Military Boots Blog Entrenched in battle-ready footwear.

75% of Teens Unfit to Serve, Report Finds

Military recruiters work endlessly to enlist the best and brightest to serve our country. However, a new study found that more often, these recruiters are likely met with teens who are unfit to serve for one reason or another.

According to “Ready, Willing and Unable to Serve,” 75% of Americans between ages 17 to 24 would not be able to join the military. Why? There are three main reasons: inadequate education, criminal pasts or weight problems.

The 12-page report by Mission: Readiness Military Leaders For Kids, a nonprofit organization led by retired generals and admirals, also cited additional disqualifiers such as asthma, eyesight or hearing problems, mental health issues or recent treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders.

“Unfortunately, the number of young Americans who have high school degrees, are in good physical shape and are without criminal records is declining,” said Henry “Hugh” Shelton, a retired U.S. Army General, in the report.

“To keep our country strong and safe, we need to ensure all young Americans get the right start in life – we need more investments in high-quality early education.”

The military can grant waivers for those who have a GED score, but, according to the Boston Herald, that’s a privilege given to fewer than 2 percent of applicants.

“What we allow waivers for, and for whom, is like an opening and closing gate depending on our needs,” Douglas Smith, a U.S. Army Recruiter, was quoted by the Boston Herald as saying. “We can adjust our policies if we have to.”

To read the complete study, click here.