What do you see as the military's greatest challenge in 2023 and why?

Job market has opened up & offer alternative life options.

budget limitations for an evolving Tec world.

Duty, Honor, country needs to be infusted back into society. As JKF said "Ask not what your country can to for you, but what you can do for your country"

The largest problems that the Vet has today are Depression, and Finances, of course if they have there 20-30 years in the military that should help.

Keeping soldiers - since the retirement program was decimated by the the former president Obama, maintaing qualified soldiers are no longer staying.

I see the greatest challenge, as the mental health of our younger veterans. They seem to be more susceptible to the daily drama in the headline and group talks, than the older generation. So I believe we will start to see more younger veterans and civilian reaching out for mental help, or just taking of their own lives. Thank you.

Transferring to a different kind of war-- politics and economics.

As a former NCO, I can say the issues that were present during my time of service are the same as they are now, and will continue to linger until they are attacked. Not enough young leaders are educated on Social and Emotional Intelligence in leadership. This starts in the household, but should be executed academically, and practically from BMT through most PME in all branches. This may include extending the training process, or prioritizing and "trimming the fat" for some topics covered during training. Most of the lessons I learned about leadership were to be a stoic, level headed, lead from the front with logic. Sacrifice yourself and put the team first. Authoritative leaders trying to transition into the Transformational roles... You can see where this continues. However, it was not until late in my career that I had a supervisor provide me with some literature that I should have received as a young Airman to prepare me for the changes I would be experiencing. In conclusion, everyone who signs that line is a leader, push the FRLM from day one. If you solve this issue, you will see better quality troops, leaders, and it will inevitably have a positive impact on retention at all levels.
Thanks you for this opportunity.
Ssgt Smith USAF

Hiring of new recruits to protect the USA.

Transition to Special Forces Operations from Large Land War Operations. Since large land wars are obsolete and no longer required, the Army and Marines should transition to special operations and reduce enlistment that is not required to support the Army Rangers, Special Forces (Green Berets), Night Stalkers, Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Marine Raiders and Force Recon. The Army reserves and Marine reserves would increase to support a possible but not probable land war. The Airforce and Navy force strength would remain. Night Stalkers, Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Marine Raiders and Force Recon. The Army reserves and Marine reserves would increase to support a possible but not probable land war. The Airforce and Navy force strength would remain.