OPINION:
The armed forces of the United States are in decline, and our national security is in extreme peril. Reenlistments are declining, even with cash-bonus offers. New enlistments are at an all-time low.
Something can be done to have a strong, fully manned military, but it will take a bold change.
Our military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, when conscription ended. Currently, just 23% of Americans age 17 to 24 would meet the requirements for enlistment due to disqualifications for obesity, poor physical fitness, criminal history and/or drug abuse. Put another way, of the 34 million males in that age group, 23 million would not be eligible for military service, even if they wanted to enlist.
There is also a lack of patriotism and a glut of employment opportunities for these males. A new recruit would start with a pay of just $12.50 an hour based on a 40-hour workweek ($25,788 yearly). And a 40-hour workweek in the military is rare. An 18-year-old can find employment at a higher wage elsewhere, and they won’t need to leave their familiar home area or go through the discipline of boot camp and structured military life.
It’s time for the Biden administration to consider a starting salary for a recruit of $50,000 a year. Why not? Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the U.S. has sent $43 billion in aid to Ukraine. The U.S. also provides $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel every year. Egypt receives $1.3 billion.
If the administration can find the money to fund these countries, why can’t it find the money to pay our military wages that will give them incentive to enlist and reenlist?
JOSEPH F. REBAR
Shamokin, Pennsylvania
Please read our comment policy before commenting.