General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFewer Americans want to serve in the military.
The youth of America dont want to serve in the military any more.
The situation has become so dire that just to maintain Americas ground forces the army and Marine Corps the two services are resorting to unprecedented pay raises, bonuses and socialist trappings.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/10/fewer-americans-serve-military-pentagon-panic
They are waiving issues people have and giving bonuses up to $40,000. The last 3 years has been the worst for new enlistments of our nations youth. Maybe they are being smart and don't want to be maimed or die for a republican and trump war lie.
I would point out that all the while network TV keeps producing an unprecedented number of militant TV shows.
genxlib
(5,528 posts)But there is also an economic factor. Recruiting is easier when there are no jobs. With unemployment low, the kids feel like they have options. Many of those options suck but probably not any more than military life when viewed through the eyes of a young person.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,350 posts)But, the Republicans might think a shrinking military is a good thing. They can farm out more of the job to mercenaries.
They already farm out much of the maintenance, cooking, clerking, to contractors.
mysteryowl
(7,390 posts)NacLeeFF
(89 posts)ck4829
(35,077 posts)His approval ratings?
Hey, you millennials! Want to get maimed so billionaires can make more money?
madville
(7,412 posts)The youngest millennials are about 24 now, the oldest are getting close to 40, that's old for the Marines and Army as far as enlisted recruiting goes.
I did it, didn't have many options, joined in the 90's, got college paid for, etc. Main reason I was able to get a federal civilian job as well.
Fullduplexxx
(7,864 posts)Be
Be a part of something bigger than yourself ... lol . Who falls for that crap.
Fullduplexxx
(7,864 posts)"Maybe they are being smart and don't want to be maimed or die for a republican and trump war lie. "
No sht they see very well how they are "thanked " for their service.
Tech
(1,771 posts)Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)Wouldn't put it past him.
mysteryowl
(7,390 posts)But, dosen't it take an act of congress to do that and not just an executive order?
Wounded Bear
(58,662 posts)It would require funding, and that means Congress.
Trump hates that.
hunter
(38,317 posts)We had one grandfather who was an Army Air Corp officer in World War II, the other grandfather a Conscientious Objector Pacifist who chose to build and repair ships for the Merchant Marine rather than go to jail.
Our dad is a nearsighted Radar O'Reilly Army clerk who just missed service in Korea by the skin of his teeth.
The rest of our siblings were like, "No way, fuck that shit. What did you miss about voluntary?"
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Hope thats the case, but a good percentage of recruits nowadays seem to be mercenaries in training or white supremacists.
ansible
(1,718 posts)It felt like they were using any excuse to kick us out. I got permanently disqualified for failing the hearing test twice. Still pretty unhappy about it, I can't afford a college education.
msongs
(67,413 posts)Hekate
(90,714 posts)...volunteering to any young person in my family.
Of all their (BushCheney) many sins, it's hard to pick the most egregious, but the training some got in sadism and torture at Gitmo and later at Abu Ghraib is surely near the top.
marlakay
(11,471 posts)Away while Trump in charge.
No change for my son n law but he only has 2 yrs left and is lt colonel in AF. He has office job in San Antonio.
They are looking forward to it being over and no more moving. Especially with the kids.
keithbvadu2
(36,823 posts)Have Cadet Bone Spurs tell how great and patriotic it is to serve in our country's military service.
Eric Trump is still young enough to enlist.