Government data says a whopping 75 percent of Americans age 17 to 24 are ineligible for the military due to obesity or other health problems, a criminal background or the lack of an education. Analysts say this will be “a harsh reality check” for the Pentagon’s plans to recruit tens of thousands more young people.
On one hand, the military could lower its recruiting standards. Boot camp would do wonders for some overweight 18-year-olds, and it is fair to argue that some teenagers convicted of a crime deserve a second chance.
But retired Army Lt. Gen. Tom Spoehr said the armed services made a mistake when it lowered standards in 2009, resulting in more dishonorable discharges.
Whatever the outcome, it is broadly disappointing that 24 million out of the 34 million Americans aged 17 to 24 are unqualified to serve in the armed forces. This “slob generation” — the fruits of poor parenting — could pose America’s next great crisis.
