#Enlisted pay scale how to#

So it's a much smaller population,' the second former official said. Yeah, but you can't bring them in the Army if they're obese, if they've got a history of drug abuse, all these other things. 'To the average civilian who's not knowledgeable about the situation, they think there are all kinds of kids around. 'I've even heard in some cases they're putting them on diets of Ensure - you know, the stuff for old people like me - in order to build that bone density.'ДЄ second former senior military official told ABC News the problem is worse than the general public realizes.

#Enlisted pay scale how to#

'They have to teach them how to run, and they've had issues with bone density to the point that, when they do run them, they've ended up breaking a leg or worse, a hip,' the former official said. The former senior official, who maintains contact with active-duty leaders, said the poor shape of some incoming troops has led the Army to stop trying to have them run within the first two weeks of basic training. Obesity and drug use are common disqualifying factors. This is down from 29% in recent years, according to Pentagon data. Only 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 are eligible to join without being granted a waiver. Top reasons cited for not wanting to join are the possibility of injury or death, and fear of developing PTSD or other psychological problems.Д«ut the pool of young people who meet the basic standards to enlist in the military is also shrinking. Only 9% of young people now show a propensity to serve, according to Defense Department polling data shared with ABC News. population and traditional institutions, labor shortages, high inflation, and a population of youth who do not see the value of military service also continue to strain recruiting efforts and place the Marine Corps' accession mission at risk.'

'In addition to COVID-19, the growing disconnect and declining favorable view between the U.S. David Ottingnon said in written testimony before joining Cisneros at the Senate hearing in April. 'We made mission last year however, FY22 has proved to be arguably the most challenging year in recruiting history,' Marine Lt. So they're no longer a benefit,' the former senior official said.Д®ven the Marine Corps, which does not usually struggle to find recruits, is under pressure to meet its goals. 'Many of the things that we used to offer, like the GI Bill, are offered by private industry today.

The labor market, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic and the military-civilian divide creates a challenging recruiting environment,' Gilbert Cisneros told senators at an Armed Services subcommittee hearing.ДЄ former senior military official told ABC News that today's recruiters face a great challenge in pitching the benefits of enlisting to young people, with private companies using impressive incentives to entice prospects.

'The Department is in fierce competition for skilled, relevant and innovative talent. The Defense Department's top personnel and readiness leader blamed the nation's competitive job market as a major contributor while testifying on Capitol Hill in late April.