Isn't it a bit ridiculous that 3/4 of young adults don't...?

Question

qualify for military service? And of the 25 percent who do, do they even want to join? I think it is ridiculous that kids with criminal records get in on a waiver that no one will give to someone who has taken Ritalin as a child. I don't think everyone has the right to join. My heart just breaks for those who can't, but really, really want to. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

WW!,WW2,Korean war, Vietnam  consisted of individuals that wanted to protect and serve their country. Today's generation doesn't even know what the oath of enlistment means. They are raised to believe that if their parents spanks them that it is illegal and that they can send their parents to jail. Which in many states is true. They do not recite the pledge of allegiance, nor if they did say it, they would not really under stand what it means.  It is a shame ,but it is the truth. This is the end of my thoughts.I salute all soldiers past and present.

Answer 2

Given the absolute lack of motivation that flows from the non-support given to them by their teachers, parents and other adult role models we should be grateful for those who do join the all volunteer force. And the medical standards are there for three reasons. First, to ensure that the applicant will have the necessary health picture to complete initial training and be able to function in a military environment with all of its exotic outerwear and equipment. Second, to ensure that the military member will continue to enjoy good health throughout the enlistment. Third, to prevent entry of people with conditions which are chronic or will get progressively worse resulting in a sizable outlay of tax revenues for continued treatment and monetary pension.

The military didn't dose that child with Ritalin. That decision was made by the child's parents or guardians. In many cases that decision was made because the adults could not cope with an active child who was acting like a child instead of some porcelain doll which goes on display in a corner of the living room. And if that child goes off the Ritalin for a year, while documenting good academic and/or job performance free of medication, then that child can (as an adult) enlist in the armed forces. The source below is the medical standard which applies to this sort of case.

As for the rest of the youth population, obesity is endemic and nearing epidemic stage. Those who do venture outside to engage in recreation with other children become the captives of adult-supervised recreation  marked by the presence of "helicopter parents" who hover over the children, giving them little chance to ever develop an independent spirit and a sense of survival skills needed for life in the military.

Because of my retired military status which gives me base access and the presence of a large air base some 20 minutes from my home, I'm in frequent contact with those young men and women presently in uniform. They are professional, dedicated and focused on their mission. Then I make a trip to a local mall and feel like I'm on the set of some movie dealing with post-adolescent zombies. And the first group had nothing to do with creation of the second group.  

Answer 3

I've always said it takes a PhD to be in the military. Pride, Honor, and Devotion.

Answer 4

there are ways to get around those types of rules that keep kids out.

for example:

no sir I never smoked pot

no sir I don't have debt that is more than 5 months past due

no sir I don't have any medical issues

no sir I've never seen a councilor

no sir I am not ADD

yes sir, I am ready to join the military ;)

Answer 5

You can join if you took ritalin as a kid. Heck, I am about to sign and I have ADHD.

Even tried marijuana a few times.

Want to know something? I can still sign. People who do not join the military don't because they do not want to. Those who do, sign up.

Answer 6

Being in the military is not a regular job.  You must be a very healthy, in shape individual.  I don't know if you have noticed but most americans ain't in the best shape these days.  I am a recruiter and it breaks my heart when someone contacts me who truly wants to serve their country but has some medical condition which disqualifies them for service. Unfortunately that's just the way it goes, it's not meant to be for them.