No troops, no battle
In recent years, the US military has been facing an unprecedented recruitment crisis. The US military force, composed mainly of volunteer soldiers, is struggling to fill its ranks. While international conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza dominate the news, the crucial issue that often goes unnoticed is the lack of combat-ready troops. The US military is not ready for a new war, not so much because of a lack of advanced equipment or technology, but because of a shortage of soldiers.
By 2023, three of the four major branches of the US military had not met their recruitment targets. In particular, the Army missed its recruitment target of 10,000 soldiers, leading to a shortfall of 20%. The Navy and Air Force experienced similar difficulties, while only the Marine Corps met its targets, albeit with a significant reduction in its structure. The difficulty in recruiting new troops is undermining the US ability to cope with any future conflicts, threatening national security.
The Causes of the Crisis and Implications for National Security
One of the main causes of this crisis is that an increasing number of young Americans do not meet the physical, psychological and moral requirements to enlist. Prior to the pandemic, fewer than three out of ten Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 were eligible for military service, and today this percentage has declined further. Problems such as youth obesity, poor physical fitness, and drug use are drastically reducing the base of potential recruits. Added to this is the introduction of the MHS Genesis military health system, which has made it more difficult for recruiters to hide disqualifying factors such as past injuries or mental health problems.
The crisis is not only numerical, but also concerns the interest of young people in pursuing a military career. A 2022 survey revealed that less than 10% of Americans between the ages of 16 and 21 would be seriously willing to enlist, with motivations mainly related to material benefits such as salary, college assistance, and travel opportunities. Few, in fact, are driven by a sense of honour or patriotism. This phenomenon leads to a progressive detachment between civil society and the military, with the risk that the disconnection from the reality of war may compromise civilian oversight and accountability of military operations.
Solutions and the Future of the Armed Forces Volunteers
Addressing the recruitment crisis requires deep reflection on how the armed forces present themselves to young Americans and how service requirements can be adapted. Some analysts suggest that recruitment in the armed forces should focus on specialised skills, such as those required in computer operations, to attract highly qualified personnel. However, this approach risks undermining the principles of equality and common culture that underpin the US military.
Other proposals include the creation of preparatory programmes, such as the 'Future Soldier Preparatory Course', which aims to train recruits who do not meet initial standards but have the potential to become effective soldiers. However, long-term solutions may require greater 'permeability' between civilian life, active service and the reserve, allowing citizens to switch more easily between these worlds.
Ultimately, the only real solution could be a radical change in the recruitment system, if not even a reflection on the return of compulsory conscription. Although it is unlikely that the US will ever again need an army of 12 million soldiers as it did in 1945, the possibility of reinstating the draft could be considered, especially if the recruitment crisis worsens further. If the US fails to resolve this crisis, the risk of losing a major power war could become a concrete reality, with serious consequences for the security and stability of the country.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
