Military recruiting crisis.

[Anonymous]

Huh? The ASVAB is an intelligence and skills exam. The main thing holding Army applicants back is not knowing enough Algebra to pass the math portion of the exam.

Military roles are typically highly technical now. Having idiots just gets in the way of the mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

The US military is not mostly warrior a**holes. It’s full of moderate income men and women who want to do something with their lives and is the most diverse institution in the world, with almost every skill set imaginable. For example, I know a mixed Black/Asian low/moderate income family friend who left community college to enlist in the Air Force to get paid IT training and they tested him and sent him to language school and turned him into an Urdu interpreter and intel analyst. Nothing turns people into much more than they thought they were better than the U.S. military.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

[Anonymous]

On a related note, what do those of you with a military background think about the exemption for military academies in the recent Supreme Court affirmative action decision? A cynical person might say that the exception gives the impression that the SC thinks affirmative action is okay as a recruitment tool for the military but not okay as a way to remove barriers to accessing a quality college education. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

Our military posts and bases being renamed - something that should've been done a long time ago (what country names their military posts after traitors and defeated enemy generals?) - is not why the military can't recruit. A big problem is that 77 percent of Americans between the ages of 17 and 21 are not eligible to serve in the military.

The top three reasons for ineligibility are failure to pass entrance exams, health concerns and prior criminal activity, including drug abuse. One of the main health concerns is childhood obesity, which Besal said counts for 30 percent of those who are ineligible.

https://news.usni.org/2022/12/01/tough-military-recruiting-environment-is-about-much-more-than-low-unemployment-experts-say

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

Retirement benefits are in no way as good as they used to be. I could care less about drag queens. Seriously? This is what you are concerned about? This is not new, it's just that all of a sudden it's a talking point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/military-recruiting-crisis-veterans-dont-want-their-children-to-join-510e1a25?mod=djemalertNEWS

They leave out a main factor. Trump has made the rank and file conservatives (who were formerly pro military) anti war and anti woke. Liberals who are pro war now do not join the military and never have. Here we are with proxy WW3 in Europe and China on the move with our military shrinking.

No it’s because Biden economics is doing so well. Employees are hard to fine. Even the dead end, poor states where the military was the only escape option are doing a little better. If the republicans win the economy will tank and there will be meat for the grinder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The military (or government) needs to do a better of taking care of vets and giving them translatable skills to the workforce once they leave.

So much bloat, like all of government these days. Our veterans get practically nothing.

You make zero sense. You want more services for vets but no one to provide it?! Robots? Silly argument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

Our military posts and bases being renamed - something that should've been done a long time ago (what country names their military posts after traitors and defeated enemy generals?) - is not why the military can't recruit. A big problem is that 77 percent of Americans between the ages of 17 and 21 are not eligible to serve in the military.

The top three reasons for ineligibility are failure to pass entrance exams, health concerns and prior criminal activity, including drug abuse. One of the main health concerns is childhood obesity, which Besal said counts for 30 percent of those who are ineligible.

https://news.usni.org/2022/12/01/tough-military-recruiting-environment-is-about-much-more-than-low-unemployment-experts-say

Back in the day they would enlist people who were overweight and the recruit would work off the weight in bootcamp. Do they not do that anymore?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On a related note, what do those of you with a military background think about the exemption for military academies in the recent Supreme Court affirmative action decision? A cynical person might say that the exception gives the impression that the SC thinks affirmative action is okay as a recruitment tool for the military but not okay as a way to remove barriers to accessing a quality college education. Thoughts?

A diverse military is a national security issue. Proper racial quotas at Harvard or whatever liberal arts college is not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

Our military posts and bases being renamed - something that should've been done a long time ago (what country names their military posts after traitors and defeated enemy generals?) - is not why the military can't recruit. A big problem is that 77 percent of Americans between the ages of 17 and 21 are not eligible to serve in the military.

The top three reasons for ineligibility are failure to pass entrance exams, health concerns and prior criminal activity, including drug abuse. One of the main health concerns is childhood obesity, which Besal said counts for 30 percent of those who are ineligible.

https://news.usni.org/2022/12/01/tough-military-recruiting-environment-is-about-much-more-than-low-unemployment-experts-say

Back in the day they would enlist people who were overweight and the recruit would work off the weight in bootcamp. Do they not do that anymore?

Why would someone volunteer to go through bootcamp if they didn’t have to?

[Anonymous]

How has this thread gone on for three pages without someone bringing up the historically low unemployment rate?

When the unemployment rate is low, it’s more difficult to recruit. It’s always been this way.

[Anonymous]

Also, there have been many women concerned with the inability to get abortion services. This will have a big impact on woman and whether they will want to serve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Vast majority with warrior skills are masculine. Masculinity is highly correlated with conservative values. Military becoming hostile to conservative values. Warriors don’t see the military as prestigious anymore.

This is ridiculous. My husband is retired military. He told his son he could not join. The military is NOT hostile to conservative values, however, conservatives are hostile to providing that actual services that veterans need when they return home.

I look at how veterans are treated. No way I would have my kid join.

As a military wife, many things have changed. Military personnel used to have great retirement benefits - they no longer have those. If you go onto a base, it used to offer things that weren't offered off base, cheap products, recreational activities, those have scaled down considerably. The military has not made it attractive to join. They just keep cutting benefits while in, and then treating veterans like s*it when they get home.

They are still very good. spouse of military retiree

I don't know what you expect--you still get great retirement benefits and you are able to retire at a relatively young age.

Granted--VA leaves a lot to be desired. And, the PX has not had good deals for many, many years. But, it is tax free.

But, the push for training in things that have nothing to do with the mission is ridiculous. Diversity is important--but when drag queen shows are on post--that is over the top. Thankfully, they are reported to be cancelled.
No one ever thought of Fort Bragg as being named for a Confederate general until a few short years ago--they thought of it as "Airborne." But now, millions and millions of dollars are being spent to rename it--funds that could be better used helping soldiers pay for food -instead of giving them foodstamps.

Our military posts and bases being renamed - something that should've been done a long time ago (what country names their military posts after traitors and defeated enemy generals?) - is not why the military can't recruit. A big problem is that 77 percent of Americans between the ages of 17 and 21 are not eligible to serve in the military.

The top three reasons for ineligibility are failure to pass entrance exams, health concerns and prior criminal activity, including drug abuse. One of the main health concerns is childhood obesity, which Besal said counts for 30 percent of those who are ineligible.

https://news.usni.org/2022/12/01/tough-military-recruiting-environment-is-about-much-more-than-low-unemployment-experts-say

Back in the day they would enlist people who were overweight and the recruit would work off the weight in bootcamp. Do they not do that anymore?

Why would someone volunteer to go through bootcamp if they didn’t have to?

You have to go through boot camp if you want to be in the military.