With Economy Down, US Military Recruitment Up
Helped by tough economic times, the US military had a banner year for recruitment, meeting all its goals for the first time since creating an all-volunteer force in 1973, AFP is reporting.
High unemployment, which just hit a 26-year-high of 9.8 percent, helped recruiting as well as a multi-billion dollar effort to attract volunteers to serve in uniform, officials said.
“We’re pleased to report that, for the first time since the advent of the all-volunteer force, all of the military components, active and reserve, met their number as well as their quality goals,” Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary for defense for military personnel policy, told reporters.
The recruiting success comes at a time when the military is stretched fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with some soldiers serving in four or five successive combat tours.
Photo by Rotorhead.
Jaclyn Wells on October 15th, 2009 2:41 pm
I can definitely see why the military numbers would be rising as unemployment rises. If your out of work with no hope of a soon return to work and if your field is taking an exceptionally hard hit then you would see a branch of service as salvation for your family. Granted it may not be your first choice, but they pay you for your service, you get good benefits while being in the service, a great retirement package as well as they pay for your education while you are enlisted.
Totonio Pereira on October 20th, 2009 8:28 am
I agree with the opinion of Sir above, and I think America must keep its military quality to avoid various threats that will emerge in the future. Some countries have started to show their military power that could someday will counterbalance of america military power, such as India, China and several more.
However, I believe america is the best of which will appear next. GOD BLESS
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