Recruiting 21st Century Army Warriors: A Task Requiring National Attention
Abstract
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States initiated combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and thus began the Global War on Terror. More than five years later the United States Army is still heavily engaged in combat operations in both countries. In the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq, one of the underpinnings of the strategy states that victory will take time. In light of this strategy and the realities we see today, many have referred to our current efforts as the long war. In the midst of the long war the U.S. Army must continue to recruit young men and women to serve in the Army of the 21st century. This project examines three critical factors in recruiting these future warriors: the declining propensity to enlist in military service, the impact of a strong economy, and the dwindling pool of eligible Americans to enlist. The research reveals that a national solution is necessary to recruit enough young men and women for the 21st century Army. Recommendations are provided to reverse current trends in enlistment propensity and to energize the country's lawmakers and the Department of Defense to assist in keeping the Army Strong.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468428
Entities
People
- Richard F. Bowyer
Organizations
- United States Army War College