WASHINGTON (AP) — After several difficult years, the Army and Air Force say they are on track to meet their recruiting goals this year, reversing previous shortfalls using a swath of new programs and policy changes. But the Navy, while improving, expects once again to fall short.
The mixed results reflect the ongoing challenges for the U.S. military as it struggles to attract recruits in a tight job market, where companies are willing to pay more and provide good benefits without the demands of service and warfighting. And even those who are meeting their goals say they are still finding it difficult to attract the dwindling number of young people who can meet the military’s physical, mental and moral standards.
With half a year to go in the recruiting year, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said she is optimistic about hitting the 55,000 enlistment goal and getting an additional 5,000 recruits for the delayed entry pool that would come in during the next year or so.
NASA to launch new mission to study polar regions' heat emissions
China floods: Beijing records heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years
VOX POPULI: Voters won’t forget ‘politics of oblivion’ in the next election
2 shot dead on outskirts of Paris
VOX POPULI: Celebrating the arrival of spring the same way as in ‘Tale of Genji’
ASEAN summit: Myanmar community asks Parliament to block junta representatives
Hong Kong's exhibition centre axed booking for concert without reason, says pro
LAUSD investigating inappropriate photos being shared amongst students at Fairfax High School
Munich airport closes after climate activists glue selves in protest
Education Ministry workers on tenterhooks awaiting job cuts news