Fewer young Americans are qualified to serve, and even fewer are willing to serve.
The U.S. military has a recruiting problem, and a former senior military official told ABC News that the viability of the all-volunteer force could be at risk.
Pentagon data show a simple but disturbing trend: Fewer young Americans want to serve, and fewer are qualified because of obesity and other problems.
Senior Defense Department personnel and readiness leaders testified on Capitol Hill in late April that they blamed major contributors to the nation's competitive job market.
Gilbert Cisneros told senators during an Armed Services subcommittee hearing: "The Department of Defense is competing fiercely for technical, relevant and innovative talent. This has been exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic and the civil-military divide. "The labor market has created a challenging recruitment environment." Recruiters today face huge challenges in communicating the benefits of enlisting to young people, with private companies using impressive incentives to attract potential clients.
Even the Marine Corps, which doesn't normally struggle to recruit new recruits, is under pressure to meet its goals.
Recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, slide through a combat training course at Parris Island, South Carolina, June 9, 2015
“We accomplished our mission last year; however, FY22 was arguably the most challenging year in recruiting history sexual year," Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Otinnon said in written testimony before joining Cisneros at a Senate hearing in April. “In addition to COVID-19, the U.S. population’s growing disconnect and disfavor with traditional institutions, labor shortages, high inflation, and a youth population that does not see the value of military service continue to put pressure on recruiting efforts and will continue to put pressure on the Navy and Army. The mission of joining the military is at risk.”
According to U.S. Department of Defense poll data, only 9% of young people now show the intention to serve. This is the lowest number in 15 years. The main reasons for not wanting to join were the possibility of injury or death, and the fear of developing PTSD or other psychological problems.
