Youth!

This is coolbert:

Thanks to the blog "The Audacious Epigone" through Steve we have interesting facts and statistics. Regarding the "desirability" and "undesirability" of youth in various states to be eligible for military service.

As is generally known [?], currently only one-quarter [1/4] of American youth are considered to be "fit" for military service.

"Fit" in a very subjective sense, NOT only considering physical aptitude and general health. "Fit" includes a range of factors for which eligibility is determined!

Factors to include:

* Physical health. Obviously! General overall health, vision, over-weight, absence of chronic illness or infirmity, etc.

* Mental ability. At least a high school [secondary education] graduate. Having demonstrated a minimum of intellect, some "gumption" and willingness to be educated. And pass the standardized test eligible recruits are given prior to induction.

* Lack of criminal record. NO arrests or convictions, not having served time in the "juvenile home", no dope smoking or drug use, etc. Wanted is a person that has demonstrable moral fiber.

"The report lists the percentage of each state's young people are undesirable enlistees because they:
- are high school drop-outs
- have a criminal record
- have a health problem (typically, obesity)."

AND.

"the Top Ten states with the most fit-to-serve youths":

State Eligible %
1. Vermont 59.8
2. Minnesota 59.2
3. Wisconsin 57.4
4. Iowa 57.1
5. North Dakota 55.4
6. Connecticut 53.0
7. Montana 52.7
8. Utah 52.4
9. New Hampshire 51.9
10. South Dakota 51.5

"And here are the Bottom Ten":

42. Alaska 32.2
43. Florida 28.8
44. Alabama 27.9
45. New Mexico 23.1
46. South Carolina 22.4
47. Louisiana 21.2
48. Georgia 19.3
49. Mississippi 17.4
50. Nevada 15.9
51. District of Columbia 15.2

Comments:

* States such as Vermont, New Hampshire, the Dakotas, Montana, have small populations to begin with. You are not going to get a lot of enlistees from those states period. Same with Nevada and DC. You will get very few recruits from the latter - - population is so small.

* Being physically ABLE to perform military service DOES NOT mean you are already "able" to run, jump, throw, perform the normal physical requirements of a common soldier to standard. Just means you can perform up to a standard if trained properly!

* The general overall health and mental ability of American youth and their "eligibility" to perform military service can been a topic of discussion EVER SINCE THE TIME OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR!! The U.S. Army quickly came to the conclusion that the mental capacity of the American people was that of a moron! NOW the factors under consideration are more extensive.

The lack of youth meeting even the most basic requirements for military service is a problem now and has been for a long time. With no amelioration in sight!

coolbert.