Retention and Recruitment

Here is a piece from Gullyborg of Resistance is Futile that I consider a must-read look at the state of military recruitment issues (courtesy the first Carnival of Liberty).

Since leaving active duty, I have maintained an active interest in our Armed Forces, following every news story and keeping abreast of military developments long before 9/11 put our Soldiers and Sailors at the forefront of public opinion. And never in my memory has there been such a relentless attack on the morale of our troops.

I was too young to remember the Vietnam War. But I am afraid I may living through its reincarnation, at least as far as our media establishment and our more liberal politicians are concerned.

[…]

But retention is up. As Glenn Reynolds points out, our Troops in the field have a more positive view of things. They are seeing what’s really happening, and they believe what’s happening is a good thing.

Go read the whole thing to understand the undeniable dichotomy that the American military is currently facing — keeping those currently in uniform, especially those who have been in areas of operation, has been easier than usual but filling new uniforms has proven difficult.