Well, if you join the service you might have to go fight and die for your country. And you might be captured and beheaded on national TV. I'd say that would explain the downturn in recruitment.
Shazzam!!!! ;)
bump
You have to stop trying to use logic. Never lose sight of the fact that news stories highlighting "trouble" in the Army or Military are deisgned to undermine the war effort. The writers couldn't care less about the Army itself. They also know that the country does not want a draft, so that should we ever get to that point, they automatically win converts to their "lose at all costs" desires.
There was also a huge downturn in recruitment and lowering of standards under Carter.
Hmmm. Wonder if there is a connection?
At least this article clears it up:
First, the Marines have suffered disproportionate fatalities in the war in Iraq. They are about 30 percent of all combat deaths, yet make up only 11 percent of current American forces. But in May the Marines slightly exceeded their recruitment goal. The Air Force and Navy likewise met 100 percent of their requirements. The Army traditionally has had the hardest time meeting its targets, given the reputation — warranted or not — that the other branches offer more specialized training and skills that will better enhance civilian careers without the same level of risk as ground combat.And most articles fail to mention is that to date, the Army has exceeded its retention goal by 107 percent. The Army National Guard retention was 106.5 percent and Air National Guard retention was 105 percent. Every other branch of the service met or exceeded retention goals.Second, the year is only half over. The Army may well rebound and meet its full 2005 quota, as nearly all branches of the active services (the Army and Air National Guard were exceptions) did in 2004.