US Army struggles to recruit | The Press

Official US sources have reported serious recruitment problems within the Russian army, mired in the conflict in Ukraine. However, the American army also faces major recruiting challenges. State of play.

The Pentagon multiplies initiatives to attract young people

Permission to have visible tattoos. A substantial increase in bonuses paid on enrolment. New chances given to unsuccessful candidates – often more than once – in the past.

For some time now, the United States Armed Forces (FAA) have been piling up such initiatives in the hope of stemming major recruiting problems. Moreover, this year, management already recognizes that the quotas set will not be reached.

“I believe that in this fiscal year our shortfall will be between 12,000 and 15,000 recruits,” said Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the United States Army, in an interview aired Aug. 11 on NBC. News.

In the United States Army, the fiscal year ends on September 30. As of the interview with M.^me Wormuth, the institution had achieved 52% of its recruitment targets.

A fall 2021 survey conducted by the Department of Defense indicated that only 9% of young people of service age were considering doing so.

The causes

Several causes explain this low enthusiasm: pandemic, very low unemployment rate, cases of sexual assault, impact of the American military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan on the collective unconscious, etc.

But one of the reasons leaves you speechless. The number of candidates whose profile corresponds to the minimum requirements of the army is very low.

Thus, only 23% of candidates aged 17 to 23 meet the physical, mental and moral qualities required.

Many applicants are disqualified due to weight issues, drug issues, or having a criminal record.

A few years ago, this qualification rate was 29%.

To give a new chance to candidates who have failed in the past, the FAA have set up remedial programs (types of prep schools) where everything is taught: arithmetic, grammar, nutrition, hygiene, etc. Those who successfully complete the program are then invited to begin basic training.

Another brake, the pandemic of the last two years has undermined recruitment efforts. Recruiters were unable to meet young people in schools, fairs and other public places.

According to Christian Leuprecht, a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada and at Queen’s University in Kingston, these recruitment deficiencies constitute a “certain reality that affects all the armed forces” that he knows.

“This has significant implications for land protection objectives, mission success and public expectations,” he continues.

The solutions

In order to contain and reverse the situation, the American army is exploring a wide spectrum of solutions. There is everything. Including a call for military… youtubers.

Recruitment in high school hallways and at supermarket entrances archaic, newspaper article says Air Force Times in which several youtubers with thousands of subscribers give their opinion.

“We tell the real business. At least, as far as our personal experience is concerned, notes airwoman first class and mental health technician Dominga Harris. People appreciate our candor about what we do…or don’t, without glossing over what happens inside the ranks. »

Some youtubers create tutorials. Many respond to many e-mails from candidates curious to know more.

In the naval forces, we try to attract recruits with money. A lot of money. A recent article from Navy Times says enlistment incentives include signing bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan repayment of up to $65,000. The two measures can be combined.

Navy veterans are also offered significant bonuses.

Veterans to the rescue?

For Matthew F. Amidon, colonel of the Marine Reserve and director of the veterans and military families section of the George W. Bush Institute, part of the solution lies in the influence of veterans.

“There are 18.8 million veterans in this country and almost 80% are very proud of what they have accomplished in uniform. Many are business and organizational leaders. We must therefore ensure that we better anchor the relationships between those who have served and those who want to serve,” he says.

Colonel Amidon, a native of Vermont, also believes that it is time to rethink the criteria for selecting candidates.

“When you look at tomorrow’s combat domains, like cyber warfare, do you really need people who will all meet the traditional physical requirements to be successful? We need to have this conversation. »

In Canada too, recruitment is difficult

As in the United States, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) also have difficulty recruiting new candidates and struggle to meet their annual objectives.

“For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the CAF has planned to recruit 5,900 new members. However, each month, they only receive half the number of candidates necessary to achieve this objective, ”says Lieutenant Geneviève Paris, public affairs officer.

Published on December 2, 2021, a survey of The Press indicated that the shortage of manpower and the renewal of the troops made “utopian” the objective of having 25.1% of women in the ranks of the Forces in 2026.

According to Lt. Paris, “long-standing efforts have increased the percentage of women to 16.5% of all CAF members.” But there is still work to be done, she admits.

Among members of visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples, the objectives seem to be being achieved. The Canadian Army has set representation targets of 11.8% and 3.5% for these two groups. Currently, they make up 10.8% and 2.8% of active members respectively.

In addition, the CAF recruits from about a hundred professional groups from all walks of life: naval technicians, medical specialists, naval communication specialists, information systems, etc.

In many, a recruitment allowance is paid upon signing. In most cases, it fluctuates between $10,000 and $20,000.

As elsewhere, the pandemic, low unemployment, instances of sexual misconduct (including among high-ranking officers) and other factors are hampering recruiting efforts. Faced with this, the CAF persists in the hope of improving its image in the public eye and reversing the trend.

“The goal is to foster a positive, respectful and inclusive work environment,” says Lt. Paris. To support Canadians at home and abroad, the CAF has a duty to reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of Canadian society. There’s no better time than now to enlist. »