFE CHANGE THAT IS GIVEN WILL CARRY THEM FAR..bY THE TIME THEY GRADUATE YOU WILL HAVE BUILT NOT ONLYA SOLDIER BUT A LOYAL ONE BECAUSE YOU GAVE THEM A CHANCE WHEN THEY HAD NOWHERE TO TURN.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Aug 25 at 2023 8:12 AM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:12:10 -0400

Better leadership

Response by Amn Roger Omberg made Sep 1 at 2023 2:16 PM

Amn Roger Omberg — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:16:08 -0400

I think, maybe there is 2 different ways to look at this. The first, is just WHO occupies the WH?
The next is the strength of the current US military, & if the answers come back with an older more senile gentleman, not understanding where he is most of the time, that has more vacation time than a dog has fleas, smells little girls hair, then odds are that the military is going into the deep six. The natural sense is the US military will normally suffer. On the other hand when AMERICA has a strong friend in the WH, the nation as a whole will gather, around such a leader., & transform the USA military into a real fighting force. ITS JUST SIMPLE LOGIC! GOD BLESS AMERICA, can anyone let us know just where is the nuclear football, NOW?

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Sep 7 at 2023 8:41 PM

SPC Randy Torgerson — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 20:41:30 -0400

Take politics and wokeness back out of the military, period.

Don't worry about being too fat (within reason), that is what basic training is for. You get a new mental state of mind and a new body.

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Sep 27 at 2023 5:33 PM

Lt Col Leslie Bryant — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:33:42 -0400

1. Improve healthcare. Just patching people up to go back to the line when there are new tests, new technologies, better meds because the Department of Defense and Services want to save money is poor and a betrayal to those serving and those who have served! It is not fair or just to push off health issues that could have been solved or improved so that Veterans pay the final cost! Allergies shouldn't become asthma because military doctors won't do allergy testing, prescribe better medicines. No active duty person should have to undergo endoscopies for heart burn every one to two years because the Department of Defense won't pay for nexium which works but costs $1.10 versus aciphex which has a 70% failure rate but costs .70!! That was from 2001 to 2010.
2. Jobs in Government or US Companies. Getting a job at age 50 years after 28 years of military service in four different career fields to include nursing, AFOSI, Forensics and Intelligence was impossible! No matter what job I applied for over 6 years and approximately 60 jobs, I was told I was overqualified meaning too old! I even went back to school and got another degree, but alas no job! Yes ageism is alive and well in the United States! The Department of Defense telling Veterans there are jobs in Government and US Companies just waiting for them is false!! It is amazing how a US Company can understand the military when competing for a billion dollar contract but not understand a Veteran or what they did when they are competing for a job! Frankly every US Company and Defense Contractor should be required to provide one job for every dollar they get from the Department of Defense! No job, no contract!! Yes it really is that simple!! Our US Companies and Government prosper on the backs of Veterans and do llittle to nothing for us during service or as we retire! And knowing someone or starting a business is not the answer and certainly not what we were promised when recruited! The most important lesson I tell folks these days is NEVER LET A JOB DEFINE YOU!
3. Recommending Military Service. By the age of 9 years I had been a hostage for six months each in military coupes in Peru and Libya where my Dad worked for Exxon. My Dad being a US Navy Vet in the Korean War raised us to be patriotic and to love our country which helped us survive hardship. We arrived in Libya in 1969, 72 hrs before Ghaddaffi took over Libya! Our first six months under marshal law and locked in our houses susceptible to being shot if found outside with tanks on the streets, soldiers shooting in the air and fighters flying overhead 24/7 would be the toughest of my life! The Commander of Wheelus AFB, Tripoli, Libya in 1969 was Colonel Daniel Chappie James, later to be the USAF's first Black Four Star General. He was a huge guy, warm, caring and bigger than life and he loved kids! He came to my Oil Company School every other month for a year before the USAF base was shut down and American Military thrown out. He spent that time talking about patriotism, citizenship, values, those things many of us grew up on and can still remember from the 1960s and 1970s! I would remember his lessons going onto Reserve Officer Training at Texas Christian University while majoring in Nursing and Spanish and them commissioned into the USAF for 28 years. While I still remain proud of my military service, and US values, I also feel betrayed by the Department of Defense and the US Air Force! How can I have been successful in four different career fields and achieved so much in the military to go into civilian life and never find a job! I feel lied to by the Department of Defense and the US Air Force to the extent that I don't recommend military service to anyone!

Response by SPC John Fleenor made Sep 27 at 2023 6:11 PM

SPC John Fleenor — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:11:41 -0400

I think the main problem is there is no visibility to the military like there used to be. There needs to be TV and radio commercials promoting the military and what it has to offer.

And I’m not talking about those cheesy TV commercials that came out not that long ago. Those were horrible and did a major disservice to military recruiting. I couldn’t take it seriously so I know that the targeted audience certainly couldn’t have taken it seriously either.

Response by SPC Salvatore R LaRosa made Sep 28 at 2023 11:46 PM

SPC Salvatore R LaRosa — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:46:49 -0400

Lack of patriotism and responsibility. Education and benefits are one. But the current Administration’s lack of respect and transgender, homosexuality recruiting is a problem!

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Oct 9 at 2023 1:33 PM

CPL Sheila Lewis — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:33:15 -0400

I would consider those Veteran who did not get to retire, not medically retired, but were Honorably discharged. I would be interested in serving.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 23 at 2023 9:27 AM

1SG James Kelly — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:27:51 -0400

Get rid of ALL the liberals.

Response by AN Alan Linn made Oct 31 at 2023 11:48 PM

AN Alan Linn — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 23:48:47 -0400

Reinstitute the draft for anyone (boy or girl) over the age of 18 years old. If they are too fat or whatever to go directly into Boot Camp, put them in a special training facility to get them in shape for the draft.
Most of today's 18 to 24 year olds do not have any ambition to do anything except party, social media and playing games on their phones while living off of Mom and Dad. They have little respect for anyone because they believe nobody, including their parents, can touch them or be arrested. So then
the kids can do whatever they want without consequences.
I was a bad kid until the Navy made me a better man and I believe it can do the same for these young people today, along with filling our recruitment requirements.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Nov 13 at 2023 4:28 PM

SrA James Cannon — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:28:36 -0500

I'd remove the requirement that a recruit possess a high school diploma or GED prior to enlistment. Can a high school drop out really not be able to serve in the military? How many GIs in World War II didn't have a diploma? Quite a few. If a recruit makes a certain minimum score on the ASVAB, let them join. Put those folks through some sort of GED course after basic training. I had buddy get his GED in the Army like that in the 1980s. Bring that program back. It will help recruiting some amount.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2023 12:23 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:23:59 -0500

Allow older veterans/ those just out to come back in to the respect MOS's or learn newer skills and fill up those slots in the units. we have a lot of skills to the I for one would do it.

Response by SPC Ed Kittle made Nov 15 at 2023 11:55 AM

SPC Ed Kittle — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:55:37 -0500

I think everyone should have to do at least 2 years active military service

Response by SPC Ed Kittle made Nov 15 at 2023 12:00 PM

SPC Ed Kittle — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:04 -0500

don't give a damn about their feeling, just make them do what is right and weed out the whinners with discipline. if they don't want to fight for freedom lock them up and throw the key away.

Response by PO2 Robert Carrillo made Nov 15 at 2023 7:22 PM

PO2 Robert Carrillo — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:22:26 -0500

Stop turning the military into a sort of social experiment, get real men and real women by that I mean biological real men and women. We might end up going to war and I hate for some guy who thinks he's a woman to forget his makeup bag. Sound harsh yeah? You better get your head out of your a__ , know your enemy isn't going to give a dam about what the definition of a woman is, he is going to KILL you despite what you think

Response by MSgt Dexter Voter made Nov 16 at 2023 12:25 AM

MSgt Dexter Voter — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:25:47 -0500

Get rid of woke leadership and start treating the recruits as military people not babies. No one wants to join any service when they have to serve with people who can not stand up to the training. Lowering standards is not the answer.

Response by MSG Paul L made Nov 16 at 2023 9:24 AM

MSG Paul L — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:24:38 -0500

I got the message from politicians and appointees that people like me, citizens with traditional values, aren't valued any longer and are extremists because of those values and religious beliefs. For that and other reasons I don't recommend service to friends or family any longer.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Nov 16 at 2023 11:21 AM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:21:00 -0500

Maybe you could start by explaining what the VA system will be like when they leave service and its shortcomings. Long delays of coverage delayed for decades. Talk about lifetime experiences found in no other job. Get rid of the classification system and treat all as trusted soldiers. Us a hammer when they stray.

Response by SSG Michael Schneider made Nov 17 at 2023 6:49 AM

SSG Michael Schneider — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:49:15 -0500

Let's face facts, the average American male today is not only out of shape they are also out of touch with reality! Video games; movies; the Internet and, their education have destroyed their perception of reality. The educational system indoctrinates them without educating them! My generation had mandatory physical education in school, today so many school districts have eliminated PE and, have concentrated on teaching Woke subjects. I personally believe that the Marxist have totally taken over the education system in America and that unless this situation is reversed we are doomed!

Response by SrA Van Deen made Nov 17 at 2023 5:22 PM

SrA Van Deen — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:22:48 -0500

Are the military benefits good anymore?

How many active duty , and veterans actively advise their children to not serve.

The real issue is the lack of faith in leadership, and how active/ veterans get treated.

Response by PO3 Ted G made Nov 18 at 2023 8:22 AM

PO3 Ted G — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 08:22:35 -0500

Reality, only 1% of the general population ever served or is serving in the military. Present recruiting is targeting the 20% of the population that would never join and will not make good military personnel, and the 1% would rather not think about. They need to stop trying to recruit the people that will never join the military and go back to recruiting the people that are willing to join.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2023 9:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:55:25 -0500

Ban homosexuals and transgenders and go back to the draft where everybody serves a minimum of 3 years

Response by SSgt James Mathews made Dec 11 at 2023 7:45 PM

SSgt James Mathews — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:45:12 -0500

How would I solve the problem? I would bring back the drill instructors from the 50's and 60's. Stop asking recruits to do something and stop being afraid that someone will be offended. Where is R. Lee Ermey?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2023 9:40 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:40:05 -0500

Might be time to start offering citizenship to the border crossers in exchange for service.

Response by SP5 Dennis Griffy made Dec 13 at 2023 9:20 PM

SP5 Dennis Griffy — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 21:20:07 -0500

When publicly traded companies fail to produce results, a change in management usually follows that restores profitability. Just saying

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2023 10:39 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:39:24 -0500

The cycle of poverty will always give us enough people with little other options. It’snsad but true. I am a product of it.

Response by Maj Randy Nelson made Dec 14 at 2023 5:37 PM

Maj Randy Nelson — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:37:07 -0500

Causes: #1 Wokeness, #2 We haven't won a war since WWII, #3 New generation only cares about themselves.
Cures: #1 Clean out all the deadwood in our mostly useless general officer corps. #2 Make service tough and honorable again. #3 Never lower standards- If we can't get enough people, then we manage with a leaner force. If we can't manage with that, then this country is no longer deserving of our blood.

Response by Ellen Pope made Dec 15 at 2023 12:33 AM

Ellen Pope — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:33:00 -0500

Illegal migraines should be forced into military service to earn their citizenship and learn English, as well as a skill, and earn a paycheck, so they won’t be a burden to taxpayers. Watch fewer migrants trying to enter illegally! They shouldn’t get a free pass, but should earn a DD214 and VA benefits.

Response by LTC Myron Opfermann made Dec 17 at 2023 2:44 PM

LTC Myron Opfermann — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:44:56 -0500

That is a tough problem to solve. I don't believe in lowering the standards of what it takes to be in service. PT tests, handling your individual weapon, etc. have to stay, lowering them will get people killed. But perhaps some of the other enlistment qualifications could be modified, not lowering it to Cat IV of the Armed Forces Qualification Test as McNamara did in Vietnam. But perhaps the medical and drug issues could be broadened. The age for enlistment has been increased and overweight has always been addressed. I rarely see commercials or advertisements for joining any of the armed forces, that could be punched up as others have suggested (or is it a sign of the regard the armed forces are held in?). But what about upping the pay, it's common knowledge that our lower ranks struggle especially those with families. We seem to be able to print money for immigrants and other questionable projects. Why not money for those who defend our country?

Response by SSG William Hommel made Dec 25 at 2023 11:51 PM

SSG William Hommel — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 23:51:30 -0500

Young generations are being taught by all these evil people to hate America instead of loving or serving Her. Only way to fix it is going to take another generation to reverse the effects: Get all your conservative friends to the voting stations-- and make sure they get their friends to vote, and so on down the line. Get the ****ing activists out of the white house, out of congress and yes, even some of our freaking generals need to get BOOTED. Austin, Milley.. all of them. The buck stopped there.

Response by CMDCM Larry Day made Dec 28 at 2023 1:53 PM

CMDCM Larry Day — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 13:53:27 -0500

The young in the U.S. nowadays only care about partying, protesting and living off their parents for as long as possible. They have no desire to work or to be serious about getting an education, so the military to them is too strict so they can't do what they want when they want. Taking orders is taboo to them.

Response by SSgt Earle Whitcher made Jan 3 at 2024 6:32 PM

SSgt Earle Whitcher — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:32:47 -0500

Reinstate the draft - this would enable the branches to meet their recruiting goals and more importantly enable entire generations of young Americans to GROW UP!

Response by PO3 Ray Fischer made Jan 3 at 2024 6:38 PM

PO3 Ray Fischer — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:38:07 -0500

Bring back the draft and get these kids causing trouble with guns, stealing etc: off the streets. Just maybe they will cleanup their act with the help from our DI's across the board. Coming from experience as a bad boy and getting kicked out of school, just maybe the draft update would be a good thing.

Response by PVT Linda Maxey made Jan 3 at 2024 6:44 PM

PVT Linda Maxey — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:44:56 -0500

Stop fighting a thousand small wars all over the world, young kids are wise to the propaganda and Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex that sees soldiers as fodder doing the dirty work to protect Oligarchies..

Response by SPC Stan Mills made Jan 3 at 2024 7:48 PM

SPC Stan Mills — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:48:08 -0500

Poor support for all branches of service across the USA, to many civilians don't have a clue and could care less and a lot of the blame for that goes to our poor on facts news media across the board. We seam to have the dollars to fund many useless projects and several foreign country's, make the pay worthwhile, especially for combat ready units.

Response by SGT Nolan Hargrave made Jan 3 at 2024 8:11 PM

SGT Nolan Hargrave — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:11:28 -0500

Thousands of veterans would love nothing better than spending time recruiting! Some would do it for free, and some could use the money. I would love to be involved as it would help reduce the pressure on current duty soldiers on recruiting assignments.

Response by SSgt Steven Blanchard made Jan 3 at 2024 8:23 PM

SSgt Steven Blanchard — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:23:35 -0500

Live showing of openings. Drown Races, Pilots, Example! AT&T used the reactor for signups.

Response by PO1 David McCartney made Jan 3 at 2024 8:45 PM

PO1 David McCartney — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:45:07 -0500

Unfortunately these days in America, there’s no fix for it unless you can take the standards back to pre 1980. Today men are women and women are men so unless we put GOD first and dispose of all Democrats there’s No fix

Response by Amn Kathy C made Jan 3 at 2024 8:57 PM

Amn Kathy C — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:57:00 -0500

Go woke go broke even the military.

Response by PO2 David Reichert made Jan 3 at 2024 11:28 PM

PO2 David Reichert — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:28:33 -0500

I think we need to understand that military service is not attractive. It is essentially indentured servitude. I joined because my father was a WW2 and Korea vet. In my family you served. I did not like it, it was miserable. You need to be completely devoted to the service. Friends, family, other pursuits all become second. That was my reality. Service needs to be sold as a duty to your country much as paying taxes. You earn your right to be here though military service. It isn't fun but it is necessary. I think we need a program where all serve, perhaps a couple years. Forget this nonsense of recruitment, it doesn't work.

Response by SPC Staci Brill made Jan 4 at 2024 12:19 AM

SPC Staci Brill — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:19:08 -0500

It’s time to initiate the draft. Most of the young people today need to learn discipline, duty, honor and respect. Get rid of the woke culture politics.

Response by FN Dennis Cliff made Jan 4 at 2024 12:49 AM

FN Dennis Cliff — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:49:41 -0500

Today's US Military has the reputation of being in line with "Woke", Left Wing ideology, that values inclusiveness over merit. Configure the military back to the organization that it was sixty years ago. Study what happened to the Budweiser Co. when they incorporated Left Wing elements.

Response by PFC Kay Armstrong made Jan 4 at 2024 1:00 AM

PFC Kay Armstrong — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 01:00:33 -0500

Stop all the transgender and rainbow flags. Vote Joe Biden out of office. He doesn't respect the little people in the military, left our soldiers behind in Afghanistan to be killed, and has too many Chiefs and not enough "Indigenous people".
There is no respect for Joe Biden. I can't believe he had pride flags and topless transgender people at the white house. We have no military parades and flags flying in the homeless areas or even universities. JUST VOTE BIDEN OUT!!!

Response by 1SG Dave Brown made Jan 4 at 2024 5:32 AM

1SG Dave Brown — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:32:56 -0500

1. End the illegal, immoral, unconstitutional "wars."
2. Get rid of Biden and all Democratic-Marxist Party control of the DOD. No more woke generals like Milley, saying the number one threat to the United States is "white supremacism."
3. Cut the Pentagon budget by half and put the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard on OUR borders with the primary mission of guarding OUR borders, not Korea's, Germany's, Ukraine's or Israel's; in other words, a real Constitutional mission. Put the Navy in the Gulf of Mexico and coast patrols with the same mission (plus drug interdicting). Plenty of family members would get motivated and "fired up" by this real mission for American citizens.
4. Create a military retirement pension plan that VESTS with 5 years of service. A matching 401k, like civilian jobs in most city halls.
5. Build more VA hospitals, especially in states that have only one, and add full DENTAL and OPTOMETRY services for all vets. The VA should provide FREE transportation from anywhere in the state, with PAID VA professional drivers -- not like it is now, barely functional with volunteer DAV drivers. The new recruits DO know how vets are treated on the back end, after they leave service. Keep the promise at VA.
6. Limit the number of foreign nationals (aliens) who can enlist and make them pass an English test. Allow them to join ground combat units only; i.e., primarily Army infantry and Marines. For those with a clean service record of 5 years, give them a streamlined path to naturalization/citizenship fairly quickly. The should come from only close allies in good standing: Mexico, South Koreans, Filipinos, Europeans, Finns, Australians, New Zealanders.

Response by Col Michael Larson made Jan 4 at 2024 6:14 AM

Col Michael Larson — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:14:52 -0500

Stop calling young Caucasian males they are all racist. Stop declaring how all men are sexist. Stop indicating that Christians hate people who disagree with them. Stop pushing Diversity,Equity and Inclusion without ever defining what that means

Response by SN Vance Monet made Jan 4 at 2024 6:20 AM

SN Vance Monet — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:20:14 -0500

I would say that is where the Ivy-leaguers go, and have examples of veteran Ivy-leaguers who have changed the military to represent an educated population.

Response by SN Vance Monet made Jan 4 at 2024 6:20 AM

SN Vance Monet — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:20:48 -0500

People don't think that the military is where educated people go. Show them Ivy-leaguers, and you'll see what happens.

Response by CSM Ed Hepler made Jan 4 at 2024 7:40 AM

CSM Ed Hepler — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:40:41 -0500

Stop this transgender crap. Bring back the MEN and WOMEN, along with the requirements and standards once required...and get the VA up to par so vetrans can get the care they deserve...stop the automatic "no" response!

Response by PO1 Courtney Roberts made Jan 4 at 2024 8:56 AM

PO1 Courtney Roberts — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:56:14 -0500

Recall & reassess all those rej cted or expelled for ADHD & similar reasons. Those diagnoses were predominantly the symptoms of failed parenting, not defective men !

Response by CMSgt Brian Nehring made Jan 4 at 2024 9:05 AM

CMSgt Brian Nehring — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:05:42 -0500

The military needs to be an uniform service. We used have the same standards across the board. Now of you want a beard or a ponytail that is all right with us. It is not we train and fight together it is you can be whoever or whatever you want and people do not trust that you have their back. If people joined and understood that we are from all walks of life and areas of the country but we all have to maintain the same accountability for our actions that might help. The military should not be a place that can showcase how we are different but how we are the same and working for the good of the country and the people we are called to protect and serve. The social experiment has failed and we need to start showcasing the greatness of our country and military personnel.

Response by SGT Jamal P made Jan 4 at 2024 9:18 AM

SGT Jamal P — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:18:11 -0500

Have to play to the military strengths. Every veteran tells a story. Most modern veterans wrap the good in the middle and exemplify the bad, but even with those bad we wouldn't trade those experiences. Real talk is what encourages boys. Like 12 mile rucks with 75lbs after an jump at 4a. Easy to see the hardship, it's that difficulty that enhances its value. Every man wants to be great and the military accomplishes some amazing movie style things constantly and that's where the push should start from.

Response by Lt Col Richard Onken made Jan 4 at 2024 9:21 AM

Lt Col Richard Onken — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:21:08 -0500

A big change that I don't see many talking about is the electronic health record and the impact on not accepting a recruit for medical reasons. This is an area where recruiters can't do much, can't argue much. It is like a referee in a football game being able to throw a flag and it ends the game. What happens at times is technology adjusts but the yardstick by which we measure things does not. The Electronic Health Record has made it such that every single thing that has happened to a potential recruit in their life is on full display and so for example someone who has had multiple concussions due to playing sports is flagged as oh, not sure, this could be a problem. The military should want people who have lived a real life, played sports, worked as a team, known pain, suffering, and recovered from it. It's a good thing.

Response by PO1 Michael. Becker made Jan 4 at 2024 9:34 AM

PO1 Michael. Becker — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:34:05 -0500

Invoke the Draft... Make it a four year commitment / Problem Solved

Response by 1SG George Truelove made Jan 4 at 2024 9:36 AM

1SG George Truelove — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:36:00 -0500

Spent 12 years in the Army recruiting command starting right after the end of Vietnam. It has never end easy to fill the ranks with bright young kids but for the most part we shoot ourselves in the foot. You have 4 branches of service competing with each other for the same group of kids. After a recruiter from each branch tells them how bad the other is the kids simply decide none of them are telling the truth and say no to all. Stop putting one service ahead of the other create a DOD recruiting with members of each branch with a goal of filling all branches needs. The cost savings from reduced space could be better spent on advertising. Any idea how much money could be saved with not four but just one recruiting command! Could you just imagine a Air Force recruiter saying " I'm sorry but all those aircraft maintenance jobs in the AF have been taken, but did you know the Army has one of the largest air force in the world and they need maintenance too. It's never going to be easy but we can stop making it so hard.

Response by HN Cheryl Palmer made Jan 4 at 2024 10:21 AM

HN Cheryl Palmer — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:21:51 -0500

I have worked with many young adults in the community over the years. Already, many of these individuals have faced many of life's challenges. I often encourage joining the military because when I was out of high school and unaware I sought the opportunities of the military. Many who have trusted me and attempted to join shared that there are requirements that are now put into place i.e. having college credits. This should truly be revised or eradicated because in current times and forward the challenges that are faced by them will never allow or provide the resources that are needed. The requirements to join should be minimalized. College is not the answer for everyone.

Response by Sgt Bebe Brock made Jan 4 at 2024 3:14 PM

Sgt Bebe Brock — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:14:47 -0500

I think the military needs to make a huge effort to use social media effectively. The younger generations are all about social media and get so much of their information/news/influence from it. If the military had social media specialists (maybe make it a part of the public affairs office and hire/train social media specialists) that used social media in a way that appealed to kids, they may catch the attention of young people. Glitzy, sleek, social media posts sets to cool music showing the really exciting stuff like the jets, the pilots, the firearms, the carriers and subs, the guys jumping out of planes, the world travel such a military members stationed in other countries like Japan/Korea/Germany/England. Stuff like that would intrigue younger folks. Also emphasize the benefits like the GI Bill, the free housing and medical/dental and the free comprehensive training that you get to do your military job and how that training can help you get hired after you return to civilian life. How about an outreach program to the Department of human services of each state and try and coordinate with them to give information packets about military service to kids that are about to age out of foster care? The recruiters could have the packets pre-made with all the pamphlets and booklets and their contact information and the social workers could hand them out to the kids. These kids have no resources or family to help them after they age out and the military would actually be an ideal option for them.

Response by MSgt Scott Howard made Jan 4 at 2024 5:35 PM

MSgt Scott Howard — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 17:35:26 -0500

Refocus on what the military does, fighting. The DEI stuff and the purge of patriotic soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines definitely sent the wrong signal. These are the very ones who believe in our Constitution and are willing to fight for it

Response by PO3 Jerome Powell made Jan 5 at 2024 11:15 AM

PO3 Jerome Powell — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:15:42 -0500

I would say you offer part of there service as an associates toward a collaged degree, then you will potentially have more student coming from high school that will look a the military as a viable option for a means to getting credit for college while making money. Then if you piggy back that with the GI Bill it would only sweetened the deal. It's really just making the A-School/ C-School could more heavily to their credit once our solders are have retire or have gotten out of the service. It will help them to make that transfer to civilian life a little more seem less as begin their new jobs outside the service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 5 at 2024 12:43 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:43:32 -0500

Every recruit gets this trophy!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2024 8:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 20:58:36 -0500

Draft.

Response by TSgt Dan Freeman made Jan 6 at 2024 11:50 AM

TSgt Dan Freeman — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 11:50:10 -0500

Activate the selective service system and make it mandatory that all illegal aliens captured on American soil be inducted into a "prep school" designed for conscription to active duty military service and citizenship or be deported.

Response by MSgt Tracey Ulanski made Jan 7 at 2024 8:20 PM

MSgt Tracey Ulanski — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:20:44 -0500

Allow the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited in grade schools again and teach American history and Civics, not gender theory and critical race theory. Kids these days don't know what it means to be an American and how privileged we are to live in a free society, so there's nothing for them to fight for and patriotism is in the tank.

Response by SrA Jose S. made Jan 11 at 2024 6:10 AM

SrA Jose S. — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:10:43 -0500

Don’t recruit illegals, like Democrats want to do. Can be a threat to national security because of the fact there is no way to background check to see if they have terrorist ties. There are people coming in the southern border that are from Africa and the Middle East. The way to have more people in military is to have what Israel has and that is to have mandatory service in armed forces. Of course they should still do medical testing and ASVAB testing. They should have to do at least 2years with option to extend to get full benefits also most of the time they will stick it out to get their 20 years. Also people that are naturalized and those who become legal citizens should also serve as well.

Response by MSgt Reginald Davenport made Jan 11 at 2024 10:51 AM

MSgt Reginald Davenport — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:51:02 -0500

I will make this brief since I am retired Air Force and casually keep up with current events. My understanding is that the Air Force raised the age limit to 42. This can probably entice people to enlist, serve 20 years and be enabled to lock in the points needed for Social Security benefits at their retirement age. And speaking of points for Social Security - that could be a way to solve the recruiting challenge. If the people on the street understand that they can have a guaranteed job -> career -> points for Social Security, maybe that will entice them.

Response by SFC Kurt Brunken made Jan 11 at 2024 1:19 PM

SFC Kurt Brunken — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:19:40 -0500

Less DEI, Less Alphabet Training in general. More focused training on peer/near-peer adversaries. That and stop lowering standards, it doesn't do any good.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Jan 11 at 2024 11:51 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 23:51:25 -0500

1. Stop advertising about "inclusivity" in the military. The military is NOT "inclusive," it is EXCLUSIVE. People who want to join will apply, people who do NOT want to join will NOT apply. The EEO message is for the joiners and can be communicated and enforced as it has been (especially recently). We are kind of like a Private Club (no pun intended). If you want to join, show that you want to join. You show us, not the other way around.

2. Start generating some DANG pride in our Country, as opposed to pride in ... ahem ... well, let's just focus back on our country. Start in the Junior High Schools, and work up from there.

3. Advertise the Enlistment-as-a-path-to-Citizenship aspect. Advertise other benefits, such as free skill training (i.e. electrician, plumber, metal/wood/etc. fabrication, clerk, secretary [and don't tell me those don't pay well], technician, painter, etc.).

4. Show some success stories. Mine: I was part of a team that did final assembly and checkout of the Space Shuttle Orbiter (Discovery and Atlantis). I STOOD ON THE FLIGHT DECK OF A SPACE SHIP!

Response by CPL David Widding made Jan 12 at 2024 9:45 AM

CPL David Widding — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:45:40 -0500

The military is in trouble because of bad leadership.
Simple fix every officer and civilan leader over the rank of Captain (03 or above) retire today. I know the argument we need good leaders think about current leadership Sec Austin disapeared for a week no one knew he was gone and noone was looking for him military worked fine without him. Senior military leaders lack honesty integrity and charactor. O-1 through O-3 have a chance to become quality leaders but the current leadership will run the good ones off and keep the POS just like Sec Austin and Gen. Milley.
Shut down the War Collage we saw how well that worked in Afghanistan.
Focuse on your new enlisted. Rather than waste money advertising with the NFL and doing Fly over for professional sports take that money and invest in JROCT make JROTC fun rather than teach drill and ceremony take them to the range and shoot M4, teach and run land navigation. Teach and run obstacle cources and repelling. Make the military fun again.
Change the markting plan. Currently the military promotes ALL white people are bad, racists, evil, former slaveowners who have had a privlaged life. And it is working white recrutes are down. Unfortunatly the transgender and GLBT folk that the military desires are not signing up. But then again if we get rid of our leaders the plan will change.

Response by SFC Bryan Livasy made Jan 12 at 2024 12:19 PM

SFC Bryan Livasy — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:19:34 -0500

Get the Government to quit giving away free college to those who haven't earned it would be good start

Response by SGT Mike Murphy made Jan 13 at 2024 12:30 AM

SGT Mike Murphy — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 00:30:57 -0500

As a former US Army recruiter I have thought a lot about this subject. I only served 6 years active more than half of which I was overseas. Recruiting duty was tough. The toughest job I ever had in the Army or after. I was assigned as a recruiter to Northern Iowa where I was not from. It was right after the end of our involvement in Vietnam and we were treated pretty poorly by the community. I made mission but had to work long hours with very few days off. I was always in recruiting mode. I recruited a young man out of his brother’s military funeral. I had access to 22 high schools and 3 colleges. Most of the kids I recruited were more than qualified both physically and mentally. Not like this latest generation. If it was up to me I would save a ton of money and just start up the draft again. I served with many draftees. They were, for the most part, very good soldiers. I was so disgusted with the whole process I chose to ETS rather than continue.

Response by SP5 Edward Chapman made Jan 14 at 2024 3:03 PM

SP5 Edward Chapman — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:03:04 -0500

As a retired personnel specialist, I would suggest going back to real basics. Restart high school and college level ROTC units. Improve the training of current active duty personnel to include not only MOS training but also on-duty college education. And get rid of the Gestapo units currently ensuring political correctness.

Response by SPC Charles Schadt made Jan 14 at 2024 4:22 PM

SPC Charles Schadt — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:22:05 -0500

Get rid of the old military generals who now wear dresses instead of a mans uniform. Bring back the draft and teach these lazy ass kids some responsibility seeing their parents cant. If a young man comes into the USA illegally then he has to do 3 years of service to be eligiable to stay here. If your in this country then you can serve.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Jan 14 at 2024 7:37 PM

SPC Edward Abney — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:37:30 -0500

Bring back the Draft!

Response by SGT Robert Urbaniak made Jan 14 at 2024 8:01 PM

SGT Robert Urbaniak — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:01:21 -0500

Bring back the Draft.

Response by LTC Peter Angelou Jr. made Jan 15 at 2024 11:44 AM

LTC Peter Angelou Jr. — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:44:56 -0500

Have Congress reinstitute the DRAFT.
All Americans should be required to preform at least 18 months of Military service.
No exemptions allowed.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jan 15 at 2024 2:46 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:46:10 -0500

I have read many solid reasons why recruitment is terrible. And they are all valid and true.
Having said that, starting today re route your advertising to patriotism, challenges, paid education, and a decent pay check.
Bring back civilian recruiting Incentives. Get the public involved and a feeling of a necessity. As a country and a team. A call to arms.
The woke movement that has infiltrated the education system has crippled recruitment.
The military advertisement must show youth another alternative to the woke societal fostered idealism as keepers of freedom, of patriotism, and history of America...
Go directly to military recruiting schools and re do regulations, retool recruiters duties in their communities as ambassadors.
It seems monumental, but can be done. Changes must happen now!!

Response by SSG Richard Linck made Jan 15 at 2024 3:32 PM

SSG Richard Linck — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:32:28 -0500

Go back to being military and stop being a social engineering experiment.

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Jan 15 at 2024 7:59 PM

SP5 James Johnson — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:59:31 -0500

EASY, get rid of current leardership.

Response by MAJ Mike Law made Jan 16 at 2024 1:23 PM

MAJ Mike Law — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:23:10 -0500

If I were king of the world...Bring back the draft BUT...if someone wants to enlist, let them do so - but for an 8-year active duty commitment (everyone that enlists already has an 8-year commitment broken down into AD, Active Reserves, Inactive Reserve, etc). Some of the most desirable jobs might have to be reserved for enlistees (due to length of training, etc.). Have a pay scale that pays enlistees more than draftees - after all, they have committed more of their lives. Allow a draftee to convert over to enlisted status at any point in their draft obligation (some draftees are going to get into the system and like it) and get credit for however much of their draft obligation has already been completed towards the 8-year AD total for enlistees. Once folks get to the 8-year point, I suspect that retention is not going to be as much of an issue since they are almost halfway to the 20-year mark. As an additional idea, draft the "obese" and send them (in a paid status) to an intense (so they REALLY want to complete the program and not just hang around) pre-basic training program - their draft obligation shouldn't start until they graduate the pre-basic training weight-loss program. Eliminate draft deferments.

My solution would probably never be adopted but it is a pleasant thought to think that lots of draftees would figure out that they are not the center of the universe and that their WANTS come secondary to the NEEDS of the group.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2024 2:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:01:42 -0500

Reset to 1965

Response by SSgt William Blanshan made Jan 21 at 2024 7:15 AM

SSgt William Blanshan — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:15:43 -0500

vote the commiecraps out of office. go bak to what the Military is supposed to be, not some retarded DEI fascst organization. No women in combat roles (the Nazi's and the Soviet Union not to mention the Chinese did that). Take Basic training back to what it used to be. When my father went through basic, the Drill Instructors could beat the crap out of you. When I went through basic training, they couldn't lay a hand on you, but the COULD peg you in the skull with that Smokey the bear" hat (I still have the mark, lol).

The military is not a training ground for pussies and anarchists. We we, are and always will be, in a single job. To support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. we fight wars and kill enemies. it's our thing. It's what we used to do best. Like everything else, the Democrats have taken us from the top to the bottom.

Response by PO3 Robert Mullin made Feb 21 at 2024 2:14 PM

PO3 Robert Mullin — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:14:35 -0500

Need lots of people okay

Response by PO3 Bryan Dyer made Feb 23 at 2024 12:05 PM

PO3 Bryan Dyer — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:05:30 -0500

1. Remove the voluntary status. You serve - you get benefits, a lifetime stipend, and a path to citizenship. Everyone serves in the military, no exception, if health factors abide, then you can serve in state-based non-profits, entry-level government work, etc.
2. Gym class in middle school/high school.
3. Recognize that this next generation didn't grow up with 9/11 and they're five decades away from Vietnam and almost a century away from WWII.

The voluntary basis of service is not a heroic thing to do, it's pretty much just bribing the poor and misguided and then training them to go to war. We're in a peace-time era and we should enjoy a point in our lives where we don't have brothers and sisters-in-arms being injured in twenty-year wars. We should also recognize that things have changed and that the 9/11 blood cry has changed to a TikTok murmur.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 23 at 2024 1:20 PM

1SG John Millan — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:20:09 -0500

End woke, DEI, CRT, promoting divisive ideologies, drop the whatever month or day and focus solely on warrior, combat training. Train to fight, kill, win. This soft, non warrior military and the Cpl klinger stuff has absolutely ruined the military, along with subtle doses of Marxism and a subliminal hate for America. Only the USMC is basically combat ready and it has serious problems; no iron sights, no snipers, no armor and no engineers and it too lowered standards, while silently smiling as it was force fed PC lunacy. Army, AF and Navy are not combat ready .china and NK train to kill us and we’re teaching Soldiers than men can have babies and to focus on pronouns vs. warfighting. It’s literal insanity.

Response by Cpl Brad MarkW made Mar 3 at 2024 12:29 AM

Cpl Brad MarkW — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:29:30 -0500

I don't know, maybe making a recruiting video about a soldier named Emma, who was raised by two moms (one who appears to be trans) didn't strike a chord with the general public? It is possible that spending 100 million on a video aimed at recruiting the least likely people to join the military was a bad idea? I am guessing the .05% of America that falls in the the category of "two moms" was the brain child of the same misguided people who gave us the marketing strategies that led to the the Bud Light, and now Nike debacles. I know, let's insult and alienate our customer base while simultaneously trivializing the subject of the campaign, turning them into a punchline. That won't backfire or manage to turn everyone away from our core message. At least that's what they taught me at Harvard.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2024 9:56 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:56:20 -0500

Since the inception of volunteer enlistment, the same standard practice of medical processing has been utilized and military doctors had to go off only what was listed on the pre-screen. Recruiting has seen a slight short fall for several years but what has caused a huge downfall in the number of people joining the military? For nearly 2 years meps medical has been mandated by DOD to use a system called MH Genesis which pulls an applicants past medical history from the health information exchange which completely changed everything yet we expect the same result. The point of this was to reduce the high attrition rate within initial training.

Response by SFC Mahlon Paul Manson made Mar 6 at 2024 2:02 PM

SFC Mahlon Paul Manson — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:02:05 -0500

Personally I would bring back the Draft, this time no deferments. It would give everyone in this country a chance of ownership in this nation. Currently less than 1% now serve, and they are carrying the 99% that don't serve. The people who were drafted wouldn't necessarily go into the military but serve as needed, Firefighters, Police, forestry workers, prison guards, etc.

Response by PO3 Dan Harrison made Mar 9 at 2024 1:01 PM

PO3 Dan Harrison — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:01:21 -0500

Have a Commander-in-Chief who you can respect and who respects the military.

Response by SGT Jim Giffin made Mar 19 at 2024 3:05 PM

SGT Jim Giffin — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:05:25 -0400

Maybe a look at Israel or South Korea. Mandatory 2 years service after graduation. Have PE programs in schools to teach physical fitness and not square dancing and twerking. I know I am old school, but we actually had to sweat in PE and Sports. Along with the physical fitness, revisit teaching American History and Government Classes. See why we are America. Prepare them for service. On a lighter side, bring back the "Shark Attack" in Basic Training.

Response by LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones made Mar 29 at 2024 11:00 AM

LTC Thomas (Tom) Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:00:21 -0400

My "tongue-in-check" answer is, rather than shipping illegal border crossers to Chicago or Martha's Vinyard, send 'em to Paris Island.

Response by SSG Herbert Harris made Apr 2 at 2024 12:23 AM

SSG Herbert Harris — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:23:22 -0400

Get rid of the Anti Military Traitor joe Administration and his Pentagon lackeys! Go back to recruiting able bodied recruits and dump the woke wannabe but do not want to live the military life! Elect a president who is pro military, not some run and hide in Canada pot smoking druggie! The young people today do not understand havinto work 8 hours much less 24 hours in a war zone! Just my opinion!

Response by SCPO Larry Sell made Apr 2 at 2024 11:21 AM

SCPO Larry Sell — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:21:15 -0400

Conscripted service. Every 18 yo should be required to provide a service to their country. Nearly every public service institution in America is understaffed. 18 months minimum service for which a one for one month of college tuition is provided upon successful completion. These are all paid as internships or apprenticeships.

It would of course be objected too at first as every change is. However overtime, this would be acceptable as the norm.

Also, as a path to citizenship for Dreamers and legal immigrants. Has been a very successful program in the past. 100's of thousands of Philippino's now US citizens due to this program.

Response by BG Edward Burley made Apr 2 at 2024 11:37 AM

BG Edward Burley — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:37:11 -0400

One of the biggest issues facing military recruiting today stems from implementation of the Genesis medical system. Genesis accesses not only military records, but all medical records across hospital and clinical databases, and often disqualifies promising young kids for reasons that would have disqualified most of the veterans here. Diagnosed for a year or two as having "childhood asthma" that resolved itself? Disqualified. A broken back or other serious childhood fracture that is completely healed? Disqualified. Depression counseling after your parents divorced as a kid? Often disqualified. It all shows up in Genesis. Too much information can be a curse.

We have enough problems with increases in childhood obesity in recruiting. Childhood obesity has tripled in the last three decades, with the percentage of obese youth in the USA at 17% or 1 out of 6 in 2022. The three leading reasons why young Americans are ineligible for military service are academic unpreparedness (no high school diploma or GED), a record of crime or drug abuse, and overweight. Claims of "wokeness" being a factor is just political posturing. It's statistics that affect every aspect of recruiting (age, medical, illegal drug use, criminal history, citizenship, education).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2024 7:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:58:51 -0400

It's a simple matter of economics and quality of life.
Is the life of a recruit greater than or equal to the life of of an equivalent position outside the service. The answer is almost overwhelmingly no. In the Roman military pay, food, and care were superior than the average person. If you made it to retirement you also were guaranteed a relatively huge stipend and retirement.
In the modern military, pay, food, and quality of life are on average significantly worse. Most members don't make it to retirement incentives that cannot be gotten until after a term is hardly motivation to join, when we have horror story after horror story on blast because of social media.

So how do we increase retention and enlistment
1) NCOs and officers all need course in organizational psychology
2) bad leadership needs to be identified and purged from service, publicly so people see changes are being made
3) quality of life, pay, and food need to be equal to or supercede the civilian equivalent.
4) implement tiered incentives based on time in service so that people don't have to wait until the end of service to get benefits

Response by PO1 Don Rowan made Apr 3 at 2024 9:10 AM

PO1 Don Rowan — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:10:53 -0400

Bring back the draft and watch the children run.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2024 1:13 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:13:50 -0400

Same issues were prevalent in the Post-Vietnam era. Many of the same reasons were given then as well for young people not signing up. Causes? Well, duh, it is inevitable that 20 plus years of war, with probably less than 1% of the population carrying the brunt of the burden, veterans would rather be seen and not heard by the public and then the "pitting" of one era veteran against another for benefits, everyone talking up the military servicemen and women while mocking them behind their back for serving while they went out and made their fortune, blah, blah, blah, etc, etc.....same stuff different era............The older generation always talks trash about the younger, we have all lived it, especially in the military.............However, I can not think of one generation of Americans that has not come through in the "crunch". And, so it will be again, now as far as how to address it............
1st: Get rid of the fat........the fat at the top of the military pyramid, we don't need so many officers
2nd. Provide the challenge, same as back in the Post Vietnam Era, those that want the challenge will join and become the cadre for the next step in reorganization. Make men and women both have the same training, uniforms and grooming standards and if they can't they shouldn't join.
3rd: Stop trying to compete with the private sector, they do a better job of training and payment. Everyone is expeditionary, so train them as such, maybe make everyone combat arms first tour and then 2nd tour they can join for a tradecraft or career.
3rd. Expound on the unique benefits of service.....................and stop privatizing all those benefits, revert back to some of the old time benefits, like commissaries and exchanges that serve the lower enlisted, base pools that are for the personnel and free, paid base housing, etc.....
3rd: Expand the pool of candidates, the officer corps and enlisteds...........to truely begin to reflect the demographics of this country........nothing but lip service since i first joined and still not there.
4th: Fast track the immigrants that want into this country and utilize their skills, if they have gotten into the country, they have skills that can be used in the military..........
5th: Find a way to employ all the people with student loans as way to repay the loans.....
6th: as is often said in the military, these suggestions are "not all encompassing" and of course require further revision and supplementation.............of course, this are just suggestions, and they are just off the top of my head, there will always be "naysayers' and haters, but this generation, like all the others before need certain things, .......they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, they want a purpose........the military can provide that, but they should be treated the way we wish we had been treated, fairly, without regard to our previous life and compensated justly and comparable to their peers in private life.

Response by SGT Scott Mason made Apr 4 at 2024 6:52 AM

SGT Scott Mason — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:52:50 -0400

Up the enlistment bonus and better commercials. Show how military experience will get you a better job in the civilian sector.

Response by Maj Robert Larkowski made Apr 4 at 2024 4:55 PM

Maj Robert Larkowski — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:55:47 -0400

Hit them in the face with Patriotism because we know the money is not going to cut it.
Also let's please blaming: woke" and DEI as the reasons why the young adults of today are not enlisting!

Response by Sgt Arthur Grant made Apr 5 at 2024 7:50 PM

Sgt Arthur Grant — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:50:42 -0400

First of all, what kind of person would want to serve? Someone who was RAISED to see the United States as WORTHY of service. Me, I was in a family that had served for generations, and my dad's great uncle was one of only three Generals of the Armies of The United States. It was in my blood, quite literally. But today? The United States is wasting it's money dissolving college debts, and spending money on illegal aliens. WHAT has it done for VETERANS? Look how veterans are treated! We have trouble getting jobs, when corporations would rather import cheap foreign workers under programs such as H1B. FIRST, cut off the flow of imported cheap labor. Hell, remove the authorization of those already here. MAKE the corporations hire Americans! Corporations are not people with rights! Thomas Jefferson hated them, calling them "Aristocratic, defying the rule of law." THEN, give them incentive to hire veterans, let's say by giving them tax incentives. When your employer deducts income taxes, don't they also have to chip in? MAKE VETERANS TAX FREE. This would benefit the employer... AND it gets to the point of making veterans visibly valuable, THEN people would want to serve! We are not civilians, DAMMIT, and if the civilians don't like it, too freaking bad!

That still doesn't address the fact I wouldn't want to serve under the current administration even with my family history, but giving corporations a viable reason to hire American veterans would be a very good start. Hell, just make veterans tax free for all taxes! Use something like id dot me for validation. If those who seerve the country represent just a small portion of the population at large, then it would not be a great hit in so far as deriving operating revenue from the population, but it WOULD be a damn good incentive for service, wouldn't it?

There's my input, submitted for your approval. Semper fi.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Apr 6 at 2024 9:35 AM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 09:35:51 -0400

I t may be time to reconsider universal service with options to serve in the military or in public service for 2 years. A delay can be authorized for people in essential training. BCT should be extended a little to improve physical conditioning. People who have a hard time adjusting be sent to special training platoons, we had those and some good soldiers came out of them. Don’t let folks out just because they feel they don’t want to do that. Toughen up. Then make sure the benefits of serving honorably in the military are something to be desired in general such as subsidizing education of veterans to the extent we used to. Don’t exempt folks with ADHD and ASD as they can funnction well in structured consistent environments.

Response by CPO Melvin Miller made Apr 6 at 2024 7:50 PM

CPO Melvin Miller — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 19:50:32 -0400

Bring the draft back for all. Then have classes to lose weight, Get a GED. Those that still do not lpass could do work with seniors and VA clinics and hospitals. Other countries have a draft and it works for them. Minimun of two year obligation. Conservation corps etc,

Response by Sgt Fredric Garms made Apr 7 at 2024 4:52 PM

Sgt Fredric Garms — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:52:29 -0400

The WOKE MILITARY is ruining all of the ARMED SERVICES. Until it changes recruiting will be difficult.

Response by SFC Luis Rodriguez made Apr 7 at 2024 10:58 PM

SFC Luis Rodriguez — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:58:24 -0400

Abolish MAGA!

Response by PV2 Shane Williams Sr. made Apr 10 at 2024 4:28 PM

PV2 Shane Williams Sr. — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:28:11 -0400

I would start by returning it to a military outfit instead of a transgender medical depot and homosexual hide out. Short version, reinstate psych evals. Then I would start treating the vets we already have with a bit more respect(and by "a bit" I mean A LOT) so that recruits dont see discarded toys of the government and start seeing that there is benefit in being honorable even tho the honorable dont usually expect recognition. The US government has taken a dump on their soldiers for so long, there's no wonder there is a recruiting problem.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2024 8:26 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:26:25 -0400

Something of a mythological issue. Great options mean fewer recruits. Combined with the huge percentage of youth who require waivers, even the willing interested sour on the first impression of bureaucracy.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2024 8:26 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:26:30 -0400