Joining

  It was reported on the news that the military did not meet its' recruiting goals. The projection is the military will be the smallest in number since before WW2. A number of reasons were cited for this downturn in volunteers. Personally, I'm not a bit surprised by that, being a patriot isn't something that is exactly encouraged these days, nor is machismo! Today boys are supposed to be more in touch with their feminine side and celebrate that. It certainly wasn't like that when I was growing up. Oh, there were those that were in touch with that side, but it wasn't celebrated. Mostly it was talked about in whispers and used as an insult. There were those that openly opposed all that and were quite vocal, but that number was in the minority. I'm certain that plays a role in the low recruiting success we are seeing. Combine that with low pay, discipline, and not starting at the top of the ladder and many are shying away. It's a lot easier to say, "thank you for your service" than to actually provide that service.

  Is being an enlisted man or woman in the military a viable career choice these days? I'd say not for your immediate wants or needs it isn't. Really it is a long-term choice. There has been a push in recent years to hire veterans. There has also been a push to hire "older" people as well. It's for the same reason, dependable and responsible people that will show up for work and do the job as assigned. If one stays and retires from the military the benefits certainly are a good compensation, especially the medical benefits. Our medical benefits are almost as good as what the Congress have. But you can't expect someone eighteen years old to think about all of that. Now during covid 8000 people were discharged for refusal to get that vaccine. Although it was a lawful order that action added to the decline. It also sent a message to those considering enlisting. It was a stark realization for some, you have to follow orders. 

  I retired from the Navy twenty-two years ago. I'm not up on the current scoop in the ranks. The technology has certainly evolved from what I knew. I wonder how large a force we really need. Will there ever be a ground invasion and war like that in WW2 again. I have my doubts about that. Not with the weapons we have available today. Send in the drones, the robotics and the remote-controlled vehicles. Could we even expect a ground force to fight the battles that they did in the past? Protests and the questioning of commands is quite the common thing these days. We are arguing with each other about pronouns these days! Can we expect those individuals to fight? It is a different mindset in the 21st century. 

  The United States hasn't won a war since WW2. All we have managed to accomplish is marginal success in helping others win their battles. After Vietnam when those troops came home were there parades and celebrations? No, there was not. Only after a few decades were those soldiers celebrated. And even today all that is viewed as more of an entitlement than an accomplishment. Not to those that did the fighting, but in the eyes of those that didn't. The Vietnam war ended forty-eight years ago. Still a vivid memory to me but something from long ago to high school students of today. It isn't even the last chapter in their history books. What great victories have they ever heard about from those that were engaged in that victory? Those remembering, having any actual combat experiences in WW2 are far and few between. It is estimated about 100,000 of those veterans are alive today and all in their nineties. Their stories are documentaries. 

  A fighting force. That is what we are talking about. It is my belief that it takes a certain individual, a certain willingness to commit, to serve in those forces. It may sound corny, naive even, but I still remember seeing this written on the wall in the drill hall. " I am an American fighting man; I serve in the forces that guard our nations freedom." That is order number one in the Fighting Man's Code of Conduct. Number six says this, I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America." I joined prior to the end of the Vietnam war. 

 Consider this: (Prior to the Vietnam Conflict, violation of any of the above code elements could result in trial by Courts Martial. After learning of the atrocities inflicted on our personnel held prisoner in that action, it was determined that requiring strict compliance to such a demanding code was not always possible. It should stand as a guide to personal conduct but enforcement as a point of law is questionable.) A different attitude? Conditional compliance with a code of conduct. Being held to account? Well, it's a different time isn't it. If you want people to join your force, you have to have those joining believing in your cause. That cause is America! The preservation of the republic. And let us never forget,  ‘A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’  Might come down to that again.