The Army initially switched to an all-volunteer recruitment technique in 1973, which worked well.
However, now the Army is facing its most profound recruiting crisis, raising the alarm.
Because of that, theyve tried to eliminate previous restrictions. Applicants not meeting the height and weight requirements can now enlist in the Army. This began with a pilot program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The program allowed enlistment of individuals with 6% more body fat than Army requirements and anyone with a score between 21-30 on an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.
According to Fox News, Now, the Army will launch four additional companies, two of which will be at Fort Jackson and another two at Fort Benning, Georgia, allowing room for 2,000 additional recruits per year at Fort Jackson and a total of 6,400 recruits per year at Fort Benning.
After accepting soldiers into the program, they have 90 days to boost their scores or lose excess body fat. Then, they are sent off to basic training. So far, most of those in the program have successfully been sent off to basic training.
While this program boosts the number of soldiers available, it may cost the army millions. A Progress in Cardiovascular Disease journal study indicates that out-of-shape recruits have more injuries during basic training. According to Fox News, Now, the Army will launch four additional companies, two of which will be at Fort Jackson and another two at Fort Benning, Georgia, allowing room for 2,000 additional recruits per year at Fort Jackson and a total of 6,400 recruits per year at Fort Benning.
The troublesome research doesnt stop there. It further points out that recruits from the South are more likely to suffer injuries than others, which is where these programs occur. Injuries are costing the Army millions of dollars. In 2017, the Army spent $14.8 million on the problem. As more out-of-shape recruits enter the Armed Forces, this dollar amount will only increase.
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