The US Military’s Struggle to Recruit New Soldiers

The United States military is experiencing the worst recruitment since the all-volunteer force became a thing in 1973. Why does the US military have such a difficult time getting young men to enlist? Watch our new video that looks at several key factors leading to the decline in military recruitment numbers that have been on the major decline in recent years.

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[cmdr]

Younger millennial here, I would fight for my country if needed. I would not fight for this government

[deantulipane]

no one wants to die for a country that hates them.

[ExecutiveOutcomes]

My dad served in Desert Storm, did peacekeeping in Bosnia, and served in the early days of Enduring Freedom and Afghanistan before he got out. He was in the artillery so he can barely hear, has 7 concussions, brittle bones from the side effects of medication the VA gave him, and started losing his memory. He's only 52. He told me of the horrible things he's seen and the things he's done. After the fall of Kabul, he told me all the men that died under his command died for nothing. I lost faith in our government and military. With the way our society is going, I lost faith in that too.

[KlaxontheImpailr]

One time I was walking to the store and passed a recruitment office. Someone actually ran out, across the parking lot, and tried to recruit me. It was a bizarre experience that reeked of desperation, which is why I declined.

[jennah_bee]

As a veteran, I will let them know that no one wants to experience unfair treatment, and getting talked to like you’re a child. We didn’t get paid enough.

[MarcusAurelius]

As a veteran myself. Dont join the military. Dont let them take you to war.

[OLDSKOOLNYC]

As a Veteran, I knew from personal experience I did not want my son serving and did not allow military recruiters to contact him in High School. He just graduated from College with not much debt and, I couldn't be prouder!

[johnalexander]

As a Gen Z… I would die fighting against our corrupt government before I cross the ocean to fight for them.

[hangmanmatt]

I tried to join in 2014 and got denied from the air force because I saw a therapist. 2015 i tried to join the army and got denied because the air force denied me, 2016 tried to join the national guard and got denied a third time. That's when I finally gave up. I was planning on making it my career but now I'm 26, have a family and a good paying job. Maybe they should stop being picky

[ignskeletons]

As a millennial myself, I see that a lot of veterans from WW2 and after never got support from the government when they returned home. Many veterans today are homeless, have PTSD, or other mental health issues. If the gov followed up and provided post-service support maybe more young people would feel the same assurance to join today.

[gajeel]

USAF veteran here. The younger generations are smarter. They also see how the VA does not take care of their older siblings, cousins, mom, dad, and grandparents after being used and broken. If they had that security that they would be taken care of after their service, they wouldn't be so reluctant to join.

[MikiOS]

As a Veteran, I wouldn't recommend anyone joining the military. Corruption, unjustified wars and the list goes on. Support your local Constitutional Sheriff and focus on your improving your local community. "We have met the enemy and the enemy is us."

[Zeppathy]

Alternate title: Younger generations aren't as easy to manipulate into pointless wars.

[jvshbrvwn]

It’s common knowledge nowadays that recruiters are just selling a false dream to get you to join. As a veteran when I tell people about my time in the navy they always say it sounds terrible or I’m glad I never joined.

[Britton_Thompson]

A job that "builds character" is code for:
*•* Being miserable the entire time
*•* Low pay
*•* Won't get you hired anywhere afterwards

[jaffacalling]

Dying for billionaires and bankers doesn't really sound like a good idea to me

[douglasmurphy]

In the Marines right now and am getting out as soon as I can.

I joined to help people, only after getting in did I realize I was serving a government that didn't care about me and making money for billionaires that didn't care about the world.

[jahkarimirza]

Who would fight for a country that doesn't treat you well when you return home? Have people seen how veterans struggle when they come back? Also, many people are hip to the evilness of the government and don't want to lose their lives fighting useless wars to help a few old men in Washington. People would only fight if a foreign nation attacked their home.

[ChclateChimp]

Had a guy in my division who made 1st Class Petty Officer in his first tour (we both were on our first tour). He was highly qualified, hardworking, and an overall great guy. I remember when he was nearing his EAS date he created an Excel sheet weighing the pros and cons of reenlisting. The pro side had like 1 or 2 things, the cons were a good 15-20. No surprise, he decided to get honorably discharged. It's a shame for the Navy because they could really use a guy like him, dude had a wildly successful tour but he just didn't see much benefit in staying in.

[tinypig]

Always let anyone thinking of joining the military know that it's terrible idea.