The U.S. Army's war on American soil - #lakewoodnews

There is a war being fought in our communities by the U.S. Army.

For background, Army recruiters are tasked by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command to provide men and women to voluntarily serve our nation, in contrast to a military draft, which ended in 1973. These recruited individuals must be intelligent enough to perform varied duties, to think critically if given unlawful orders, to solve problems --; sometimes under extraordinary stress --; and to regularly adjust to new technology.

One serious battle in finding recruits has to do with service eligibility of America's youth. As recently as 2012, estimates were that less than 24 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds in America are eligible to serve. Some of the disqualifiers include obesity and lack of physical fitness, various medical conditions, criminal background and lack of education. With less than one in four youth eligible, it is a formidable battle to provide the U.S. Army with capable soldiers.

There is also a substantial battle finding those willing to serve.

In December 2015, Harvard University's Institute of Politics published results from its 2015 Survey of Young Americans' Attitudes Toward Politics and Public Service. Among the 18- to 29-year-olds surveyed, 60 percent support troops fighting the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL). But when asked if the U.S. needed additional troops to combat ISIS, only 13 percent would definitely or strongly consider joining. This indicates a motivational disconnect within a group that mostly supports military service, but who would probably --; or definitely not --; fight.

Despite the aforementioned odds that work against Army recruiting, perhaps the most uphill battle involves negative attitudes toward military service.

While you may see television commercials that superficially support soldiers, and you may hear people thanking those in uniform for their service, I can assure you that there is not large support for education about military service. Despite being armed with benefits such as free college, health care and retirement, Army recruiters often have already lost the battle for young people to consider with open mind all their options, due to unsupportive communities and schools.

Fortunately, for America to win this war, the solution is simple and costs nothing. Allow youth to simply consider the possibility of military service, in addition to all potential careers. Rather than fear that our youth may be informed about all opportunities, we should fear uninformed youth who make poor decisions about an artificially limited future.

I do not advocate for war. But if we go to war, because of those we elect, I want an intelligent and well-trained Army to fight for us. I want casualties reduced, when possible. I want conflicts avoided, when possible, because problem-solving military leaders enable alternatives. Army recruiters are fighting for this every day in your community.

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