‘Warrior caste’: Is a public disconnect hurting military recruiting efforts?

I think part of it is the way the armed forces treats/disciplines for minor infractions. There was a time where an infraction was almost expected, now it seems even minor things are dealt with pretty severely. The benefits in the realm of education are significantly better than anything I had so benefits come and go. Most people either join or stay with a career path because it is a good fit for them, they are treated professionally, they have a chance to advance etc.

My son who is a SGT in the Marines for 7 years (4 active, 3 reserves) has been dorked around so badly by his reserve command it is embarrassing to think this is the same Corps I served in. You just shake your head and wonder what happened. That word gets around to their friends and family and creates a bad taste in many families mouth about serving.

I have gone from an enthusiastic endorser of joining the "armed forces" to a shoulder shrug and a well, you might want to think about it a little more. I am not happy about that as I come from a family where many have served for many generations.

Alvin: This is an interesting topic. When I joined the USMC as an enlisted man during the Viet Nam Era we (USMC) were an all-volunteer force; however, I knew Marine draftees that were conscripted during the war but most draftees I encountered were in the Army. Later, after serving 30+ years in the Army National Guard, USAR, and while activated during various operations in hostile fire zones and combat, I experienced the "all-volunteer force" more intimately. In my humble opinion, the Viet Nam Era was different. Due to enlistment shortfalls, standards were lowered to some degree, including education and a few recruits had criminal backgrounds. The USMC had a knack for turning these recruits into fine Marines but many failed. We had some outstanding Marines and some great NCOs and officers during that period but a very small percentage of Marines and a very small percentage of Army personnel created problems in the services that undermined morale and combat efficiency. Later, when I got into the CAARNG as an officer, I encountered a small percentage of Soldiers that joined the reserves to avoid Viet Nam active-duty service. Some were great Soldiers but some had bad attitudes. To sum this up, the all-volunteer force I have encountered during 30+years commissioned and the volunteers in the USMC during the Viet Nam Era were largely motivated, selfless, and exemplary Marines and Soldiers. I was activated for active duty in Haiti, Bosnia, OEF, and OIF. The all-volunteer force we have now is probably the finest fighting force we have ever had and they, their families, and the American people have endured and have not really pushed back on the multiple deployments and long-term nature of the GWOT (war), especially in Afghanistan. Although the Viet Nam Era vets were mistreated the American people learned their lessons and now support the military, something we really haven't seen to such a large degree since my dad returned from WW II. I remember the first time my USAR brigade was activated - We were going to Bosnia for 8 months (longer than previous tour in Haiti). Out of the whole brigade not one enlisted Soldier tried to get out of the deployment (2 officers did). I have continuously witnessed the bravery, selflessness, dedication, commitment, honor, and overall professionalism of our men and women in uniform on countless battle locations abroad and the vast, vast majority of them are a National Treasure and I personally think the current generation is the next "Greatest Generation." I think that is largely due to the "all-volunteer force." The vast majority of them want to be where they are. Even 1% or 2% of the force possessing negative attitudes (in all services) that are compelled to serve, while good for them and the diversity and broad-based orientation of the force, is bad for the overall military and the service components they represent. I am proud of the military and the courageous volunteers willing to stand and fight for our nation. We don't need social experiments or social engineering. We need to promote the goodness and overall quality of the military and encourage our young men and women to volunteer. Volunteers have worked well for over 45 years and while we have great Americans willing to serve, volunteers will continue to carry the heaviest and most costliest burden for the freedoms we and our allies enjoy each and every day. Thanks, Jon

"Starting in February, each month will feature fresh content to show civilians what serving in the military is actually like."

"It’s up to those in the military community to tell their stories, she added."

Hmm, not sure if that technique will work. They might be better off just hiring some good actors, and creating a typical hollywood work environment with military decor.