Lowering Standards In The Military

[oo87]

In the past several years, since about 2004, we have been hearing more and more about the US Military reducing it's standards when recruiting personnel. They are going to far as to frequent malls and trying to intimidate people who are there with their families, or teenagers.

What are your opinions of these lowered standards? What about injured soldiers being sent back for further turns, or returning with PTSD before being sent back? Is this just a necessary way to avoid the draft? Do you think that as this was settles down (or should I say both of them?) that the standard will go back to where they were, or have we set a precedent that is here to stay?

[RBseatown]

It's hard to maintain a volunteer service when our military is spread so thin. I definitely agree that the new lowered standards are an effort to increase enlistment, and eventually avoid the draft.

[2010]

Well as much as I hate to say it it's better that they do this than a draft, as the way the economy is right now if some people go to war it would negatively affect several families.

I've been approached by recruiters a few times but never got pressured or anything.

[RBseatown]

Well as much as I hate to say it it's better that they do this than a draft, as the way the economy is right now if some people go to war it would negatively affect several families.

I've been approached by recruiters a few times but never got pressured or anything.

Im 20, and my brother is 16. Both of us get calls on a bi weekly basis from each of the branch's, and there is definitely a lot of pressure for us to join.

[Lorena_Palin]

Not to hijack the topic...but why not get rid of "don't ask don't tell" and recruit people who are openly gay? Plenty of them are strong, fit, and smart. I really don't get who would be like "well this guy is overweight, asthmatic, has glasses, got D's in highschool, and has anger issues...but at least he isn't a queer."