RELUCTANT WARRIORS, RECRUITMENT SHORTFALLS ©

In a Memorial Day service President Bush referred to America as a nation of “reluctant warriors.” Recent endeavors to enlist soldiers validate this claim. NBC Nightly News reports, “For the first time, Army and Marine Corps officials are privately admitting they'll probably miss their overall recruiting target for the entire year.”

Vigorous attempts were made to lure recruits. Age restrictions were altered, educational requirements were reduced, pay, and benefits were increased, and still, there are few takers. Incentives and enticements are ample. Yet, only handfuls wish to enlist. Recruiters find great reluctance even among the poor and the black. In the past, these groups were more likely to volunteer. These men and women were prepared to sacrifice their lives, merely for a chance to survive, financially. However, this too has changed.

One Army official stated the outlook is “bleak.” The war on terrorism, the war in Afghanistan, and the war in Iraq have taken a physical and emotional toll. While the Pentagon, the Whitehouse, and the media have attempted to hide the true cost of war, we know.

Though photographs of the wounded and fallen have rarely been seen, we see what they do not wish to acknowledge. Many of us have family, friends, or acquaintances that have been severely affected by the wars. Lives have been lost, limbs too. Hospital wards are filled with soldiers whose vision is permanently impaired; yet, for them, the image of war is vivid. They may not tell their tales aloud, the pain is too great, yet we hear them.

Our young citizens do not wish to create their own stories of woe; they will wait to join the armed forces. They will join when there is no threat of war. Yes, America is a country of reluctant warriors, possibly, more so now than ever before.

The Army has missed its recruiting target for four straight months. In May, the numbers were off by 25 percent; there were 1700 less recruits than needed. Actually, the Army lessened its goal based on the previous months lull. Had the original objective of 8,000 recruits for May been sustained, there would have been a 38 percent shortfall.

The Army National Guard has also repeatedly failed to meet its directives. In the month of May, they fell short by 20 percent. While unwilling to release specific numbers, Marine Corps officials say, they have not met their objectives for the last five months. This is the first time in a decade that the Marines have experienced a truth such as this.

For months, recruiting has been in question. Reports quietly reveal shortfalls; however, these are always accompanied by a barely plausible explanation. American citizens are told not to worry; volunteers will enthusiastically join the armed services. Many wish to serve their country, and they will come forward. Countless men and women want to protect America from harm. Patriotism is on the rise. Can we trust these pronouncements?

President Bush proudly proclaims, “Because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, two terror regimes are gone forever, freedom is on the march, and America is more secure.” In spite of these words, there is the news. There are reports of terrorism. Afghanistan is said to be a breeding ground. Pakistan is training more. Suicide bombings are a daily event in Iraq, and there are divisions within a new and supposed democracy. It is said that a civil war is inevitable. Nonetheless, our government wants us to believe that “freedom is on the march.”

Mr. Bush declares, “America is more secure.” However, those of us at home do not necessarily feel more secure. There are red, orange, and yellow alerts. Offices in Washington DC are evacuated; people are in fear of a small plane approaching. Pockets are emptied and shoes removed in order to board jumbo jet. President Bush tours the country; he tells the people that the Patriot Act is essential. Mr. Bush wants this law to be permanently adopted! The loss of privacy will become our standard, all in the name of national security. Are we more secure?

Continually, the President and the Pentagon say that this will be a long protracted war; there is no end in sight. Officials speculate and contemplate while bombs continue to blast. There is no known exit strategy and the reason for entering Iraq was likely contrived.

Thus, we wonder. What is true? Are we a nation of reluctant warriors or a country reluctant to trust? Is this war wise and do we want to engage? Yes, there are reluctant recruits, those that do not desire to be warriors. They are hesitant to believe that this war will ever end and they do not wish to lose their lives, their limbs or more, for what may not bring freedom or make us more secure.

Please visit the thoughts of Steve Soto, from The Left Coaster. He discusses As Iraqi Army Flounders, US Army On Verge Of Staffing Crisis.