A new poll obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation shows a growing number of military veterans would discourage others from joining the military.
As a result, only 62% of veterans surveyed in 2024 would recommend the service to young people, down from 80% in 2019. It became clear. public opinion poll Commissioned by the Center of Military Excellence (CME). When asked why they were holding off on supporting the military, an overwhelming majority of veterans surveyed who identified as conservative said diversity, equity, and inclusion policies were one of the top reasons. . (Related: Pentagon officials discuss scenarios to counter controversial orders from next commander-in-chief: report)
Other reasons veterans on both sides of the aisle don’t recommend military service include distrusting politicians, the possibility of injury or death, and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a CME poll. It includes risks.
Veterans’ concerns seem to center on the political leadership, not the military. When asked how they would rate their performance in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the veterans surveyed gave military personnel an “A-” rating and the commander-in-chief a “C-” rating. gave a rating.
U.S. President Joe Biden attends a change of command ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) at USCG Headquarters in Washington, DC, June 1, 2022. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
The 2024 CME poll was conducted by YouGov and over 2,100 people responded.
Some of the sentiment among veterans that they no longer recommend enlisting is reflected in other polls released this year. In the July Defense Priorities/YouGov survey, only 37% of Americans said they would encourage a family member to join the military.
Among the issues identified by military families, veterans, and service members were cultural changes and increasing political color in the military. According to The Military Family Advisory Network investigation began in June. The Biden administration has focused on implementing left-wing policies in the military, including a number of DEI initiatives, promoting LGBTQ ideology, and providing partial compensation for service members who travel out of state for abortions.
Low pay is also a commonly cited concern for military personnel, given inflation rates and rising costs of living. This concern is especially common among junior noncommissioned officers, who are typically paid much less than their higher-ranking colleagues.
Recruitment and retention rates have declined under the Biden administration. Some branches have failed to meet recruitment goals in recent years, leading military leaders to lower some physical and academic standards to encourage higher enlistment rates.
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