The U.S. Army missed its recruiting goal by more than 1,000 people in June. This is the second straight month that the
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May was the first time recruitment was down in two years. The shortfall coincided with increased U.S. casualties in Iraq and extended tours. The Army is now requiring 15 month tours, up from the 12 month tours previously required.
Additionally, recruitment of African Americans is down by nearly 50 percent since 2000.
The Army depends on the summer months to heavily target recently graduates and unemployed youth. Despite the Army falling short of its goals, 12,500 young people still signed up for the Army in May and June.
Faced with diminishing job and educational opportunities, and military recruiters’ lies, thousands of young people see the military as their only option.
