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

Re-establish the draft

Emphasize that you get to defend our great nation from all terrorists both foreign and domestic.

Make them tuck uniforms and then have them protest to defund the military

More fitness opportunities in schools, like during gym class. I went to a vocational school the last two years of high school and we did pt twice a week and there were several occasions where recruiters would come run pt. They were fun, relaxed, and encouraging. It was really nice seeing their dynamics and the type of people they were. It was very relaxed and there was a ton of open dialogue where we could ask whatever we wanted. That’s what initially got me interested in joining because I had no prior exposure to the military or anyone in it.

Poll high school juniors and seniors about how they view the military, the different branches, what would make them want to join, and what would prevent them from joining. People will have watched/heard/read about others' experiences in their rates/MOS's from friends and family or through social media. Some people look forward to ship/sub experiences and don't want sand or spiders in their boots. Others want tents in open spaces and don't want to be stacked in racks on ships/subs. Rank promotions and leadership opportunities, and the increase of responsibility and accountability can also be a draw to the military if they want to make it a career. Some poll opinions will be based on the informed personal experiences of others, but will more likely be based on TV/movie or social media depictions. Either way, there will be a decent sampling of their general feelings and attitude towards joining.

Poll service members that have made it through at least their second year, hopefully with a deployment under their belt, and ask their opinion, their likes and dislikes, anticipations and regrets, and what would make them continue with their branch and military duties. Retention efforts for those members would have bearing on recruitment efforts because there might be other influences that would have made a difference for them as new recruits.

You can't do a broad campaign that covers all branches. Actors in training videos turn us off for annual requirements and they won't cut it for recruitment videos, either. Move forward with advertising and marketing based on all of the poll info, but keep the actor aspect in mind.

It's a tough situation to draw the right people when it's easier to work a simple job, come home and play video games/surf social media, rather than be burdened with really serious responsibilities that may include million dollar equipment or peoples' lives. The country's attitude towards division won't help, either. Fear of being discriminated against, hated, or both is a major hurdle. I wouldn't want to work with anyone that despised me for being different than the majority. That needs to addressed and fixed because that'll prevent many good and dedicated people from wanting to serve.

The United States of America was my first love. the 1950's saw a new era in U.S. history. In fact, the entire world could see a bright future, after the misery of the 40's. I don't know if I can pinpoint what conjured so much pride for me, but I could not have been more full of Patriotism.
Even by Vietnam, there were some of us who tried to circumvent the wait to sign up. But recruiters had gained some experience--and I was spotted as a 16-year old in the first round. A great deal of convincing got me in with 'parental signature,' and off I went, on my 17th birthday.
Had I known just how green I really was, I might have waited a couple more years. My patriotism was tested in every way possible. The realities of war; in fact, realities of life in general, were a part of growing up in The Army. But I would go on to gain character and tanacity far beyond that of friends I left behind.
Military service requires readiness. Not just from a military perspective, but from an individual perspective. If I were a recruiter, I'd ask a lot of questions about motivation. The Vietnam era saw recruiters simply filling holes. Later, The Army raised the bar by requiring a High School diploma. But I think we've discovered that a diplioma does not guartantee good, old-fashioned Patriotism. Or even forftitude. Encouraging those things that caused me, at such an early age, to choose Army, will instill the--right--motivation. We, as a nation, need to return to the values of past American generations. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what those are.

The military needs to return to the honorable service to our country as it is. Quit being a social experiment and kissing the lastest political ass. I was an Engineer and Combat Aviator. I loved the military, the soldiers, the experience, and making myself a better man. The youth today need guidance, direction, challenges, and by God keep this country safe. They are asking what's in it for them? Why should I fight? The military needs to return to the look up to me attitude, not because what I say, but what I do. Stand for the Greatest Nation on Earth. We are Warriors. The military is for warriors. And by God we need this youth to become Warriors. You do that by Inspiration. Be the example. Show youth what they can become. Put them in the driver's seat, put them in the cockpit, and that means show youth what youth are doing. They are the ones going to Mars.They are the One's going to defend us when we are old and this nation when we are gone. The Communist, the terrorist, any like minded threat don't have to fight us and win the psychological war without doing anything because we are doing nothing. By God Inspire...Inspire...Inspire...and have some faith. Presidents come n go. Politicians quit meddling, the military works. And Inspiration by example works. Yes you can die. But like Patton said, "...make the other poor bastards die for their "cause". United We Stand! America is Inspiration! We had to fight to make it free. We have to fight to keep it free. We need Warriors to Inspire Warriors. And youth doing what other youth dream of doing...keep the inspiration and this nation....Free.

The United States of America was my first love. the 1950's saw a new era in U.S. history. In fact, the entire world could see a bright future, after the misery of the 40's. I don't know if I can pinpoint what conjured so much pride for me, but I could not have been more full of Patriotism.
Even by Vietnam, there were some of us who tried to circumvent the wait to sign up. But recruiters had gained some experience--and I was spotted as a 16-year old in the first round. A great deal of convincing got me in with 'parental signature,' and off I went, on my 17th birthday.
Had I known just how green I really was, I might have waited a couple more years. My patriotism was tested in every way possible. The realities of war; in fact, realities of life in general, were a part of growing up in The Army. But I would go on to gain character and tanacity far beyond that of friends I left behind.
Military service requires readiness. Not just from a military perspective, but from an individual perspective. If I were a recruiter, I'd ask a lot of questions about motivation. The Vietnam era saw recruiters simply filling holes. Later, The Army raised the bar by requiring a High School diploma. But I think we've discovered that a diplioma does not guartantee good, old-fashioned Patriotism. Or even forftitude. Encouraging those things that caused me, at such an early age, to choose Army, will instill the--right--motivation. We, as a nation, need to return to the values of past American generations. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what those are.

We should provide safety, trust, and encouragement. A lot of young adults use the military as a last choice and they are scared because they hear a lot of negative backlash including rape, deaths, and suicide in the military. They don't feel comfortable that joining is safe and helps not only the country but themselves. They don't see how the military can help them grow outside of a constant check every two weeks.

The youth of today should look at serving their country because. Joining the military, for most, can be a life-altering decision. Learn A New Skill or Trade, Get In Shape, Money for college (GI bill).
Most of us go through our daily lives working toward something that will benefit us.
As a member of the military, you’ll have the opportunity to serve a cause that affects the whole world.
When people back home talk about the war overseas, you’ll have a firsthand perspective to add to the conversation.