Have you seen this argument for recognizing the truly unique and irreplaceable contributions of the combat Marine and Soldier? I hope it takes hold....jj
I read the release...did not see that article and what an insightful piece it is.
I disagree with one point. USAF and USNAV are still being given credit for meeting 100% of their recruiting goals. That is technically true but both service's strength has been down nine consecutive months, a combined total of 32,000 down. They were reducing to meet mandated end strength. Some 10,000 of those lost billets were not really lost, they were civilianized.
April was the first month Navy had to maintain their strength and they failed to do so dropping 200 below level. They lost some 1,300 more in May. USNAV is now 1,500 men short. USAF has to shed approx 1,500 more billets. That will likely be accomplished in June.
USAF and USNAV are each 70% of the Army's end strength. each recruited some 1050 last month and they call it 100%.
The Army recruited 5,000 and needed 8,050 .
Something about those numbers does not jive. A real test of USNAV and USAF recruiting ability is coming up. I expect to see a continued reduction in USAF and USNAV strength over the next year.
When all or most of the services start reporting declining end strength numbers below mandated levels, it will be push the panic button time.
Having said all that, I do expect June and July to be good for recruiters. I certainly hope they are. Next fall and winter are another story.
One other point. I don't see how we can pay contractor rates to riflemen. The contractors are former SF, Delta, Force Recon, SEAL, Ranger or Airborne types with extraordinary training and more important - lots of experience. Most are earning $150,000 or better. Paying minumum Salaries like that would increase the active duty DOD payroll to at least $250 billion. By the time you add benefits and retiree expenses, there would be no money left for bullets and beans. |
