• Cruxifux@feddit.nl
    ·
    8 months ago

    Are army recruitment numbers in the US way down over the last decade? It seems to me that the illusion of the US military being a force for good in the world has been shattered in Canada at least, and anti war sentiment has also been spreading towards some right wing movements in the states. That’s gotta be reflected in the recruitment numbers right?

    • Adkml [he/him]
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      Yea recruitment numbers have cratered because anybody of the right age to sign up has only seen the American military as a failing institution that loses meaningless wars against farmers halfway around the world combined with seeing how we treat veterans for their entire life.

      But also something like 80% of Americans couldn't pass the basic fitness test.

      • DyingOfDeBordom [none/use name]
        ·
        8 months ago

        Isn't the fitness test basically an easier version of one punch man's training? Like 100 pushups, 100 situps, run a 5k or some shit

        • Adkml [he/him]
          ·
          8 months ago

          Pretty sure it's more like 50x 50x 2 mile run.

          Like I said 80% of Americans couldn't pass it.

          • DyingOfDeBordom [none/use name]
            ·
            8 months ago

            It's really wild to me how lax that seems if such a high # of people couldn't do it. Like I'm kinda out of shape and I'm pretty sure I still got all that in me

            • Adkml [he/him]
              ·
              8 months ago

              It's probablly more like 60 to 70 percent that actually can't do it but if you take a 30 minute walk your easily the top 25% of Americans in terms of physical fitness.

              The rest of the percentage comes from disqualifying anybody who needs psych prescriptions.

            • Rx_Hawk [he/him]
              ·
              7 months ago

              Damn I can barely do 30 at a time, can’t imagine getting that to 100

              • DyingOfDeBordom [none/use name]
                ·
                edit-2
                7 months ago

                I never said i did them all at once to start. Do 30 and then take a little break. Then do another 30. Repeat. That's 90 pushups, close enough to 100 imo. Do that every hour and your triceps will become steel ropes

      • SpiderFarmer [he/him]
        ·
        7 months ago

        Makes me feel good that I used to do cardio work 4 hours a day and I didn't serve my country.

    • sloth [none/use name]
      ·
      edit-2
      8 months ago

      Yes.

      I don't have specifics but I'm pretty sure every branch has missed their recruitment goals this year, likely several years.

      20 years in Afghanistan is not a good look.

    • FourteenEyes [he/him]
      ·
      8 months ago

      Everyone can see what a fucking scam it is now. Everyone knows or has encountered a veteran who is deeply mentally scarred by the experience. Nobody's falling for it anymore except the chuds who worship the military un the first place

    • Paradachshund@lemmy.today
      ·
      8 months ago

      I don't have numbers but here is some anecdotal musing from an American. Sentiment-wise, I don't know anyone who supports the military anymore that isn't super conservative. The unfortunate thing for many, though, is military is sometimes the best option for getting your college paid for and making money. I was lucky enough to not have to, but for many it's a sacrifice they decide is worth it. They basically gamble that they won't have to go to war, or at least won't be deployed anywhere too dangerous, during the time they serve.

      It's sad honestly, because our military is so grossly over funded it can be the only good paying job option for some people depending on their circumstances.

      • asg101 [none/use name, comrade/them]
        ·
        8 months ago

        The unfortunate thing for many, though, is military is sometimes the best option for getting your college paid for and making money.

        This is what is called the "economic draft" and it is 100% by design.