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

I just read the article on how the pentagon plans to lower standards. They are just dumbing-down the military to meet quotas and further weaken what was once the greatest in the world. I would not encourage a young person to join until the meddling of politicians and the "progressive" flag officers are gone. The old Senior NCOs and Officers who were not deemed politically correct enough were drummed out in the late 80s and early 90s. Bring back these retired folks to teach OCS and boot camp for 2 or 3 years to get these kids into shape and instill pride in their job. Yeah, we can't run anymore and may have a belly but we could get the job done

As an incentive, if you complete 30 yrs of active duty, service member should be exempt from retirement pay taxes

History teaches many things and influences in many ways the biggest influence in life are family, ones hero's and those make a big impression on the youth. My Hero's were My Great Grandpa and my Grandpa who were both lifers in the Navy and Marine Corps, the second Lord Baden-Powell he was the founder of the Boy Scouts, Its the Big influencers that make the biggest impact on anyone.
We lead by example and learn by watching and doing, What can we do to encourage the next generation by doing the right thing and setting the examples such as courage, honor, and fidelity.
The when the Scouting program first started they hit the nail on the head with the Boy Scout Oath and Law, We also have those same values in the Armed Forces we just have to set and lead by example the values and skills that we already have in place and not deviate from it.
The leaders who have pushed the woke idealism have lost their path and no longer see the vision of the Founding Fathers what will be the thing that encourages the next generation maybe to take a few steps back and reexamine the values our Nation was founded on and start using those same values that made our Nation Great.

We have to be open and honest with them. Far too often, we tell people all the positives about the military. We must also tell them all the negatives.

We need a complete reset of our military. Clinton started the transformation of our military into a social political experiment with the "Don't ask Don't tell" policy. Now we are force feed the alphabet soup, training for pronouns and acceptance. We were warriors at one time and now we are trying to figure out what bathroom or shower to use. I joined in 1986 and retired in 2017, I loved being a Soldier and took great pride for what we stood for. I was happy when I got out because of what the WOKE agenda was doing to our forces. They took away the pride and values we lived and served by. Our mission was and still is to fight and win war's but that is no longer our focus, we are training on pronouns and the alphabet agenda. We need to get rid of the alphabet people and back to the warrior ethos, we need warriors not Drag Queens.

Three basic steps:
1. Increase the pay range to be in line with what upper middle class earners make, which means increasing the military budget.
2. Promote more ROTC programs with emphasis at the high school level.
3. Develop a first class marketing campaign which drives home the great pride and opportunity there is to be part of the greatest military force in the world.

Choosing leaders solely based on how fast they can run or their educational degrees does NOT make you a leader. Leadership involves qualities like understanding emotions, being able to adapt, communicate well, and work well with a team. Picking leaders just because they're fast runners or have degrees can make it harder for them to solve problems, get along with their team, and make fair choices, which are all really important for a team to do well together. STOP MAKING THESE PEOPLE LEADERS. They need to learn first

Recruitment, retention and acknowledgment of service connection with any exposure. Cover our service members without a fight. The kids these days hear the stories of the older generation of veterans and the fight for benefits. That would cause anyone to shy away from serving.

Don't go woke

1. **Competitive Benefits:** Enhancing the package of benefits that the military offers can make it more appealing. This includes competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare coverage, housing allowances, retirement plans, and access to various support services for both service members and their families.

2. **Flexible Service Options:** Providing flexible service options can accommodate a wider range of candidates. Offering part-time or reserve opportunities, allowing for shorter enlistment contracts, and promoting opportunities for remote work or specialized training can make military service more accessible to individuals with different life circumstances and career aspirations.

3. **Educational Opportunities:** Highlighting the educational benefits of military service can attract those seeking to further their education. Programs like the GI Bill that provide financial assistance for higher education, technical training, and skill development can be emphasized to show how military service can contribute to personal and professional growth.

4. **Diverse Roles and Experiences:** Showcasing the wide array of roles within the military beyond combat can attract individuals with varying skills and interests. Emphasizing opportunities in fields like technology, healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, and aviation can resonate with a broader audience.

5. **Inclusive Environment:** Promoting a diverse and inclusive environment within the military is crucial. Demonstrating that the armed forces welcome people from all backgrounds, genders, and orientations fosters a sense of belonging and encourages a wider pool of candidates to consider military service.

6. **Clear Career Pathways:** Providing clear pathways for career advancement and skill development can make military service more appealing as a long-term career choice. Offering opportunities for leadership training, specialization, and advancement can showcase the potential for growth within the military ranks.

7. **Positive Work-Life Balance:** Highlighting efforts to improve work-life balance for service members, such as increased time off and family support programs, can address concerns individuals may have about the demanding nature of military service.

8. **Modern Recruitment Strategies:** Leveraging modern digital platforms and social media to reach potential recruits where they are most active can be effective. Engaging and informative online content, virtual tours of military facilities, and interactive experiences can provide insights into military life.

9. **Community Engagement:** Engaging with communities and schools to raise awareness about the benefits of military service and the various opportunities available can help dispel misconceptions and encourage young people to consider the armed forces as a viable career path.

10. **Transitional Support:** Assuring prospective recruits that the military offers support not only during service but also during the transition to civilian life can ease concerns about the future. Highlighting job placement assistance, resume-building workshops, and support for veterans' mental health can attract those who want to ensure a stable post-service life.

By addressing these aspects, the US military can create a more appealing and inclusive environment that attracts a diverse range of individuals who are eager to serve and contribute to the nation's defense.