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U.S. Military Increasingly Crippled Under Biden

Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2022
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by Andrew Abbott
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104 Comments
Military

AMAC Exclusive – By Andrew Abbott

Late last month, in a series of unprecedented moves, the U.S. Army announced that it would no longer require High School Diplomas or GEDs for new recruits and was relaxing its ban on visible hand and neck tattoos. While the Army reversed the GED policy only a week later amid swift backlash, it was the clearest sign yet of just how desperate America’s military has become for new recruits – both as a result of factors outside the control of military leaders and glaring policy failures that may be driving away potential enlistees.

Since the end of active conscription on January 27, 1973, the United States Military has been an all-volunteer force. While enlistment figures were initially steady, they have begun to lag in recent years. In 1980, about 18% of all Americans were veterans, according to Pew Research. By 2018, that number had shrunk to 7%. Today, less than one percent of the country is currently serving in uniform.

Most Americans who are enlisting today also come from military families – almost 80 percent of Americans who serve have at least one family member who is a veteran, and over 30 percent have an active-duty parent. While building family legacies of patriotic service is certainly admirable, that fact, combined with the shrinking overall percentage of Americans with a military background, means that the military community as a whole is becoming more insular and less visible – Americans who aren’t in the military are less and less likely to know someone who is. But there are some signs that even this critical source of recruits may be drying up; according to one new survey, “only 62.9 percent of military and veteran families would recommend military life, down from 74.5 percent in 2019.” That’s an extraordinary drop in just two years.

The net result of these trends is that every branch of the military is facing a drastic shortfall of new enlistees. As of late June, the Army was 60% short of its target numbers. The Air Force is 4,000 short on new recruits. Though the Navy and Marine Corps won’t release figures until later this year, they have also acknowledged that they are unlikely to meet recruitment quotas.

Several factors are likely contributing to this recruitment crisis – some of which are within the Defense Department’s control, some of which are not. For example, no one could have predicted the disastrous effect the COVID-19 pandemic would have on recruitment as recruiters suddenly lost the ability to connect face-to-face with young people in places like high schools, malls, and sporting events. Moreover, with a tight labor market leading to increased demand for entry-level workers, a military career may seem less enticing to otherwise promising candidates.

Larger societal trends have also negatively affected recruitment. In recent decades, America’s youth have become drastically less healthy – as of 2021, almost 75% of Americans aged 17-24 are ineligible to serve, mostly due to obesity or criminal histories. The Army has already considered relaxing its physical fitness requirements several times in recent years, something other branches may soon also be forced to do.

While rank-and-file service members have continued to serve their country with honor and dignity, upholding the proudest traditions of the U.S. military, recent failures as a result of poor leadership may also be driving away potential recruits. On this front, nothing looms larger than President Joe Biden’s disastrous evacuation from Afghanistan last year, which left 13 American service members dead. Following the debacle, a report on the attitudes of Afghanistan veterans found that “73% feel betrayed, and 67% feel humiliated.” Many were outraged that no one responsible for the fiasco was held accountable, even as the Biden administration and the mainstream media quickly moved on. Though the Afghanistan withdrawal was just the latest American misadventure in the Middle East caused entirely by failed leadership, it is one that is likely to stick in the minds of Americans for some time – including potential future recruits.

Even as the military struggles to fill its ranks, Pentagon bureaucrats and Biden administration officials have also plowed ahead with their plans to “wokeify” the military, alienating vast swaths of Americans in the process. The Army and Navy have both pushed Critical Race Theory texts like Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Anti-Racist on their “recommended reading list.” CRT has also made its way into the curriculum at West Point and other military academies. Just last month, the Navy was slammed for forcing new recruits to watch training videos on “proper pronoun usage.” Several Republicans in Congress have also raised concerns about woke policies in this year’s military funding bill.

With Russia and China growing more aggressive on the world stage and the United States potentially behind in missile and cyber defense technology, the threats to the country are growing by the day. A strong military has always been America’s best security policy and one that is all the more necessary in an increasingly unstable world. No matter the cause of the recruiting shortfall, our leaders have a responsibility to solve it – the future of the country and the world may depend upon it.

Andrew Abbott is the pen name of a writer and public affairs consultant with over a decade of experience in DC at the intersection of politics and culture. 

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Ashley marthinez
Ashley marthinez
1 year ago

Tap on a clip to paste it in the text box.

ApacheBob
ApacheBob
1 year ago

Although I am personally very appreciative when (non-Veteran) people come up to me and say: “Thank you for your Service.” – much more often than in past years… I have begun to believe they are doing so – – because of a feeling of Guilt for not having served themselves… That is a part of what was not in the Article… As time passes, I expect this trend to decrease, as our Nation de-militarizes and even fewer volunteers join the various services. Where or what is the feed back on the “Space Force”?

Rich
Rich
1 year ago

Biden and the socialist/marxist/communists in Washington D.C. OWN this predicament. Instead of making our military stronger, they are right on schedule for their woke agenda to destroy our military defense. At some point you have to wonder how many Americans would actually be willing to die to protect our freedom, not forced to defend the woke agenda. If we are actually physically attacked, we will find out.

Sam
Sam
1 year ago

Our military is being pecked to death by ducks. All this WOKE bullship is ruining the military, our national defense and recruiting. Ii was proud of my time in the USN, but I am not sure I would encourage anyone to go into the service with this current group of chuckleheads in charge. They have completely lost the flick.

Phonies
Phonies
1 year ago

Biden/Obama are all about destroying America with their transgender bs and trying to fire military personnel over not getting the phony vax. A jab that if maimed or killed the service person has no recourse. Congressmen, illegals are not required to get the jab. Does that tell you this is a hoax. It’s all about stealing the elections and destroying America!!!

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

I retired in 92 and then spent 25 years working for a military contractor till August 2018. I live close to a base and have watched the military go down hill from budget shortfalls, poor leadership decisions, manning cuts, reduced discipline, lowered entry requirements, and now you can add wokeness, its been a ongoing process that I don’t see a solution for, but, has to start at the clueless leadership.

Sandra
Sandra
1 year ago

75% of Americans between 17-24 ineligible to serve, mostly because of obesity or criminal histories? Where is this almost incredible statistic from? Pretty alarming to me!

Robert Zuccaro
Robert Zuccaro
1 year ago

Maybe if they stop administrative seperations of those not wanting (or needing) the faux COVID “vaccine” the armed forces wouldn’t need so many new recruits… once again Brandon creates his own “crisis”!

Frances
Frances
1 year ago

Stupid is stupid does

Splish_Splash
Splish_Splash
1 year ago

U.S. Military Increasingly Crippled Under Biden YEP THAT’S THE GOAL! AS INCREDIBLE AS THAT IS TO BELIEVE IT IS TRUE, BARRY STARTED THE PROCESS IN HIS 8 YEARS – WHILE AMERICANS WERE COMPLETELY ENTRALED AT THE FACT HE WAS 1/2 BLACK! AMERICANS ARE THE STUPIDEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET, SORRY WE ARE!

Karen
Karen
1 year ago

GREAT! Let’s hope we don’t go to war………..another Biden horror.

Dennis Johnson
Dennis Johnson
1 year ago

All fine members of thr nazi republican party

BVAL
BVAL
1 year ago

If I were able to serve NOW in this current admin, I wouldn’t. I served for 6 years in the 90’s and it was great. Now? Sorry, not calling men in dresses “ma’m”.

NoName
NoName
1 year ago

One key issue that is NOT mentioned in this article as a reason for our military readiness being drastically reduced: The forced dismissal of all military personnel who refuse to be injected with poison!

Jeanette
Jeanette
1 year ago

Stop the CRT in military..top leaders are at fault for the loss of recruits. Get the Liberals out of the the leadership. Who will be left to protect our country? Once the best force of defence our military is in sad shape. We should be ashamed of this and scared at the same time. We need a strong president and we need better military leaders who don’t let China advance to the world leader. China has always wanted to take over the world and this present administration has sold out to them..25th Amendment and overturn the House and Senate this November! Wake up America!

Smike
Smike
1 year ago

Military life is a challenge, it’s the place where young men could leave the nest and prove themselves worthy of being independent and could make it on their own. I graduated from high school at the age of 17, when the draft was hot and enlisted. I struggled and learned a trade, a good well-paying trade that the military could not compete with on the outside. I liked the military and would have stayed with the military until it was obvious that the way promotions were being handled, I was at a definite disadvantage. Individuals overweight, who couldn’t pass the PT test, with less experience, not qualified to deploy with lower performance ratings were promoted over me. The quota system is not based on potential, ability or performance. So, I got out, went to work for the FAA as an air traffic controller and advanced from Omaha to St. Louis to DFW in five short years. Talented, high performing, loyal people want more than just money. I would have stayed in if I would have gotten promoted to E-6, but I didn’t so I had to settle for being a GS-14.

Susan Miller
Susan Miller
1 year ago

Until we get real leadership, it’s best not to join. This regime cares nothing about it’s soldiers. They have been quite clear on that.

J Toth
J Toth
1 year ago

Let’s not forget that many committed, experienced and healthy active and reserve military were forced to make very difficult decisions when they were forced to get the experimental jab with practically no exceptionions accepted.

Garye
Garye
1 year ago

There you go, more failure of the marxist democrat party!
USELESS CRIMINALS
THROW THEM OUT

“jake”
“jake”
1 year ago

As a retired enlisted man (not person) with more than a quarter century of service, I’ve seen my country go through some of its worst (Carter) and best (Reagan) administrations as I performed my duties to the best of my abilities. I almost took early discharges during both the Carter and Clinton regimes but my faith in this country kept me in, believing in better things to come. Now, 30 years later, I can only hope those true warriors still serving will keep the faith in our great country and our ability to rebound from the unparalleled ignorance and evil of Biden’s (Obama’s) designs on our way of life. We must VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. These are Communists disguised as Socialists, totalitarians pretending to be concerned leaders working in our best interest. Tensions are rising, anger and violence are escalating, and our “leaders” are instrumental in compelling their malleable followers to believe it’s all our fault. Fomenting and actually spurring violence on by Democrat socialists like AOC and the Squad, and numerous Senators and Representatives (Waters,Schumer, etc). We are at a dangerous point in history, with some people on both sides talking secession, trashing our Constitution and starting over, or even open revolution. This cannot continue. RepublicNs, Independents, andConservatives must get out the vote and put an end to their anti-American plans before we have a situation which might cost more than this world can afford. Don’t panic, but get serious. If you want America to continue as designed by our fore Forefathers (or as close as possible) vote to get it back! This will NOT be easy. Social media, big tech, the majority of mainstream news, and a good portion of other media is left leaning. Also, a large portion of people are incredibly, still ignorant (not stupid, but just unaware). Do not take anything for granted. Talk to friends, associates, co-workers. Church and club members. I have begun to wear my Vietnam. Veteran hat when I go shopping. When someone thanks me for my service it gives me a chance to open a conversation on the state of our nation. We have to do all we can within the parameters of our laws. E wry day we lose getting out the vote makes it harde to succeed. Pray, stay positive, and work to get everyone you can to the pills. Volunteer to be a monitor at polling places to ensure an open and honest election.

Will Eskridge
Will Eskridge
1 year ago

This is cause of Biden and his slow downed mind and his brain dead people pushing woke ness. I saw the video that CIA did it was a joke

Hanes
Hanes
1 year ago

Better solution get rid of Biden and his corrupt regime of incompetent buffoons.

John Bredfeldt
John Bredfeldt
1 year ago

As a retired military officer, retired in 1993, I have watched the U. S. military gradually deteriorate by foolish decisions made by the Congress, presidents, and the military leadership. Here are just a few examples. One: What makes the current military leadership, current president, and current Congress think that since the new “normal” starting wages for burger slingers has increased from $7.65 per hour to $15.00 per hour, the U. S. military is going to be able to attract highly capable young Americans to the military for any payment less? (2) The U. S. military leadership has for the last few years proposed a reduction of 18,000 active duty medical personnel, admitting in this year’s funding request that they would kick roughly 155,000 military dependents out of the military medical system. This forces the military member to pay annual premiums and copays for their dependents medical expenses, and, of course they get no increase in military pay to make those payments. And, military retirees have had to pay annual fees and copays for the last 20 years because we have been kicked out of most military health care faciilities. And, speaking of military retirement, just a few years ago, the Congress changed the military retirement system into a 401K type of arrangement which forces today’s military members to pay into their retirement system which is now only partially subsidized by the federal government rather than fully subsidized as it was prior to this new system. As for the poor physical fitness, drug addictions, and criminal charges found in a larger segment of today’s youth, the Congresses and several presidents since President Reagan can thank themselves for taking general physical playground activities twice a day out of grammar school schedules, and general participation in school athletics for middle and high school students; today’s let everyone in through our southern border policy that promotes a flood of drugs into the country,; and big city policies that have encouraged teen crimes to run amuck. Finally, hardly a day goes by that I don’t read of a military officer (or more), and a senior enlisted member of the armed forces being relieved of command because (their bosses no longer had confidence in the fired individuals’ “ability to command.” You cannot expect to maintain discipline in the military when you mealy-mouth around the reasons for firing a senior person from command. Obviously, those fired military personnel committed some egregious action(s) sufficient to be fired. In the interest of “transparency” those reasons need to be made public. The reason is that old retired guys like me immediately wonder if some commander simply wasn’t promoting the new “woke” system of command. And, finally, the new “woke” system of command, if carried on for very long, will be the death knell of the U. S. military and along with it, our entire country.

BACKWOODS
BACKWOODS
1 year ago

Part of the plan. WAKE UP!!! Just like depleting the oil reserve. Still voting Democrat or Rino? Just like carbon taxing trees for converting carbon into oxygen.

Donald A Colongeli
Donald A Colongeli
1 year ago

IF IM NOT MISTAKEN, PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADMINISTRATION, GAVE MILLIONS, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO BUILD A STRONG MILITARYSTANCH. THEY WERE NUMBER ONE WHEN TRUMP LEFT OFFICE.NOW TWO YEARS INTO COMRAD BIDENS RUN, NOW WE HEAR OUR MILITARY IS ON THE ROCKS? I KNOW THE MILITARY. WHEN I ENLISTED, WE TRAINED WITH WW1 RIFLES, AND MANY OLD VINTAGE MILITARY WEAPONS. BEING AUDITS ARENT ALLOWED, WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHERE ALL THIS MONEY ENDED UP.

Enuf Said
Enuf Said
1 year ago

Does THIS surprise ANYONE about Herr Biden?

Jim Kicklighter
Jim Kicklighter
1 year ago

This started under Obama!

Randall L. Beatty
Randall L. Beatty
1 year ago

The blame is on Biden and his VP and the rest of the people in Washington and some military heads that side with them I know a lot of people that were proud to serve but would never join now the way they treat military personal I was very proud to have served, things in this country need to change and it starts in our government the current White House Dems that started this mess. We need strong leadership that is what we lack now.

LouiseR
LouiseR
1 year ago

You forgot to mention the hard push to recruit and retain body dysphoric persons into the military and into the close ranks of those who are the opposite sex–women in men’s facilities, and men in women’s facilities. The military has integrated the sexes more than they used to be, but there are still places where women don’t want to be forced to be naked with men, and vice versa. Additionally, “transitioning” requires a whole bunch of meds and surgeries, which impacts readiness, costs enormous amounts of money, and restricts the ability to deploy to areas that don’t offer the needed services or are culturally opposed to the whole idea of enabling this kind of dysphoria.

George
George
1 year ago

My father died for this country when he was 20 years old. I don’t know of many 20-year old people today who could or would step up like he did. The destruction of our armed forces is the last step in making America vulnerable to attack and being conquered. Thanks, Joe Biden.

Becky
Becky
1 year ago

Wrong. To the ‘leaders’ of our military nothing is more important than their social experimentation.
This will continue until we get real leaders capable of firing all the queer supporters and returning to true and American goals, as opposed to social goals.

Patty
Patty
1 year ago

One thing not mentioned was the mandated “vaccine” shots and the number of our military who have been dishonorably discharged for refusing it and the number of our military who have developed all kinds of serious physical problems after getting the jabs.

D.P.
D.P.
1 year ago

Regardless of the list of “causes” from the pandemic, to wokeness, and all the rest….the matter boils down to the steady moral decline of our nation. Even if you filled the ranks to maximum you would have a fighting force that is already primed to surrender under fire. We are fast becoming a second class power at every level and when the military has been properly gutted and reconfigured, you will have open season on this Republic……people are blind and stupid if they think we will be able manage our position of military might, let alone defend ourselves. The horizon is getting darker for this Republic…..and the general public doesn’t seem to care. They will when the enemy is at the gate, but it will be too late.

robert E broderick
robert E broderick
1 year ago

Everything this POS touches he brings down

Robert
Robert
1 year ago

Why would any young patriot strap up to defend the woke dip sticks and traitorous politicians in DC and elsewhere?

Robert
Robert
1 year ago

Why would any young patriot strap up to defend the woke dumb-s***s and traitorous politicians in DC and elsewhere?

Michael J
Michael J
1 year ago

What ever happened to that adage “to attract and retain a quality workforce, a competitive compensation package is required”?
Guess this only applies to lifetime career politicians.

Denise
Denise
1 year ago

Just like our police and sheriffs the idea of the leftist anti-Americans is to gut our self defense and replace them with government sponsored thugs. Every nation that’s destroyed the freedom of the people had to be disarmed first, and the police, sheriff’s, state patrol…all either “disbanded” or flat out destroyed.
IE: Hitler’s Germany is one glaring and frightening example. Our nation is being destroyed internally by those “elected” and non-elected who’s entire aim is to shove America into what George Bush Sr. so ‘lovingly’ spoke of in his presidential acceptance speech: “We must usher in the New World Order.” I saw and heard that speech so long ago. Sorry to sound like gloom and doom, but unless there is a massive change in November, Biden is impeached for violating every part of our Constitution, his “handler” is charged with treason and conspiracy…and the true American people wake up America will cease to exist.

Judy K.
Judy K.
1 year ago

There IS NO HOPE outside of our Lord Jesus Christ! The only safe place for Americans right now, is on our knees in humility before our merciful and Mighty God praying in FAITH that He will intervene and help our nation!

Jerry
Jerry
1 year ago

I am retired military and I wouldn’t recommend a young man join today’s military unless our country was under direct attack. If President Trump comes back into power one of his top priorities must to purge the military of it’s politically correct and woke leaders. I have never in my life seen so many stupid decisions being made. Also hold those accountable who repeatedly make stupid decisions.

Les
Les
1 year ago

If someone wants to be a US citizen they should be required to serve 4 years in the military as part of the citizenship requirement. If they dont want to do that then send them back to the country of origin. That includes the ones that is coming across the border now.

anna hubert
anna hubert
1 year ago

US army is in the hands of useless pencil pushers who have no clue what army is about and it’s purpose They have no idea how to inspire and lead.It’s troubling and demoralizingThis is nothing new

Alligator
Alligator
1 year ago

Wow! Are you COMPLETELY IGNORING possibly the biggest factor???? The mandated CLOT SHOTS??? How do you think they’ve lost so many troops, between those refusing and those “suddenly and unexpectedly” dying??

Jeanine
Jeanine
1 year ago

This is an analogy:
You are a 4.0 GPA in college. You never receive a grade under an A in every class that you take.
Then one semester you also get a B and a C.
This really screws up your GPA and even after another year you still only have a 3.8 GPA.
It takes more than 2 or 3 years of perfect A grades to bring yourself back to a 4.0

The United State had the best military in the world, this is why Japan sneak attacked Pearl Harbor and never did an infantry attack on land…because we HAD the best military in the world.
Then dumborats (most especially sleepy) become the Mistake in Chief and our 4.0 military drops to a 2.0 or even 0.5
The above example had just a B and a C
The military leaders have a few “F” grades.
That cannot be fixed in a couple years
TEN years is the nearest likelihood of recovery.

Gunny Joe
Gunny Joe
1 year ago

Having served from 1961 to 1981 and six (6) months during Desert Storm, I have not encouraged a young man, (when I found one that might qualify) to enlist or purse a commission, after college. I served three tours in Vietnam, all but one of my uncles served, and one is still serving in France (KIA July 1944). The obama clintion, carter, and this administration, in conjunction with the House of Representees and Senate, all the way back to 1939, have weakened our military to the point we cannot fight effectively.

The United States suffered a biological attack, we are being invaded by foreign nations (undocumented emigrants). The actions of our educators K-12 and College, are leading our children into grouse stupidity. Our news media no longer report but are very good to excellent, at spreading propaganda. The Church has failed God, (Protestant and Catholic).

The one comment I read here stating “we should be afraid, very, very afraid is IMHO, is understated. We could not win an invasion or attack of our Nation, today, I have stated in the past that we could win WWII in our present condition, and it would have been nip and tuck in the 80’s and 90’s. I hate watching the destruction of our Nation and fear even a win this fall and again in 2024 will not turn the destruction back.

Do not infer that I will roll over and die for the ruling class or their useful idiots they shall send after me. There still beats the heart of a United States Marine in this 78-year-old body. May not be as lean but every bit as mean and capable!

jocko
jocko
1 year ago

OUR WHOLE NATION IS CRPPLED THANX TO THE libs AND biden. they ARE THE ENEMY OF OUR NATION

KSW
KSW
1 year ago

Don’t forget that Biden has forced these toxic clot shots on the military, losing both numbers of men and women as well as respect and willingness of potential recruits to enlist. Biden’s policies are to blame for destroying our military.

Phil
Phil
1 year ago

Go woke Go broke

Brianb
Brianb
1 year ago

Leftist leaders are only interested in using the military to demonstrate and enforce their leftist causes. The only leftists who join the military are not there to protect our nation. “Trans” people do not join the military to fight for out country. They do it to demonstrate a point (the same leftist agenda). Who does that leave to join and serve in our military? I am a veteran and have several close family members now serving – most with multiple tours of service. They are all waiting to get out – either forced because they have all refused to get the experimental shot (which looks worse and worse by the day) or because of the new woke policies. When you change the primary mission of the military from being to protect our nation, those that actually wish to do so get out or do not join. The only forward course is for them to admit error and reverse course but we know that will not happen. The only remaining option is to wait and vote and pray that God keeps us intact until then.

Steven Tapper
Steven Tapper
1 year ago

As an Army Veteran it breaks my heart to see our military being used as a Social Experiment. From Vaccine Mandates to CRT to Woke and LGBQ indoctrination we are destroying our Armed Forces.

The Military should never be used for these purposes. No wonder recruiting and reenlistments are way down. But this has become a cyclical event every time we have a Democrat President.

It’s happened under Carter, Clinton, Obama and now Biden. They would rather underfund our military to pay for wasteful social programs that damage and weaken this country.

Our Military is designed for warriors not pansies.

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