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Military officials confirmed Friday that the Army was up 25% Approximately 15,000 soldiers are short of this year’s recruitment goal. Other military branches also available already behind We are looking forward to next year.
These struggles have many causes. However, even though the military is not the only option for Gen Z right now, we have reason to believe that the majority of them are. target generation For recruitment wouldn’t even qualify.
The majority of 77% wouldn’t have qualified for several reasons, according to the report. However, the report found that “overweight”, drug and alcohol abuse, medical/physical and mental health were the top disqualifiers, at 11% and 8% respectively.
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis said, “I’m concerned we are now beginning to see a long-term danger to the all-volunteerforce with a declining number Americans who can and are interested in military service,” said At an April hearing
Although eligibility is still a problem, there have been other hurdles that make it difficult to recruit in recent years.
Traditional in-person recruitment avenues were shut down by the pandemic, but Zoom appears to have been a successful alternative. marginally effective. Many speculate that the various scandals as well as the removal of any further items from wave of enlistments This was also possible after the attacks of September 11. contributing To the lack.
Charlie Dietz from the Department of Defense stated that “youth are more disengaged and disinterested in life than they were before.” told Military.com. “A shrinking veteran population, and a smaller military footprint have led to a market that’s unfamiliar with military service which has resulted in an overreliance on military stereotypes.
This is the exact same problem that confronts the military labor shortage US companies deal with. There are still job opportunities elevated Companies offer higher wages Many young people are choosing to change careers in recent years because of the benefits and flexibility offered by these perks. The Army responded by offering sign-on bonuses As high as $50,000 For some jobs. This has not resolved the problem. The Pentagon report shows that even though millions of Gen Zers have started to flock to the military ranks the Pentagon suggests that some might be turned down.
Enlistment is difficult because of obesity, poor mental health and tattoos
In 2021 56 percent According to Johns Hopkins research, approximately 80% of Americans between 18 and 25 are overweight or obese. risen in past decades.
The nonprofit group stated that “with an increase in youth not being eligible for military service it is more important than ever to encourage healthy eating, increased accessibility to fresh and nutritious food, and exercise for children starting at an early age.” Council for a Strong AmericaAccording to a release
Reservists in the military can be disqualified if they have suffered mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. A history of depression or anxiety treatment can be a problem.
An example: In 2017, the Army lieutenant’s daughters enlisted in the Army was reportedly denied Because she had to meet with a counselor when she was a kid, while her dad was deployed. She received a waiver in 2019 but it was not enough. doesn’t always This is how you should play.
According to a 2014 study, 25% A majority of military personnel who were not deployed had a mental disorder. A mental disorder can lead to disqualification for a recruit. However, service personnel are still eligible for medication and therapy if they have been diagnosed with it. is made after they’ve enlisted. It’s also possible that some people with mental disabilities prior to enlistment were able to. keep them quiet During the hiring process.
The military has its own tattoo rules that cause confusion
There are other factors, such as opaque rules and ineligibility. tattoos.
The following are some examples August report According to the Government Accountability Office, most branches provided waivers for tattoo-wearing enlistees. The report stated that policies do not clearly state the requirements and whether tattoos can be considered a barrier to continued or future military service. This uncertainty may be deterring young Americans from joining the military, according to some authors.
The Army will be closing its doors in June. took some steps Please clarify what is allowed. For example, recruits can now have the ability to be soldiers or officers. one tattoo on each hand They can be as short as one-inch in length.
Contacted by the US Army spokesperson, Sergeant. Sgt. Anthony Hewitt, 1st class, stated that the guidance clarifies the rules regarding what can be placed behind and on the back of your neck. While tattoos are still prohibited on the head, the Army allows body art provided it’s not visible above the collar.
Hewitt explained that this directive removes the restrictions surrounding tattoos in order to be more inclusive of society and Soldiers. These changes won’t lower the standards for service admission, but will instead allow those who fulfill all qualifications to enlist or be appointed, to have the option of serving.
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