What we lack is LEADERSHIP on SO many levels; and that’s something a new recruit cannot possibly bring to the military straight out of High School.
And THAT should be very disturbing to anyone on either side of the aisle.
Huh? Here in the Navy retention is so high that chiefs and officers are facing continuation boards and E-6 and below are facing "Perform to Serve" policies, both of which are tools to thin the upper ranks, tools needed because nobody wants to go anywhere in this lousy economy. Advancement rates are the worst they've ever been. There just aren't enough slots for all the qualified sailors worthy of promotions.
I have no doubt that the Army and Marines are dealing with the same issues. Point me to any source that says differently. I'd love to read it because as far as I can tell, all branches of the service are having no trouble meeting recruitment and retention targets right now.