The recruitment challenges faced by the US military have escalated to a critical level. Almost all branches are struggling to meet their recruitment targets and some are even describing the situation as a “crisis.”
A Warning to Congress
The crisis has led the Army Secretary to warn Congress about an anticipated recruitment shortfall in the future. The Space Force, which selects from a smaller and more selective applicant pool, is the only branch managing to maintain its recruitment targets. The national security implications of this crisis are substantial and some people are concerned that recruitment standards might be dramatically lowered to boost numbers.
The Reasons Behind the Crisis
Numerous factors contribute to the situation. The weariness from two decades of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were largely seen as unsuccessful, has left the public reluctant to engage in military service. The legacy of the unpopular Vietnam War also continues to affect recruitment.
Young People and the Military
The toll from these conflicts, coupled with a better understanding of issues like PTSD, has made young people hesitant to enlist. A survey from the Defense Department indicated that around 60% of individuals in the military’s target age range were concerned about the mental health consequences of service and almost half believed they would face physical challenges as a result. Not to mention, younger generations are increasingly anti-military from a political perspective.
The Effect of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation by limiting recruitment opportunities with school closures. Additionally, the number of young Americans with parents who have military experience has significantly decreased since the 1990s, meaning fewer individuals are being encouraged to serve by family.
A Diminishing Talent Pool
Another contributing factor is a diminishing talent pool. Obesity, drug use, criminal records, and an inability to meet the physical and intellectual requirements for military service are prevalent issues. The US Army’s chief of staff said that only 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 meet the military’s standards without needing a waiver.
Embracing “Woke” Concepts
Adding to these challenges, military leaders are embracing modern social concepts that have gained traction in academia and corporate HR departments across the country, concepts conservatives might describe as “woke” – a term which is short for “awoken and aware of injustice.” This move has alienated such conservatives, particularly in southern regions where a significant portion of the military’s potential recruits reside.
Critical Race Theory
While Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin denied that the military teaches Critical Race Theory, a prominent military leader defended the idea during congressional testimony. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, compared reading Karl Marx to understand an enemy with reading Critical Race Theory to understand American society.
Defending the Nation
Milley’s perspective contradicts the conservative idea that “wokeness” negatively affects recruitment and retention – a view shared by President Joe Biden, who recently rejected claims that the military is weakening and defended his emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, the attractiveness of military service usually stems from a belief in defending the nation, and ideologies like Critical Race Theory do not align with that sentiment.
The Internet Responded
Word of the military’s recruitment struggles was shared across the internet and young people flocked to comment sections to explain why they, personally, would not be signing up. One person wrote: “Seeing conservatives try and make sense of this is hilarious. We’re not joining the military because we’re not going to be manipulated by the state into doing its dirty work and we’re not going to become murderers for some rich old men. It really is that simple.”
Young People Are More Politically Aware Than Ever
Others felt it was an issue of political differences. “It’s simple. We’re not joining because we’re not fighting your battle for you. Wanna wage war? Go do it yourself, billionaires,” one person wrote. “I think young people are more politically aware than ever. We don’t want to join the military because, unlike previous generations, we don’t think it’s honorable and we don’t think it’s good.”
The Military, Mental Health, and PTSD
Others were concerned about mental health. “For me, it’s not really a political issue. I’ve seen what PTSD can be like and I really don’t want that,” one person wrote. “I’d be proud of myself if I did it but I just don’t think it’s worth it. Not with the potential mental health ramifications,” another said.
Money, Oil, and Being “Woke”
Some admitted that the issue was indeed caused by an increase in “woke” opinions. One person wrote: “I mean, yeah. It is because we’re ‘woke.’ We don’t want anything to do with your pathetic battles over money and oil. Also, this country is built on racism. Why would I want to defend that?”
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