More Than Two-Thirds of American Youth Wouldn't Qualify for Service, Pentagon Says

[usmcstinger]

Recruits' Ineligibility Tests the Military

The Pentagon estimates that only one in four of today's youth are fit for military service. More than 20% of high-school students fail to graduate. Obesity and other medical conditions disqualify about 35% of candidates. Prior drug and alcohol involvement disqualify another 19%, and criminal records disqualify 5%.

Now a whopping 99% of recruits have a high-school diploma -- an all-time high. Even candidates with GEDs are often turned away and encouraged to complete at least 15 college credits before re-applying.

It wasn't always this way. Just six years ago, during the Iraq war surge, the military had lower standards. Only about 86% of new recruits had high-school diplomas, and just 67% of recruits scored in the top 50th percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Waivers excusing health issues and prior misconduct -- even felonies -- were not uncommon.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/05/15/news/economy/military-recruiting/

2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. Many men volunteered for the draft so even some of the draftees were actually volunteers.
During the Vietnam War, 79% of us had a high school education or better.
http://www.vhfcn.org/stat.html
At some point, I will look at the variables responsible for the above differences.
Semper Fi to every Marine who reads this.

 

[Vorskla]

It doesn't help that requirements for entry are constantly made stricter - like the new 'no tattoos' policy. It used to be possible to come in with certain criminal records but now even speeding tickets can be a disqualifier.

 

[MHunterB]

The 'no tatoos' rule depends largely on location: if it wouldn't be visible in a short-sleeve uniform, then you can probably get a waiver for it. Unless, of course, it's some kind of gang ink - in which case it is regarded as 'disruptive'.

The idea that 19% have disqualified themselves by substance abuse, and another 35% by medical conditions which include obesity (although the military restrictions are quite severe) is something I find disconcerting.

But then I also know a few guys who've literally sweated it out to get below that max weight requirement - because they wanted to be in the military. Hoooooaargh!

 

[whitehall]

If you get right down to it I bet that 90% of the fat asses in the Pentagon would not qualify for Military service.

 

[Politico]

Not surprising. Most of the pussies being churned out nowadays even qualify as men.

 

[usmcstinger]

If you get right down to it I bet that 90% of the fat asses in the Pentagon would not qualify for Military service.

I agree 100%. Our younger Vets need to get into politics and run for Federal Offices.

 

[usmcstinger]

The 'no tatoos' rule depends largely on location: if it wouldn't be visible in a short-sleeve uniform, then you can probably get a waiver for it. Unless, of course, it's some kind of gang ink - in which case it is regarded as 'disruptive'.

The idea that 19% have disqualified themselves by substance abuse, and another 35% by medical conditions which include obesity (although the military restrictions are quite severe) is something I find disconcerting.

But then I also know a few guys who've literally sweated it out to get below that max weight requirement - because they wanted to be in the military. Hoooooaargh!

Military restrictions are needed.
The Maine Corps enlistment procedures are stricter than any other branch of the Armed Forces.
The following link goes into more detail: Enlistment Procedures for the USMC - Military.Answers.com

Marine boot camp is more challenging -- both physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services.

On Feb. 1966, I enlisted in the US Marine Corps ( avoided the draft ) I was in good physical shape and had 3 semesters of College.

I served in Vietnam as an Infantry Fire Team Leader with 1st Bn 4th Marines 6/67 to 2/68.

 

[editec]

A smaller more technologically oriented military does not need nor want problem recruits.

Physical health is still important of course (but that's mostly about saving money on HC costs, more than their ability to fight) but intellectual health is paramount.

 

[jon_berzerk]

Recruits' Ineligibility Tests the Military

The Pentagon estimates that only one in four of today's youth are fit for military service. More than 20% of high-school students fail to graduate. Obesity and other medical conditions disqualify about 35% of candidates. Prior drug and alcohol involvement disqualify another 19%, and criminal records disqualify 5%.

Now a whopping 99% of recruits have a high-school diploma -- an all-time high. Even candidates with GEDs are often turned away and encouraged to complete at least 15 college credits before re-applying.

It wasn't always this way. Just six years ago, during the Iraq war surge, the military had lower standards. Only about 86% of new recruits had high-school diplomas, and just 67% of recruits scored in the top 50th percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Waivers excusing health issues and prior misconduct -- even felonies -- were not uncommon.
Getting into the military is getting tougher - May. 15, 2013

2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. Many men volunteered for the draft so even some of the draftees were actually volunteers.
During the Vietnam War, 79% of us had a high school education or better.
Statistics about the Vietnam War
At some point, I will look at the variables responsible for the above differences.
Semper Fi to every Marine who reads this.

maybe but the way they play those video games

we have thousands of qualified drone pilots

 

[Mr Natural]

Times change.

Back in my day, all you needed was a pulse and you were in whether you wanted to be or not.

 

[MHunterB]

I agree with you, 'Stinger: our troops need to be able to take punishing conditions and still move forward when needed. So of course we can't take just any warm body - or we'd be fielding militia.


One of our cousin set is a former Marine (enlisted) who went through Army OCS, and he's made similar comments about the Marine vs Army training. That's one reason the son was looking at the Marines, but they didn't have a medical program (to become an MD), so he's looking at the Navy now. He'd go to SEAL school if they'd let him.....

I'm afraid that most people who do not have military experience or a military relative (husband retired as an E-9, CSM, from the Army) do not 'get it' about what a tough career it truly is - or what a toll it can take on the families.

Sometimes I wish there was 'boot camp' for the wives, too!

 

[whitehall]

Does the Pentagon include the concept of women in combat? The military had to lower the physical standard so that women could get through boot camp. Why not lower the standards for overweight men?

 

[CorvusRexus]

Only 3/4 or so? Wow. I had been expecting 99%. Not only wouldn't qualify, wouldn't do it. Video games are fine and dandy, but I strongly doubt most youth would fight in a real war. I'd join the military personally only if the US needed soldiers for a war of personal defense, like an invasion, or if something like Isis took over the Middle East and displayed obvious interest in expanding.

 

[longknife]

If you get right down to it I bet that 90% of the fat asses in the Pentagon would not qualify for Military service.

I got news for ya - military regulations require ALL officers and enlisted personnel - regardless of rank, to participate in some form of physical fitness training and tests. The only ones exempted are those with verified physical limitations.

When I was stationed at Fort Myers, VA I saw flag officers on the parade ground exercising with the rest of us - also in the post gym.

As for stricter physical fitness requirement, with Dear Leader's drive to strip the military down to almost nothing, every man and woman serving in uniform is going to have to carry a very heavy load.

 

[HenryBHough]

Only 5% criminal? Wow, are there no recruiting offices in Chicago?

 

[longknife]

Everyone is missing the point here.

They CANNOT QUALIFY for service because they are not physically fit!

That means they do not learn to exercise or take part in physical fitness programs because they might sweat, or hurt their poor little selves. They can't go out in the sun because they might swoon. They can't go outside when it's cold because they might get their little noses reddened.

We've turned our kids into wuzzes that will go far to hamper THEIR futures and life spans.

 

[HenryBHough]

Everyone is missing the point here.

They CANNOT QUALIFY for service because they are not physically fit!

That means they do not learn to exercise or take part in physical fitness programs because they might sweat, or hurt their poor little selves. They can't go out in the sun because they might swoon. They can't go outside when it's cold because they might get their little noses reddened.

We've turned our kids into wuzzes that will go far to hamper THEIR futures and life spans.

Ah well, then. We need to immediately set up camps to which children will be dispatched immediately after birth where they can be government monitored and required to do various exercises and eat only prescribed amounts of prescribed foods.

Some of the exercise might be building ovens to care for those who fail to progress according to government's perfect plan!

 

[usmcstinger]

Recruits' Ineligibility Tests the Military

The Pentagon estimates that only one in four of today's youth are fit for military service. More than 20% of high-school students fail to graduate. Obesity and other medical conditions disqualify about 35% of candidates. Prior drug and alcohol involvement disqualify another 19%, and criminal records disqualify 5%.

Now a whopping 99% of recruits have a high-school diploma -- an all-time high. Even candidates with GEDs are often turned away and encouraged to complete at least 15 college credits before re-applying.

It wasn't always this way. Just six years ago, during the Iraq war surge, the military had lower standards. Only about 86% of new recruits had high-school diplomas, and just 67% of recruits scored in the top 50th percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test. Waivers excusing health issues and prior misconduct -- even felonies -- were not uncommon.
Getting into the military is getting tougher - May. 15, 2013

2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers. Many men volunteered for the draft so even some of the draftees were actually volunteers.
During the Vietnam War, 79% of us had a high school education or better.
Statistics about the Vietnam War
At some point, I will look at the variables responsible for the above differences.
Semper Fi to every Marine who reads this.

maybe but the way they play those video games

we have thousands of qualified drone pilots

Video games! You can't be serious. A typical juvenile statement.

 

[jon_berzerk]

recruits' ineligibility tests the military

the pentagon estimates that only one in four of today's youth are fit for military service. More than 20% of high-school students fail to graduate. Obesity and other medical conditions disqualify about 35% of candidates. Prior drug and alcohol involvement disqualify another 19%, and criminal records disqualify 5%.

Now a whopping 99% of recruits have a high-school diploma -- an all-time high. Even candidates with geds are often turned away and encouraged to complete at least 15 college credits before re-applying.

It wasn't always this way. Just six years ago, during the iraq war surge, the military had lower standards. Only about 86% of new recruits had high-school diplomas, and just 67% of recruits scored in the top 50th percentile on the armed forces qualification test. Waivers excusing health issues and prior misconduct -- even felonies -- were not uncommon.
getting into the military is getting tougher - may. 15, 2013

2/3 of the men who served in vietnam were volunteers. Many men volunteered for the draft so even some of the draftees were actually volunteers.
During the vietnam war, 79% of us had a high school education or better.
statistics about the vietnam war
at some point, i will look at the variables responsible for the above differences.
Semper fi to every marine who reads this.

maybe but the way they play those video games

we have thousands of qualified drone pilots

video games! You can't be serious. A typical juvenile statement.

--lol

 

[usmcstinger]

Does the Pentagon include the concept of women in combat? The military had to lower the physical standard so that women could get through boot camp. Why not lower the standards for overweight men?

The USMC never has lowered standards. This is why they continue to be the best fighting force in the world.