What can the DOD do to overcome its recruitment challenges?

2023-01-26T13:59:06-05:00

Most agree that the All-Volunteer Force (AVF) is facing historic and possibly unprecedented recruiting challenges. As the AVF turns 50 this July, military and congressional leaders are diagnosing the contributing causes and producing strategies to address them.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, summarized the problem last fall at an oversight hearing she chaired as head of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel.

“By the end of 2022, the active U.S. military will be at its smallest size since the creation of the All-Volunteer Force for which we mark the 50th anniversary next year,” Gillibrand said in opening the Sept. 21 hearing, where service branch officials testified. “All four military services here today have signaled significant concerns about the strength of their recruiting operations and their prospects for success in 2023.”

Why is this the case? Department of Defense (DOD) officials and lawmakers debated some reasons and solutions at December’s Reagan National Defense Forum. The Washington, D.C., event featured comments from:

Gen. David Berger, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Gilbert Cisneros, under secretary of defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois and an Army reserves Veteran.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, Republican of Wisconsin and a Marine Corps Veteran.

Youth less interested in military service

Observers cite the lower interest among young people to serve in the military as one reason for the recruiting deficiencies.

The fifth annual National Defense Survey, which the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute released in late December 2022, found that just 13% of 18- to 29-year-olds are “highly willing” to join the military, 25% are somewhat willing, 20% are not very willing, and about 26% are not willing at all. These and other results are based on interviews of 2,500 Americans conducted Nov. 9-17, 2022.

Trust in the military down

Fewer Americans say they have faith in the military, the Reagan institute survey also found. Just 48% of surveyed respondents said they had a great deal of trust in the military, compared with 70% who said that four years ago. Majorities said they had less confidence in the performance and competence of commanders-in-chief and the civilian military leadership. Other pollsters such as Gallup have found similar erosions in trust in the military.

The military needs to be creative in addressing these and other structural issues driving shortfalls in recruiting, Berger said at the forum and in an article for the U.S. Naval Institute published in November. This includes a long-term decline in the pool of service-eligible Americans who meet physical fitness and health requirements and who can pass the ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.

All of this is occurring in a society that’s more distant from the military, with fewer Americans having familial or community connections to military culture and careers, Berger wrote.

Negative news about an institution that Americans are less familiar with only saps confidence further, he said.

“If the only thing you know about (the military) is what you see on the news, it may not be good,” Berger said at the forum. In his article, he said other factors that have harmed public trust include the character of withdrawal from Afghanistan, military scandals, reports of military sexual assault, and a sense that military skills aren’t relevant to private-sector success.

Some of these perceptions can be shifted, especially now that recruiters can go back to meeting one-on-one with young people at schools, on campuses and in offices. But the old recruiter’s playbook won’t work, Berger and other panelists argued.

Service appeals that resonate with a new generation

Reversing trends in youths’ willingness to serve requires new recruiting strategies and messages that appeal to Generation Z, a cohort that Pew Research Center defines as those born between 1997-2012.

“Simply increasing the advertising budget to amplify existing narratives is unlikely to be effective in the future,” Berger wrote. “The services need new narratives and new vehicles for communicating those narratives.”

One way the military can break through to this generation is to showcase the benefits of military service. “We talk about service and what it does for the country,” Berger said, but less about “what it does for the individual.”

The military can do a better job communicating how even a few years of service can build skills that last a lifetime, he said. And it can demonstrate that service increases a person’s currency in the civilian job market.

Employers want to hire former service members, Berger said, because they know “they’re better citizens, they’re better employees.”

Duckworth said it’s also important to reach the parents of Gen Z, highlighting how service is a viable career path: Their kids “gain lots of experiences” in the military and “they’re going to be ahead of their peers when they come out in terms of a job.”

“That,” she said, is something “I don’t think we’re doing a good job of messaging to the American people.”

The senator noted that most people can understand how an Air Force pilot or medic has a path to a post-military career in aviation or health care. But the public may be less aware of other stepping stones that military service can provide.

Cisneros echoed this, arguing that potential recruits should know that the military can train them for other high-demand and well-paying jobs, including in trades such as in HVAC.

Make the AVF more permeable

The military needs to change how it operates to encourage more people to serve. Berger said it should be “easier to move between active duty and reserve in the civilian sector.”

“We have to make it a much more permeable All-Volunteer Force than we have (had) in the past,” he said. “People should be able to step out for two or three or four years, come back in.”

This would familiarize more people with the military, furthering heightening interest in service, he said.

Other ideas to boost recruiting

Other ideas for improving recruitment mentioned by panelists and in the article included:

Allowing the military to tap private-sector talent without requiring a full-fledged service commitment.

Replicating an Army “pre-boot-camp”-type pilot program that’s preparing young people physically and academically for military service.

Creating more opportunities for women and people of diverse backgrounds to succeed in the military.

Taking better care of service personnel and families by addressing food insecurity and other military quality-of-life issues.

Reforming leave policies to make it easier for women to serve.

Making sure the lower ranks can bring forth policy-change ideas.

Addressing generational gaps in recruitment planning so that strategies keep pace with social change and are relevant to the next generation of service members.

Learn more

Watch the forum discussion: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan-institute/programs/reagan-national-defense-forum/rndf-2022

Read Berger’s piece: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2022/november/recruiting-requires-bold-changes

Watch the Senate hearing: https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-receive-testimony-on-the-status-of-military-recruiting-and-retention-efforts-across-the-department-of-defense

2022 Reagan National Defense Forum

Past and upcoming Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) info. The nation’s premier defense forum discussing global challenges, threats and opportunities. The Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) brings together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including Members of Congress, current and former Administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators,...

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 26 at 2023 5:36 PM

2023-01-26T17:36:26-05:00

It has ups and downs- now the woke crap is in the majority- have no love of country, nor giving for somebody else. Brainwashed, coupled with the fact so many are so out of shape, they are a heart attack waiting to happen. Don't forget parents unable to raise their kids, and send them to drug land. land

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2023 11:25 PM

2023-01-27T23:25:25-05:00

Overall, I'd say the DoD should trim the fat. Get rid of jerk offs and idiots in the ranks. Enforce standards. Reward character, initiative, and aggression. Ensure our systems and processes are depoliticized and mission-focused. Give power back to the NCO. Plainly speaking, refine and improve the basics of military society, because it's degrading alongside modern culture wars.

But if they don't buy that, then raise our pay against inflation. Please!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 28 at 2023 9:50 AM

2023-01-28T09:50:11-05:00

Here I sat thinking, should I or should I not, then I read Bills (SGM) note and smiled.

Most people think about serving for multiple reasons, the main being the camaraderie and (yes) discipline they hear of because most people need structure in their lives and if they hear one thing on the street, in the news, or in movies, service e members as a whole are disciplined.

What they don’t respond to well is hearing how government is forcing the military to make changes that are not conducive to good order and discipline, and in the meantime supporting a soft approach to daily discipline and standards. While I am not on board with this same agenda, I know many of the people at senior levels in the military and can say that those I know are succumbing to pressure with their overt support of most of these changes.

Military forces while they come from a pool of all of us, gain aren’t looking for what our pool offers, or they would not have joined in the first place.

I am not going to pick woke apart, as sone things are just true of society and by law must be. When it is by law, that is when the military must evaluate, and determine how that law applies. They have never bad will never function when they are in front of laws to be part of a political party. The Commander and Chief is no longer a private citizen when performing in that capacity, he must apply changes only after they become law and the military (not following and agenda) evaluated and adopts after long standing revaluation and determination. Not because a political idea springs to the forefront of society.

What a shame to see the very fiber of that entity be shredded by politics. We need Generals and Admirals and CSM (Senior Enlisted Advisors) who do just that. Their job is to speak out and reject (in the appropriate setting) notions springing from political agendas.

Our nations young adults will not serve if they cannot feel as if the e leaders of their Teams don’t look out for them, provide them structure, development and the feeling of belonging.

For decades we have sent our Service members back into society a better citizen and employee. Can we say that now. When the military sucomes to an agenda what are we then returning to society to fill the ranks as Doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. if we accept mediocrity, allow political agendas to change society where are we, what have we accomplished. I want Service members who readily fight all enemies foreign and domestic, not who question every order before them and look to the private sector for clarification. The military cannot shift ideology like the wind and earn and maintain the type of honor to service and discipline required to win in battle, to not falter in the face of adversity and to support they fellow Service members and place their needs above their own.

I guess I did it again. A-political, the military needs to be the same. Service members need a purpose not CLIN flam from their leaders.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2023 10:53 AM

2023-01-28T10:53:46-05:00

The military's mission is to fight and win wars. Anything that detracts from that should be minimized or eliminated. I feel like many of the policies and practices being introduced in the last few years have caused people to turn away from the military. For instance, the push to allow transgender people to serve. Gender dysphoria is classified as a mental health condition, at least it was when I retired. In most cases, this makes the military a bad fit because of the amount of time spent outside of the unit with medical or with mental health professionals. Additionally, do you really think it's wise to put a male with a vagina in a berthing with 89 other males who have penises? What's going to happen when they all come back drunk when they've pulled into Singapore?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2023 11:17 PM

2023-01-28T23:17:10-05:00

Improve retention. Instead of asking how can we get more people.. A better question is how can we keep the people we have. Most of recruitment is replacing losses.

Response by PO3 Justin Bowen made Jan 29 at 2023 2:09 AM

2023-01-29T02:09:51-05:00

Maybe fix the whole rapists-being-protected thing and people might have a slightly better opinion of the military.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 29 at 2023 9:17 PM

2023-01-29T21:17:32-05:00

My question is does the military understand that generation?

Response by SGT David Shanley Jr. made Jan 30 at 2023 11:52 AM

2023-01-30T11:52:33-05:00

long list of issues that formed over the last 20 years

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jan 30 at 2023 2:07 PM

2023-01-30T14:07:58-05:00

I was going to suggest the military should sell itself as a place where the constantly changing norms of society are replaced with the very real and urgent need to be prepared to defend our fellow Americans. Instead of reducing standards, hold true to what has been established for fitness, preparedness and fighting ability. That was my initial thought.
But after reading the remarks from what appear to be from current generation veterans, the inherent lack of tact and respect seems to indicate that it is too late for that.
I have known veterans from as far back as WWII until current. This current generation seems to be the most disgruntled of all in spite of being better taken care of than any.
I'm not saying there aren't those that have slipped through the cracks and were not given the treatment they needed. For those of you railing against the mistreatment, go visit a Vietnam Vet or too. They came back to nothing but hate and a broken VA health system.
Now, as far as recruiting today's generation: I am at a loss. If they are listening to the minority of vets that are well represented in the responses here, there is little hope. But again, I believe it really is the overwhelming small few that scream the loudest at being oppressed and mistreated.
I hope that most of our veteran community that served during the last 20 years still believe in the mission. Bad decisions were made at the political level, that cannot be denied. But what we did was right. It kept the battlefield from hitting our shores.
Maybe there is something in that idea:
"Protect America from becoming a place where individual choices are not allowed. Sacrifice your individuality for a few years to ensure it will be there when you get older."

I know I will receive several vulgar responses to this, so hey man, FU2.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jan 30 at 2023 2:49 PM

2023-01-30T14:49:53-05:00

Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. I think one way would that the Navy never should've came with that High Year Tenure stuff. A lot of active duty Navy Sailors were involuntarily seperated. The same went for the Navy Reserves. I knew a lot of active duty Sailors who were involuntarily seperated. And one E-8 Senior Chied in the Navy Reserves who was involuntarily seperated. Ironically, He was planning to retire as well. The same goes with the active duty Army. They call it Retention Control Program or something by that name. Now, recruiters are having a hard time recruiting individuals.

Response by 1LT Brandon Brackett made Jan 30 at 2023 5:22 PM

2023-01-30T17:22:14-05:00

pay more money

Response by LCpl Rose Shoafstall made Feb 2 at 2023 2:34 PM

2023-02-02T14:34:29-05:00

I listen to Christian radio and they have interviewed servicemembers who have recently separated from active duty. ALL have said money is being spent on "woke policies". You can't expect people to want to join the military when they know their very faith will be a detriment.

Response by PFC Edgar Mosier made Feb 3 at 2023 5:46 PM

2023-02-03T17:46:08-05:00

Notice they took God's Word from schools, spat on returning soldiers, removed requirements of either Civics, US Government, State Government, and US History out of schools, but have tried to bring today's kids the Woke Agenda?
Me? I watched Cronkite report Nam's horrors, read about and heard about other nasty wartime happenings, had a father that did all he could to escape the draft, except run to Canada... Still, I took those classes and even "man-upped" in 1976.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 3 at 2023 6:56 PM

2023-02-03T18:56:52-05:00

If we took care of the SMs better perhaps we would not have to recruit so many people. I have seen a lot of bullshit the soldiers had to go through during my career.

Response by SrA Alan Dirk Scott made Feb 4 at 2023 3:38 PM

2023-02-04T15:38:01-05:00

The way the government treats the troops is sometimes very bad. For example discharging all of those who would not comply with COVID shot mandates. My opinion.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Feb 4 at 2023 7:41 PM

2023-02-04T19:41:55-05:00

“The beatings will continue until morale improves”

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Feb 5 at 2023 8:30 AM

2023-02-05T08:30:25-05:00

If any young person asks me about joining, I usually just look at them and shake my head. Then I say, "It's not the military I served in. Good luck with that."

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Feb 5 at 2023 4:05 PM

2023-02-05T16:05:07-05:00

Quit mollycoddling them! It used to be wooden ships and iron men now it is the other way around. They are supposed to be adults so treat them as such instead of letting Mom/Dad twist everyone around to their whims. My Son was at Parris Island when a hurricane was approaching. They were moved to the upper decks of the barracks and told to hang on. The next group to go through, well Mom/Dad raised so much sand when the hurricane was approaching that the Corps moved them inland. It is time for the Parents to let their Son/Daughter fight their own battles!!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2023 3:30 PM

2023-02-06T15:30:18-05:00

Well, for one, stop eroding our benefits.
So glad I had a choice to not take this blended retirement garbage too.

Response by Amn Dale Preisach made Feb 6 at 2023 9:26 PM

2023-02-06T21:26:14-05:00

When you grow up and are taught the past actions of your country that you live in were horrible and were led by racists, and nothing good was done without nefarious motives,,, you just don't feel the desire to defend it.
The Service has seen such a protracted drop in volunteers that they are watering down the Threshold standards of fitness, drug charges not being an instant NO from Meps' to deny the person entrance, that gang affiliation is no longer considered as a no. There are just not any healthy, patriotic youth around that can make up the difference in the number deficits in Recruitment at even these new " standards".

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 6 at 2023 10:36 PM

2023-02-06T22:36:00-05:00

Young men today have lost the concept of who they are. There was a time when a recruit entered service, he/she immediately began a process of building character and ability to accomplish any task they were assigned. Now I know that process was tough and difficult from the time you empty your pockets until the time you have graduated from basic training. Tough Sergeants; Tough Officers; at all hours of the day, pushing pushing troops to run the race and gain the recognition. Can't stand the "Whimp" "CRT Kum-by-yah attitudes today. Young people seeking to find themselves leaving military service the same lost souls they were when they joined. Egregious.

Response by PO3 Charles Lewis made Feb 10 at 2023 7:19 PM

2023-02-10T19:19:58-05:00

The military needs to solve a few issues like sexual assaults, racial bias, and encourage cross training opportunities.

Allow individuals who aren't physically fit upon enlistment will have a harder time and may require a longer basic training period.

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Feb 14 at 2023 9:37 AM

2023-02-14T09:37:42-05:00

This Great Nation has built a First Class Military thru the principles of an all volunteer force. Yet, because of politics allowed, supported by leaders and forced upon its members! Our leaders have either forgotten or deliberately chosen to ignore the US Constitution and the rights it affords to its citizens, even those members on active duty!
To solve the armed forces recruitment problems, wokeness needs to be trashed and stop discriminatory practices against religious beliefs! The 1st Amendment applies to military service, good order and discipline can and has been maintained for over 275 years. What changed? It isn’t simple, but Americans have forgotten what made this country successful; it isn’t capitalism. It’s a strong belief in God and the saving power of Jesus Christ; the values that are taught by God fearing parents to children who have learn work ethic and personal responsibility. The evil in the world and the attraction of worldly adventures and lifestyles are easy, accessible and bring much pleasure. At the same time they have corrupted the hearts and minds of many Americans. If you can say: “not me”, guess what, the SIN nature within each of us has you deceived, plain and simple. If you want to know how to beat this SIN nature within you, ask me or ask a minister.
To Fix recruitment, get rid of the woke agenda( there are 275 years of precedent) and its disastrous vaccine policies and interests pushed by the “biden administration into the Pentagon! This will take a commitment to the people of America, that the US Military leaders
care about the truth and respect the religious beliefs of its members and families. Unless they change; it won’t happen, the evil of SIN nature has infected the current leadership from the top down, and by its nature won’t give up its host!

Response by SSgt Salvador Martinez made Feb 14 at 2023 9:54 PM

2023-02-14T21:54:12-05:00

STOP BEING WOKE!

Response by SFC Ralph Ramos made Mar 8 at 2023 10:24 AM

2023-03-08T10:24:59-05:00

Never once did they mention raising the pay for these soldiers who sacrifice everything!!! yet they can pay football players millions of dollars!!!!! and they wonder why we are not allowing our kids to follow in our footsteps.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Mar 12 at 2023 8:44 AM

2023-03-12T08:44:21-04:00

Go woke go broke... as they say! The military is a calling, not a civilian job.

Response by SrA Michele Burgman made Mar 12 at 2023 9:14 AM

2023-03-12T09:14:09-04:00

Enlisted pay is nothing to sing about, especially if you have a family. I knew many enlisted folks (with families) that were on food stamps. That should be unacceptable. Another issue....I'm sure people in places like Hickam AFB and Camp Lejeune would have appreciated not drinking and bathing in tainted water, and how long did it take Vietnam Vets to finally get 100% disability for agent orange and for the VA to recognize the veterans that were dying as a result of the burn pits? This country does not take care of their own. Start there.

Response by SFC Jerome Ludwig made Mar 12 at 2023 8:31 PM

2023-03-12T20:31:09-04:00

Put warfighters and not boot lickers in charge

Response by SPC Rick Price made Apr 17 at 2023 9:05 PM

2023-04-17T21:05:08-04:00

Asvab and no criminals

Response by LTC Stewart Mason made Apr 18 at 2023 3:34 AM

2023-04-18T03:34:37-04:00

From my experience beginning as a Private, becoming an NCO and the commissioned as an officer my opinions are from my career. I am proud to say I had the privilege to serve in a joint unit for 5 yrs and understand some of the differences in us and the many things that make us the same.
I clearly remember as a company Commander when 9/11 occurred and made my heart proud to see the ridiculously long line of volunteers at my recruiter’s office to join and stand for America. Unfortunately, today it is increasingly clear that many recruits do not seem to have that fire in their belly to succeed, provide selfless service and support a “We” verses “Me” environment.
In life, what is handed to you means little as it took no or little effort to attain it. Anyone in the service or contemplating serving our nation should look inward for their motivation. As leaders we should be actively engaged in mentoring at all levels within the organization. Do not pencil whip it this activity! I did it throughout my service and I am very proud of the individuals I coached in leadership roles and non-leadership roles. This will build strength from within and provide those who really need help with the tools to dream their careers and in time own those words; Duty, Honor and Country.
Stop making excuses and own their own decisions and that will develop an environment that is positive and honorable. ALL service members can be anything they want, if they really want it.
It is too bad that retirees with passion for the service and the drive to restore the pride in their country do not have a specified role (Officer and NCO) within the organization to save the ideals and strength that is nearly lost.
As for the fitness of new recruits I believe in ALL service members attending a program that ensured ALL persons wanting this lifestyle attend this pre-requisite course. They will be fit, receive education to focus for all members on better communicating, teamwork building and selfless duty. Only once completed, they may move on to their Basic Training and Advanced Schools. No financial incentives provided until completion of all required training in their specialty. Once in your specialty if you do not maintain these ideal they will attend Re-Integration Training which will either bring you back up to speed or immediately removed from service and pay back their incentives to the government. A standard is a standard…..so hold each other accountable.
True pride is developed from within and takes dedication and hard work.
These thoughts and actions will restore the dignity and pride back in the service so when this nation calls on us to stand-up and ruck-up…..we can and will do it.

Leaders must lead from the front or step aside. Our service members need strength through well rounded leadership.

Response by Sgt Richard Moore made Apr 27 at 2023 7:30 AM

2023-04-27T07:30:05-04:00

It is difficult for someone who served some 50 years ago to evaluate why our current youth do not want to serve our country as we did back in the 60’s and 70’s. With that being said I can surmise differences in serving today vs. then.
The military life is tough and should be that way. However many of the disadvantages have gone away. Communication with friends and family has changed drastically. The mail was the lifeline of the deployed service member; today it is the ease of a video phone call. Deployment was often isolated (Shemya Alaska, Tuley Greenland, not to mention combat areas); much of this has disappeared because of comminutions to a great extent.
The economy is one of the biggest factors. Youth today live and grew up in bigger houses (my brother and I shared a bedroom in a two bedroom home on a postage stamp), more automobiles (we finally got a family car when I was 8 years old), conveyance of shopping (we often walked or road our bikes to the local old fashion grocery store), life styles (I once reported to a Senior Master Sargent who got his first pair of shoes when he joined the military) and you get the picture.
What I believe is to encourage recruiting is the military lifestyle and opportunities must be equal to those in the public sector. MONEY. We need to provide the military with great military housing, great pay, great child care, great shopping, great financial planning opportunities (retirement and pensions not unlike our legislators), and more.
The government must help our troops rather than cutting the military budget and giving away money to civilian who sit at home unemployed and driving Mercedes-Benzes.
Will it happen???
Rich
USAFSS

Response by Sgt Richard Moore made Apr 27 at 2023 7:36 AM

2023-04-27T07:36:25-04:00

Response by LCDR Ed Etzkorn made Apr 29 at 2023 8:45 PM

2023-04-29T20:45:15-04:00

Get rid of half of he flag officers. Recruit and support war fighters and get rid of all the woke crap.

Response by Sgt Kevin Stiggy made May 8 at 2023 1:02 PM

2023-05-08T13:02:00-04:00

Let veterans back in

Response by PO2 Tom Hauser made Jun 1 at 2023 3:33 PM

2023-06-01T15:33:35-04:00

First, we need a Conservative POTUS to appoint a Conservative SECDEF, JCOS & Chief at DOD & Pentagon levels. Second, fire all the Biden shit birds starting with that racist Black SECDEF and that cluster fuck crew now at JCOS. Third, destroy all materials & fire all trainers & contractors involved in CRT, DEI, ESG & WOKE training. Fourth, require all military personnel to enlist, dress, and serve under their biological sex - no LGBTQ TRANS perverts. Then require all military personnel to meet the physical & academic standards at MEPS for enlistment as established at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Require all military personnel especially for Special Warfare or Special Operations personnel to meet the training, academic and physical standards required at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Discharge all military personnel involved in abuse or distribution of narcotics, sexual assaults or harassment, racist activity like BLM or KKK, or that have been connected to Socialist, Islamic Jihadist, Communist, Marxist, CCP, ANTIFA, BLM or other political, ideological, or racist hate groups or activities that pose a security threat to the United States. Require two years of mandatory military service for all male citizens of the United States & allow them to choose their branch of service. The only exceptions to this would be personnel disqualified for physical or mental disabilities or hardship (TBD), and personnel enrolled in university or technical training who would then serve upon completion of their degree or training. Provide draftees with the option of Support or Warfare MOS training however Support MOS personnel will still be assigned to areas of combat or on combat vessels but in support MOS roles only. Require two years of military service of all Illegal Alien & non-US citizen male personnel regardless of their citizenship status in order to remain in the country and to become a citizen of the United States. This will have a dramatic effect on those Illegal Aliens deciding to illegally cross the border into the U.S. - all male foreign personnel residing in the United States will be required to serve in the military and earn their citizenship. They will be vetted at MEPS and criminal illegal aliens, transnational gang bangers, jihadist terrorists & suspected CCP operative will be immediately deported while all others will complete their in-processing at MEPS and head to their respected service boot camps.

Response by PO1 Douglas Baird made Jul 6 at 2023 10:02 PM

2023-07-06T22:02:23-04:00

The main reason the Guard has manning problems is that the army treats them worse than active duty units. They deploy almost as much as an active unit but only have the benefits and pay when called up. This cuts the operating cost of a unit by almost half. The troops have problems getting and keeping decent jobs because they keep getting called up. The guys that don't mind deploying stay active or go reserve...
The guard still implies that they only go into combat in case of actual war or armed attack of our country, not dumb as "police" actions.

Response by SPC Henry Sproles made Jul 10 at 2023 4:26 PM

2023-07-10T16:26:15-04:00

T he way the military treats veterans and activitie duty personal is so unreal..most of the leadership have no ideal what's going on and try to lead our teams into battles..

Response by SGT Dana Haskins made Jul 12 at 2023 7:03 PM

2023-07-12T19:03:51-04:00

Well about 50% kids graduating are over weight by military standards. Another big problem is they have arrest records already. Some are making more money than the military if they take a manufacture job straight out of high school. So if they can conquer those three things they might have a chance!

Response by PO2 Olivia Hernandez made Jul 13 at 2023 11:33 AM

2023-07-13T11:33:30-04:00

Veterans are speaking out, when you get out you will have to beg for the benefits that where promised!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2023 4:21 PM

2023-07-27T16:21:29-04:00

Tough to recruit new people when you fail to take care of the old people, who came before. Dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs is extremely difficult even if you know what you're doing.

My LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) gave me a compliment "You know how to get things done, instead of just complaining about it." He was impressed that whenever I seemed to have an issue I was also able to get the VA to play ball.

But the problem is this takes time, and cutting through the proverbial red tape. And while it can be done - there has got to be a better way moving forward.

Looking ahead at the AVF (All Volunteer Force) that comprises military service in the USA it's tough to get people to sign on the dotted line when they can look at our withdrawal clusterfuck where our soldiers died - who wants to be a part of that?!

You guys left our military hardware for the enemy.

You have politicians who in most cases never served, wanting protection but are unwilling to have their own family members in on the fight. Instead they want you and yours to take care of and protect them.

And they want to tell you how to do your job - without ever having worn the uniform.

Politicians have entitlement, holding "oversight hearings" without insight!

Response by SFC Michael Bransford made Aug 23 at 2023 9:39 PM

2023-08-23T21:39:14-04:00

Fire the current woke leadership and hold them accountable (starting at the top).

Response by PO3 Ronald Boore made Aug 23 at 2023 11:58 PM

2023-08-23T23:58:53-04:00

First the recruiters need to stop promising jobs to the young men and women who are in that age group that they can’t fulfill. If it wasn’t for my service in the United States Navy my daughter would have fallen victim to this practice. I brought it up in one of the meetings with the recruiter and told him that he can’t guarantee the job my daughter wanted even though he tried to tell her it would be guaranteed. Once it was brought to his attention that I had prior experience and knowledge of this fallacy he then recanted his claim to the guarantee . Further more the men and women that we put in office need to get their heads out of their ass’s. How can you expect our youth to come together on a national security issue when the politicians are broadcasting their skirmishes for the whole world to see. Including future recruits. There should never be a civilian in charge of the greatest military on the face of this earth. How can they be even remotely capable of making military decisions without having the ability to know what they are ordering the troops to do. Everything looks good in theory, but when it comes down to the practicality they have no clue

Response by LTC Ernest Botts made Aug 31 at 2023 6:32 AM

2023-08-31T06:32:52-04:00

Not impressed at all with the recommendations to increase recruitment cited in this article!
Stepping in and out of service ( active to reserve) makes to sense !

Response by CW4 Don Nicholas made Oct 22 at 2023 11:19 AM

2023-10-22T11:19:31-04:00

The Pentagon leadership is, in many cases, as dysfunctional and representative of American values as the university administrators in our country. The obvious, though unstated part is any similarly between the university system and our Constitution is purely a coincidence.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2023 1:31 PM

2023-10-27T13:31:25-04:00

I say mandatiory Reserve service for all high school grads (at least 1 year) would give alot of the gen A, B, C, X, Z, & whatever else teens are calling themselves would be a good way to expose every citizen to serving, clear up misconceptions and yield alot of AD members after. Just my 2 cents.

Response by 1SG Rene Davis made Nov 4 at 2023 12:18 PM

2023-11-04T12:18:23-04:00

Sounds like a regurgitated fairy tale…

Response by SPC Kathryn Walsh made Nov 4 at 2023 7:28 PM

2023-11-04T19:28:02-04:00

I BELIEVE OUR VERY OWN GOVERNMENT IS BEHIND THE LACK OF RECRUITMENT. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE VARIOUS BASES BEEN SHUT DOWN? HOW MANY UNITS HAVE BEEN CUT BACK? PERSONALLY, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A FULL OPERATING UNIT, WHETHER IT BE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE OR MARINES. I JOINED IN 1975, JUST OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL (A YEAR LATER). AT THAT TIME, THEY WERE PULLING EVERYONE OUT OF NAM. WHICH WAS FINE & DANDY; BUT THEN, DESERT STORM HAPPENED, THEN SOMETHING ELSE, AND SOMETHING ELSE; YET THE GOVERNMENT KEPT CUTTING BACK ON THE MILITARY. IF AMERICA WERE TO EVER BE OVER RUN, I'M AFRAID TO SAY, THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TROOPS ANYWHERE TO PROVIDE SAFETY AND PROTECTION. THIS NEEDS TO STOP. GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO QUIT SAYING, "NOPE" TO MORE RECRUITS.

Response by PO1 Ted Woitazek made Nov 16 at 2023 2:19 PM

2023-11-16T14:19:02-05:00

Our military is run by civilians and for a good reason. With that said, those civilians like the SEC DEF, SEC NAV, SEC of the Army work with the President to implement policy.
Bottom line is if we elect a shitty government, we end up with a shitty military.
The house and senate play their roles too. Stop electing morons and there's a chance we can fix these problems.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Dec 7 at 2023 12:24 PM

2023-12-07T12:24:46-05:00

Get the politics and social justice out of recruitment. Recruitment should be males and females only who are loyal citizens or green card holders who are not members of nor swear allegiance to terrorist organizations, Communist, Nazi, Neo-Nazi, or Chinese Communist organizations. Quit tampering with retirement. I though the old 20 years 50% or 30 years 75% was a good enticer.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made Dec 14 at 2023 6:02 PM

2023-12-14T18:02:44-05:00

This is all good, but the bigger picture is (and I have talked to some of these kids is talk to your Congressman/Women and Senators! The way you treat Veterans doesn't reflect well on these men and women, If you constantly treat them poorly, and do not listen to them you will see a plunge in recruitment! If you treat them, Veterans better, you will see a dramatic change. I have no reason to lie to you, a shortage of recruits hurts us all!

Response by PO2 John Drillock made Dec 17 at 2023 2:13 PM

2023-12-17T14:13:53-05:00

Quit brainwashing our elementary, high school and college campuses. Teach students Civics and make it mandatory. What an appropriate quote which is, "You Reap what you sow". Now look where we are at.

Response by SFC Gene Garcia made Dec 18 at 2023 9:48 AM

2023-12-18T09:48:26-05:00

What they should do is give some of retired military a little stipend and let us help recruiters in schools. What im saying in my case prior to joining the Army, I dropped out of high school at 15 by 19 I was looking at jail and had a wife and baby, I was in a lot of legal trouble and told the judge all I wanted to do was get it behind me and join the Army. He asked if I was serious, I said yes he said two weeks in jail all fines wavied, then asked when I wanted to do my sentence I said now. When I was released I went to see a recruiter he said since I could pass the practice ASVAB I wasn't a good candidate, I asked him to let me take the ASVAB which he did. Came back the day after the ASVAB he was shocked I scored well with a GT of 112. And I was off to FLW, MO 2 months later, had a great career in the Army and in Civil service. So what you have to sell are the success' not the failures and I know the military is not for everyone.

Response by MSgt Tim Ulery made Dec 19 at 2023 9:11 PM

2023-12-19T21:11:30-05:00

DoD could stop with all the social experiments and get back to doing what the military does best, break things and kill enemies to keep America safe.

Response by SSgt James Mathews made Dec 21 at 2023 12:50 PM

2023-12-21T12:50:01-05:00

Go back the the training standards of the 50's. Show the world that when our boys and girls come out of the service they have a lot of respect for themselves and the country.

Response by MSgt Michael Ivey made Dec 21 at 2023 7:28 PM

2023-12-21T19:28:42-05:00

I know this will probably be deleted, but, it would behoove the DOD to get back to doing what it is they are supposed to do! Quit the

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Jan 1 at 2024 12:12 AM

2024-01-01T00:12:14-05:00

Not that is has anything to do with recruiting problems,

I really do think, the Military should focus more on retention.

So many things can be done, to retain troops, that are often ignored.
-Substandard housing.
-H&W should not be the career ending/ blocking factor that it is.
-Promote the best for the job, regardless of H&W. I saw plenty of PT studs, with zero leadership skills
promoted, whle there were far better candidates.
-Admin and records standards need to be rased and enforced.
-For God's sake, reward soldiers who do their jobs above and beyond, who are available, when others fail. What is wrong with this concept? Awards, are not the only way to do this. An "ATTA Boy" can go miles. Getting one of your subordinates a coin, a weakend off, a pass, special privileges, or even just getting released early, are all examples of what leadership has as motivational tools
-Extra duties and punative tasks, should goto troublemakers, not the hard workers. Being a nonsmoker, one of the things I hated most was picking up cigarettes, especially while the smokers are still standing there smoking.
As for recruiting,
I rarely see the opportunities the military has to offer, advertised in recruiting ads.
The military is so much more than just combat.
Medical Jobs,
IT
Mechanics
Engineers
Contruction
and so much more.
The education opportunities alone are worth mentioning. Professional Certifications are available, and should be promoted and encouraged by all leadership.
So little of the positive, support jobs are advertise. So few of them get any exposure in movies.

I could go on and on, on both recruiting and retention.

Response by LCpl Steve Ward made Jan 4 at 2024 4:43 PM

2024-01-04T16:43:12-05:00

Expedite disability claims and higher level reviews at the VBA regional offices. Take care of veterans dental health after they leave the service.

Response by CAPT Edward Schmitt made Jan 26 at 2024 7:56 PM

2024-01-26T19:56:42-05:00

They want people who they hate and openly hate to join. They (DOD senior “leaders”) want to embrace white supremacy, gender fluidity, woke culture but then are shocked when cultures that have been the backbone of our military discourage their kids to serve. They hate us and want us to grovel to their “NEW” (read warped) reality while hating all we have stood for. Shocked I am

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2024 11:49 PM

2024-01-26T23:49:09-05:00

Excellent article with some interesting ideas

Response by SFC Lyle Green made Jan 28 at 2024 8:47 AM

2024-01-28T08:47:27-05:00

Not to worry, the regime has everything under control. More new recruits are pouring in from our borders every day.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/struggling-for-recruits-us-navy-lowers-education-standard-5575175?utm_source=ref_share&utm_campaign=copy

Struggling for Recruits, US Navy Lowers Education Standard

Those who didn’t graduate from high school will be allowed to join the Navy ranks.

Response by SSG Richard Linck made Apr 7 at 2024 9:54 AM

2024-04-07T09:54:09-04:00

Get back to the non-politically correct mindset and training.