Since Vets Day 1996
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Since Vets Day 1996 |
Back to Home PageNew Recruits Face Softer Standardsby Josh HilbornMilitary Network Columnist Army Adopts New Recruitment StandardsI remember my first military physical fitness test. It was my second day at Fort Knox, and I didn't pass. Unable to meet the physical goals and standards, I was held back and sent to the Fitness Training Unit (FTU), a grueling program that builds potential soldiers up to the standards required for basic training. Today's soldier may have it a bit easier. A dire need for more troops has forced the military to adopt new policies and relax many standards—physical and otherwise—to meet recruitment goals.2005: the Decline of Military RecruitmentIn 2005, the Army fell short of its yearly recruitment goals by nearly 7 thousand new troops, the largest gap since 1979. Recruitment in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve fared just as poorly. What caused the slump? Experts cite fallout from difficult conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but there were other factors, too A recent military report revealed that less than thirty percent of youths between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four meet the standards for military service. To bridge the gap, the Army has relaxed physical and other standards in hopes of reaching recruitment goals for 2007.How Have Military Standards Changed?Perhaps the biggest change to recruitment standards is lowered testing standards for many non-technical positions. According to the Associated Press, the amount of recruits allowed to enlist with low aptitude scores, once percent, was raised to 4 percent in 2006. The Army has stated that low testing standards do not indicate a recruits' lack of commitment.Other changes to recruitment standards include increased waivers for hopeful recruits who, in the past, would not meet military standards due to medical conditions, prior misdemeanor arrests, or drug and alcohol abuse. Close to 13,600 new troops were accepted in 2006 under these waivers, helping fill the recruitment gap. Joining the Military is Easier than EverWith new standards in place, it's easier than ever to join the United States Military. If you're still worried about meeting military standards, be sure to ask your recruiter about possible waivers. You could be en route to a military career faster than you think.Sources: About the Author Josh Hilborn is a freelance writer in Reno, NV. He served in the United States Army for several years as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, stationed in Babenhausen, Germany. Back to Article Archive |