Afghan 2-A soldier assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, Combined Task Force Raider, Third Infantry Division patrol a mountain top in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, during OEF 12-13. Photos By Christopher Blakeslee (Staff Sgt. Ret.)

Last year, many military branches did not make their recruiting goals.

This year, the same issue is rearing its head again with several branches not on target to recruit their required numbers and meeting their end-strength-manpower.

Part of the onus for the current recruiting dilemma is the lack of qualified applicants wanting to serve, a less than willing and qualified pool of applicants to draw from, and possible misconceptions about what it means to enlist and serve.

How bad is the projected recruiting shortfall?

The U.S. Army is projected to fall way short of its operational recruiting goals in 2023 — and did so last year by some 15,000 soldiers. The U.S. Navy is expected to fall short 6,000 new sailors. The Air Force is projected to fall short around 10,000 airmen on the reserve and Air National Guard side, and 3,400 on the active-duty side. The only ray of light being reported is that of the U.S. Marine Corps and Space Force, which are set to meet their expected recruiting goals and end-strength requirements.

When questioned as to “why” this is happening for a second year in a row, recruiters say there don’t seem to be any one right answer, but a complex entanglement of issues across a broad spectrum.

“There’s some challenges we’re facing as a nation.” said Capt. Aaron Barkin, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, First Recruiting Brigade, Southern Tier Recruiting Company, commander and Woodbridge, Conn. native. “We have a less than active youth, which I believe is causing obesity problems, not only in today’s youth, but adults as well. Also, in New York, marijuana is legal, but it’s not on the federal level and there’s a different variant of THC called Delta Eight, which is extremely strong and potent- it can stay in an applicant’s system much longer than 30-45 days unlike regular marijuana does, thus prolonging the enlistment process.”

However, there’s even more pressing issues when frontline troops are questioned.

“A lot and I mean a lot of people are disqualified or require a waiver for Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder (ADHD),” added Staff Sgt. Rex Hammond, a recruiter assigned to U.S. Army Recruiting Command, First Recruiting Brigade, Southern Tier Recruiting Company, Olean Recruiting Station, N.Y. and native of Townsville, Pa. “It seems, like in certain geographical areas, that the use of medications — like Adderall — is widely used, which can require a wavier and a waiting period prior to processing for the Army.”

Additionally, while in the past the military may have earned a bad rap for what some may categorize as unscrupulous recruiting ethics. Local recruiters say that isn’t the case anymore and hasn’t been for a while. In an act of complete openness and truthfulness, the Army has for some time implemented a tool that lets an applicant know upfront what he or she may qualify for.

“Everything an applicant can or will receive is known right at the recruiting station and on paper. However, this doesn’t mean their joining right then and there, they still must go to a MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) station and qualify medically along with taking the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB) if they haven’t already,” said Hammond. “As long as an applicant qualifies medically, has the right ASVAB scores and passes their background checks, then what is on their Future Soldier Reservation System sheet will be turned into an actual contract. It’s all upfront and open.”

Moreover, the Army is offering some cash and job training opportunities for those wanting to serve or are inclined to join.

“Depending on one’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS/job) you can qualify for up to a $50,000 cash bonus,” added Hammond. “Also, we have a Quick-Ship Bonus, which pays up to $40,000 for those who contract and leave for basic training within 30 days. The Army also offers various other training packages like Airborne School or an Army Ranger option.”

While a mission is still a mission, the leadership at the U.S. Army appears to be behind and supports their various soldiers in their command, even during these trying times.

“It’s all about leadership and mentorship when it comes to recruiting,” said Hammond. “You’re given the tools and training you need to succeed here.”

Moreover, focusing on troop welfare and mission accomplishment appears to be at the forefront of the entire chain-of-command’s minds.

“My soldiers are hardworking and dedicated. We work long hours and do our best to meet the target goals the Army, USAREC and the nation expects of us,” Barkin said.