This Speaks For Itself!!

[HARDCORE]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniont...3recruits.html

COX NEWS SERVICE

September 23, 2005

WASHINGTON ? More than half of young people are not qualified to serve in the military because they can't meet entry level standards for health, education and other requirements, a government study released yesterday said.

In 2004, there were about 24 million people ages 16 to 21 in the United States, the prime recruiting age for the military. Of those, 58 percent, or about 14 million, are ineligible for service.

Of the remaining 10 million, 6 million go on to college ? leaving only 4 million that the Pentagon can try to recruit.

There is also less propensity among youth to want to join the military. For example, the number of blacks attracted to the military has been on the decline for three or four years, in part because of the influence of parents, coaches, teachers and church leaders who are less likely to encourage military service.

The Army has been struggling to meet recruitment goals, a situation recruiters blame on nightly news footage of the carnage in Iraq and attractive employment alternatives to military service. It has responded by adding at least 1,000 recruiters and offering sign-up bonuses to recruits worth up to $90,000 in cash and college tuition payments. In addition, the Army is spending millions of dollars on television, print and radio ads targeting parents, coaches, teachers and others.

The accountability office report, requested by Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, also found that most military reservists who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan came from rural and urban areas, as opposed to suburban areas.

The report found that 58 percent of the reservists who died were middle class and 29 percent were poor, as determined by the U.S. military though the use of commercial marketing software and ZIP code information.

In addition, the report found that the military is becoming more racially diverse. It also has more women and more soldiers who are married and have children.

Blacks are overrepresented in the military, constituting 17 percent of personnel, while only 11 percent of the civilian work force. Hispanics, on the contrary, are underrepresented, partly because of high school dropout rates, which could disqualify them for service, the report said. Hispanics constitute 9 percent of the military and 11 percent of the civilian work force. Whites make up 67 percent of the military and 71 percent of the civilian work force.

-----------------------------------
After you have read this, I invite you to read about a case that totally goes contrary to the Pentagon's Recruitment rationale...

I personally know of a young Navy man (mid to late 20s) who has served honorably for some 8 years, received numerous commendations, has always given far more than was requested or required of him, is well thought of in the military and community alike, is in good health (Physically, mentally and morally), and desires to make the Navy a career. Yet, because of (so called) High Year Tenure, this young boatswain mate, may be forced out of the service! "What a helluva waste of training, talent, patriotism and money!!"

Let me add that part of the kid's difficulties came from a cheating wife! However, through all of this and more, this kid hung tough. His patriotism is beyond questioning, his desire to serve his nation outstanding, and his grade scores were not all that bad either. "As a matter of fact, his superiors have even recommended him for retention and advancement within the Navy!"

Now I ask you, how many of our enemies, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan, can field people such as this? And yet, even with the lamenting and cajoling of certain Powers That Be in the piece that I have enclosed above, the military, especially in this time of national need, would turn away a fine lad such as this?

Granted, he may not have studied as diligently as he could have (such is often a problem with youth), even considering the marital difficulties that he went through (now resolved)! And although a different test was given than he prepared for, he makes no excuses!! However, to cast aside such talent and dedication when this nation's recruitment is hurting, is oxymoronic and just plain foolish in my opinion!

And alas, the reaching out that was promised to him, just never came to pass, to my knowledge!!

"Now read the article that preceded this piece once again, and you too may feel that something is indeed amiss here, if not downright hypocritical?"

"The kid in question has no knowledge of this letter, and he would probably not approve of my penning it, but sometimes a friend (a real friend), has to overstep certain bounds!!"

There certainly has to be a place in the military for a young man such as this, and the educational expenses that this kid is entitled to as a result of his honorable service, would certainly entail far more expense than keeping him in the service where he can do the most good for his nation!! :cd:

VERITAS (Truth)