MSNBC: More military recruits needed to "really cope with a long war"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Army, Marines miss recruiting goals again
More cash and appeals to parents, patriotism haven't reversed trend

By Jim Miklaszewski
NBC News correspondent
Updated: 9:46 a.m. ET May 10, 2005

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7802712/

WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials say it's not a crisis, but it is a major concern — a battle here at home to win the hearts and minds of potential new recruits. After more than three years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the all-volunteer military is facing its toughest test yet. In April, the Army missed its recruiting goal for the third month in a row, short by nearly 2,800 recruits, or 42 percent off its target.

But the current problem with recruiting could have long-term ramifications on America's ability to take on other potential conflicts.

"This raises questions about whether the all-volunteer force can really cope with a long war," says military analyst Loren Thompson.

In an appeal to the nation's patriotism, the Army's vice chief of staff, Gen. Richard Cody, warns this issue is about far more than military service alone. "This recruiting problem is not just an Army problems, this is America's problem," he said. "And what we have to really do is talk about service to this nation — and a sense of duty to this nation.")

[tuvor]

1. There's been a lot of "raised concerns" for quite a while now. n/t

[Wright Patman]

2. The problem is in definition of 'nation'

I don't think most people have a problem with defending the 'nation' or even the 'multinational' state known as the United States of America. That is why there is such a strong grassroots effort developing to defend the southern border in spite of * calling them vigilantes.

The problem is when 'nation' comes to be defined as "The Core" in "The Pentagon's New Map":

http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. They've got balls.....................

To say "And what we have to really do is talk about service to this nation — and a sense of duty to this nation.")
is ludicrous.
You want to talk about sense of duty? Then put someone responsible in charge of how the troops are used.

[formerrepuke]

6. Yes..! "Responsible use of troops"...For once, I would like to hear

a politician say those words.

[Bob3]

4. For starters don't start an endless and unnecessary wars

against countries that aren't a threat. That could help recruiting. Have a plan to get out of anything you get into - that could help.

[fasttense]

5. Where are all the fundies sons and daughters?

Where are all the children of those people who drive around with plastic yellow ribbons on their SUVs? Why aren't they enlisting? Where are all the children of the supposed voters for brush in the 2004 election? Where are all the children of this supposed mandate brush got? Why aren't they enlisting? Why aren't the president's daughters enlisting? Hmmm, where has all the patriotism gone?

[formerrepuke]

7. More like a "sense of duty" to the administration's policies...n/t