Abu Muqawama: Post
Abu Muqawama retains its autonomy and the views and beliefs expressed within the blog do not reflect those of CNAS. Abu Muqawama retains the right to delete comments that include words that incite violence; are predatory, hateful, or intended to intimidate or harass; or degrade people on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. In summary, don't be a jerk.
A Test for Army Recruiting
May 25, 2008 | Posted by Kip - 9:45am | 2 Comments
A NY Times' article on the weakest job market for teenagers in half a century provides a crucial test of the all volunteer force in a time of war.
The story's beginning:
Whether we can get Mr. Stallings and his friends to join up to go to Iraq to serve (and not for cheap gas) will be a testament to whether we have the right recruiting strategy for American youth to grow our Army in a time of war.
The story's beginning:
Mr. Stallings, 18, says he has been looking for three months, burning gasoline to get to the mall, then filling out applications at stores selling skateboard T-shirts, beach sandals and baseball caps. He likes the idea of working amid the goods he covets. But so far, no offers. “I’m going to go to Iraq and get a job,” he says acidly. “I hear they’ve got cheap gas.” He grins. “I’m just playing. But I’ve been all over, and nobody’s hiring. They just say, ‘We’ll call you tomorrow.’ And no one ever calls back.”
Whether we can get Mr. Stallings and his friends to join up to go to Iraq to serve (and not for cheap gas) will be a testament to whether we have the right recruiting strategy for American youth to grow our Army in a time of war.
Add your comment