What should we do to encourage the next generation to serve?

I would continue to focus on the educational benefits of joining the military as well as the benefits one receives as a Veteran such as Healthcare, GI Bill, Voc Rehab etc. Knowing that the VA can take care of them after the military, even if they've only served for a few years, can encourage more people to serve in general.

Provide needed education on what to expect in the Military and when transitioning back to the community. Provide what civilian job will be able to apply into the MOS choices and how to improve their chances in getting a better job once leaving the military. Not just with schooling coverage but with work abilities.

Increase income and retirement benefits

It is a blessing that currently in this country we get the choice to serve or not in the military compared to past wars and other countries. There are currently so many opportunities this generation has and wants to accomplish, careers and life goals. So many are aware of how the military can change their path. Besides all this, they understand their political rights and the social-economic changes between countries that could possibly lead to war any day, which creates fear to be in the military (besides other factors). I think the best way for this generation to be encouraged to serve is by educating them that "Freedom is not free". You don't know what you have until you lose it. This generation enjoys the rights and freedoms it has because of past generational fathers and mothers that sacrificed their freedom. This generation can be educated that in order to keep their rights, peaceful living, freedom of speech and all 10 amendments, they need to be prepared for war any day. And being prepared for any national disaster requires them to be in the military, as an opportunity of safety, independence, protection and personal growth. So, a good way to promote serving our country is by teaching them that they are not only serving others, but themselves. Also, many in this generation in the age of the late 30's-40's ponder in serving the military and have accomplished careers and life goals already but are unaware of some benefits the military can offer them by joining at a later age and performing their same job as they do as a "civilian". The age range in the different military branches also varies, so they can be extended to healthy adults wanting to join. People aging late 20's,30,40"s may require of promotion and education. Not all can work full time, but can be in the reserves, meaning they will be another citizen prepared for any national disaster to serve the country. I believe this generation is broad, so it can be segmented in age, culture and needs. Each age range of this generation requires to be encouraged/educated differently according to their needs in this time of age. God bless America, this generation needs to remember God like Abraham Lincoln said on March 30, 1863 as an effort to encourage Americans to recenter their lives around God and prayer: "Whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

Incentives and make service respected again. With responsible leadership.

We can continue to honestly share the good and the bad experiences we all had during and after service. Also to all continue to be advocates for all Veterans care and benefits.

To ensure growing numbers rise in the military we should reiterate the strong financial stability and uncompromising family oriented development as well as an Unbeatable mental and physical Skillset and Adaptable Mindset. Against Unexpected, Unpredictable, and Unrelenting threats against our finest nation. The United States of America!

Wonderful

Spread the word about all of the wonderful benefits available and all of the amazing companions and relationships that form within the community.

Let them know the educational/life learning benefits, these include teamwork, responsibility, initiative, stress management, diversity, and global awareness. Others learn the habits of healthy living and discipline as well as the skills in self-defense. Also the perks of collecting a pension after 20 years of service.