Military recruitment in the U.S. Army has been low in recent years, with a significant drop in the number of white recruits. In the last five years, the number of new white Army recruits has decreased significantly, contributing to a larger decline in overall recruitment. The Army missed its 2023 recruitment goal, and some internal planners are concerned about the downward trend. Critics argue that the decrease in white recruits is a result of the Army’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which may not resonate with potential recruits from conservative backgrounds. This viewpoint suggests that traditional conservative households may be dissuading family members from enlisting due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of clear military victories, endless wars, poorly executed withdrawals, and a lack of military leadership accountability. Additionally, there is concern about the prevalence of sexual assault, unsafe living conditions, and a focus on ideological issues such as white privilege and guilt in the military. These factors may be contributing to a lack of interest in military service, particularly among white Americans. As a result, the Department of Defense is facing calls for a major overhaul to address these issues and improve recruitment efforts. With tensions increasing worldwide and the military at its smallest force since World War II, now is the time to support and address concerns about the state of the U.S. military.
The Decline in White American Army Recruits: Factors and Implications
