Pool of potential enlistees is shrinking - due to obesity - any suggestions?

I was in phenomenal shape before BCT. Personal trainer 3 years prior, picked up CrossFit as my main source of exercise. Weighed 175 with about 10% bf. The Army whittled me down to about 165 during my "stay" at Ft. Jackson. Came out faster, leaner, and weaker. Took about a full year to get my strength numbers back geez. Still score high on the PT test even though I'm in the Reserves. I think people are just lazy. My parents encouraged me to eat healthy and play sports, but it was me that wanted to be in the best shape I could be. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

Nothing. If a person can't take the initiative for their own health then they will become a liability to the military down the road. I'd rather have 10 service members who are disciplined to do whatever it takes over 10,000 lazy ones

When I used to train newly commissioned officers the dining facilities had too much fried food and did not do a good job on nutrition. There are often food deserts just off post - I personally have not eaten at a McDonalds nor Taco Bell in many a year. I am insulin resistant and unable to serve since my transfer to the retired reserve in 1998. That said I really watch my food (as does my spouse).

If people want to serve enough they can lose weight. I think the healthy economy has something to do with a shortage of volunteers. I joined the Army out of high school because I felt it was my patriotic duty. Later I joined the Air Force simply because I couldn't find a decent job.

PT....... individual Responsibility! Spent my career (30 years) in Special Operations, 82ND Airborne. Never, ever saw a problem. It's Leadership 101. Ever seen a Fat Boy in Ranger School? Me either

I think the height/weight standards are very restrictive so I don’t agree with that table with that being said the BMI is right on point because it addresses what’s HEALTHY. I join the Army at 200 pounds, for my age and height the standard was 185 but my BMI never exceeded 20% during my twenty years of service and I never meet the height/weight standards

There's not really anything you can do until people stop living sedentary lifestyles and stop eating alotta processed crap.

I was overweight before I went in, dropped 30 lbs in a month and gained muscle not hard, start cutting wood, lay off the pop and snacks

The problem is with our schools and overweight youth. Schools need to teach proper diet and the importance of a personal fitness program. A daily physical fitness program as part of the school day would help.

Do away with the early retirements and service limitations. Keep some of the Trained people we already have.