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Since the War of Independence, our military tradition has been a source of pride and safety for our nation. However, recent reports indicate that this tradition is facing challenges. The armed forces project significant shortfalls in recruitment targets this year, with the Army expecting to miss by 15,000, the Navy by 10,000, and the Air Force by 3,000. Even the Marine Corps, on track to meet its quota, describes the recruiting climate as “challenging.”
The Pentagon identifies a “foundational challenge” for this crisis, namely the lack of familiarity with the military among young people. It seems that positive role models or community members who have served are becoming less prevalent, causing service to appear foreign to many. In fact, only 8% of young people believe they have much in common with military members.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin administers military oath of office to new recruits. (Fox News)
In the past, our military tradition has been carried forward through exposure to others who have served, often starting with parents. However, the percentage of the U.S. population with a parent who has served has declined from 40% in 1995 to just 13% today.
OUR MILITARY RECRUITMENT CRISIS ROBS TODAY’S YOUNG ADULTS OF THESE LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES
Additionally, young people have fewer opportunities to connect with the veteran community as a whole. The veteran population has decreased from 27 million in 1995 to less than 17 million today. As individuals who come from military families, we have personally witnessed the impact of exposure to a life of service on decision-making. It is disheartening to see that fewer and fewer Americans share this common history with us.
A couple of generations ago, it was common for young people to interact with veterans in their communities, even if they weren’t relatives. Veterans were teachers, coaches, doctors, and local business owners. Through this exposure, they instilled values of honor and selflessness, inspiring the next generation to serve.
As the presence of veterans in our communities diminishes, it is no wonder that the percentage of American youth who feel a sense of commonality with service members remains low.
DEPLOY AI TO SOLVE THE MILITARY’S RECRUITING CRISIS
We know that exposure to a veteran significantly influences the desire to serve. Currently, approximately 80% of U.S. Army soldiers have a relative who has served. While the number of parents who have served may be decreasing, those who do have a family member in service are more likely to consider serving themselves.
This highlights the importance of positive veteran role models. Organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation, which we lead, strive to connect veterans with young people across the country, teaching them how to lead and positively impact their communities. Our message has already reached over half a million youth.
As a nation, we must rebuild communities where veterans are always present and able to inspire those around them. The contributions of our service members are vital to the success of our nation, both in terms of national defense and beyond.
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While the number of veterans may be decreasing, their service and impact are needed more than ever. Connecting veterans with their communities, especially youth, is crucial in addressing the challenges identified by the Pentagon.
Our goal is not solely focused on military recruitment but on opening young adults to a life of character and civic engagement in general. We all have a desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and the military community exemplifies that. The values instilled by our veterans, such as service, sacrifice, leadership, and courage, can inspire others to make a difference in their communities and country.
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By reinstating a culture of giving back and exposing young people to a life of service in various forms, we not only improve recruiting numbers but also foster a generation inclined toward selfless service and away from entitlement.
The worsening military recruiting crisis requires action. Connecting strong veteran role models with local youth can reinvigorate a culture of selflessness and service – both in and out of uniform.
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Ryan Manion is the president of the Travis Manion Foundation, a leading veteran service organization. Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. is a retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general and the 19th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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