The Economy and Military Recruitment

I have been hearing some interesting information lately regarding the number of young people trying to enlist in the military, “trying” being the operative word in that sentence. 

Apparently most, if not all branches of the military are now experiencing the interesting situation of having more potential recruits than current openings.  This is especially evident with the most popular jobs in each branch and is leading to an opportunity for each branch to be much more selective in who they are extending contracts to.  A friend’s son waited four months to get a firefighters contract for the Air Force and he won’t be shipped out for Basic Training until the end of July.

What an interesting situation for recruiters who have for many years spent much of their time working very hard to “sell” the idea of enlistment as a viable option for our young people.  Recruiters are now being contacted in large numbers by recent high school graduates who are having trouble finding work, those who realize that college may not be for them, and by young people that have graduated from college but aren’t able to find jobs in their field of choice.

I have a son in the Navy and another that is a Lodi High senior who will graduate in less than 6 weeks. I can understand how the current state of our economy is making enlistment seem like a viable option.  My senior isn’t sure what he wants to do for a career, I am not sure that college is the best or right choice for him.  These details are the types of reasons that he might be in a position to actually return one of the many calls from one of the recruiters calling him. 

Let me explain, that two years ago, before my older son had entered the Navy I would have been completely panicked by this option.  I now realize what a great experience and how much my son has learned and grown while during his service and now I think that ALL 18 year olds should at least experience Boot Camp. 

Seriously, the skills and maturity that is gained in those 8 weeks could do a lot for all young people, and make them appreciate their parents for all that has been done for them over the years.  And that could never be a bad thing!

Here is a link to current statistics from March 2009

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/2009recruitingstatistics/a/march.-xhY.htm