Recruitment low – mistrust, retirement, perception

[Geoff Irving and Taylor Quackenbush, Marine Corps veterans and writers for the USNI who focus on national security issues] may 2023, “Three Bold Changes to Improve Military Recruiting”, accessed 6/25/2023, https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/may/three-bold-changes-improve-military-recruiting - JR

Three commonly-cited causes of declining recruiting and retention metrics are: 1) mistrust in military officers, 2) the Blended Retirement System (BRS), and 3) a senior officer and political class with a perceived reputation for war mongering. These arguments can be countered with productive policy recommendations to 1) improve military recruiting competence, 2) enhance service member compensation, and 3) reevaluate the military “garrison” lifestyle.