Marine Corps Commandant: 'Less Than 30% of Young Men and Women' Qualified to Join Military

Another reason why the services are lowering the standards. And Neller saying that today’s high school grads are “really smart” shows that he obviously is not aware of just how bad our public school system is in this country.
 
Thanks for that link. The following is an editorial from me. It's just my observations!

"...I could tell you about the Marine Corps I joined in 1976 and I don't want to be in that Marine Corps; not that there weren't good Marines, but I like this Marine Corps a lot better..."


Yeah? I don't agree, General. "This" Marine Corps is no different than "that" Marine Corps.
"Better" is pretty subjective, too.

He goes on to say;

"...last year because for the first time we were really struggling to make our numbers, to keep folks, particularly in our senior enlisted. This year we're -- we're on track to make it. So, whatever happened I think -- I think there was -- because we had an appropriation, we had money for bonuses, even with the economy being what it is, we're keeping enough qualified folks and some of the very best..."


Whatever happened? Come on, you're talking to Congress. Have some numbers written down. Don't guess about it. Congress gives you money to buy equipment for Marines (so they don't have to wait for hand-me-downs from the Army).
Again - I'm sorry brother - but you weren't prepared properly to talk to Congress.
 
Why so low? We've seen a sharp decline in both drug usage and in the % of 18-25 year-olds who lack a HS diploma or equivalent (it's now <10%). Crime has fallen; the incarceration rate is starting to dip.

At this point, it seems the big driver of this decline must be the continued climb in the obesity rate.

Seems like our society is becoming more and more Darwinian - skewed between a tiny group of the "fittest" (economically, cognitively, physically) and a majority that lags far behind...
 
At this point, it seems the big driver of this decline must be the continued climb in the obesity rate.


Judging by the DodMERB threads on this site, I would also guess it has to do with prescription meds for depression, ADHD and acne. The incidence of asthma and allergies have exploded, and it's an easy CYA for a doctor to prescribe an epi-pen if an anxious parent brings a kid to Emergency for a welt from a bee sting. I grew up in the 60s and 70s; the only kids I knew that took medications had leukemia. As a Scoutmaster 5 years ago, 20% of the boys in my small rural town were taking disqualifying meds on our overnight campouts.
 
eljay60 said:
...I grew up in the 60s and 70s; the only kids I knew that took medications had leukemia...

Exactly.
Times have changed.
Back in the day, depression was solved with a few Red Horses in Olongapo.
 
eljay60 said:
...I grew up in the 60s and 70s; the only kids I knew that took medications had leukemia...

Exactly.
Times have changed.
Back in the day, depression was solved with a few Red Horses in Olongapo.

Yea, times have changed alright. Now every other kid you see is on some sort of medication for a bogus “condition”.
 
From my limited-view perspective (I teach high school )...

1. LARGE numbers of kids are diagnosed early as "ADD, ADHD" and prescribed meds...
2. Kids have difficulty with reading, or math; they're quickly labeled as "learning impaired" and given accomodations via the 504 and/or IEP system and no real effort is made by the school/parents/coordinators, to get the kid OFF the program
3. Kids parents are told when they're young and ill "oh, it's just childhood asthma, they'll grow out of it..." and they report this although it's not in their medical records
4. Marijuana is viewed almost as a normal high-school peer pressure thing so it's not a big deal; the kid tries (one time) anything "stronger..."
5. The most physical activity most high school kids get is with their thumbs

ANY of the above can potentially DQ someone that wishes to enter the military.

I could go on and on...#1, #2, and #5 are the biggies that hurt most of my kids that want to join.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I find it funny that people assume that since the kids are wizards with social media, smart phones and ipads that they really have any idea how computers actually work. While my kids laugh at me due to my lack of knowledge when it comes to things like Twitter, Snapchat and their gaming on their computers, who do think they run to when the they computers and smart phones go down. I am the network, Windows, software and hardware guy who fixes their sutff. The stuff today is what i call toasters. The toaster was made to toast bread. These apps are no differnet. Each app has a specific purpose and that is all they do. Go play with DOS and Windows 3.1 and figure out how to use EDLIN on DOS and then we can talk. Does that make me sound old?
 
the public would be shocked if it was publicized how many recruits are washed out even before completing basic training, mostly for being unable to meet physical standards or being 'incompatible with military service', meaning they have some kind of personality disorder or bad attitude that renders them unfit for a disciplined environment. You are dealing with a generation of kids who are lazy, coddled, out of shape, lacking in discipline and unwilling or unable to make sacrifices. The challenge is to find the few and proud who have what it takes to serve.
 
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