The Biden administration’s policies within the Department of Defense have raised concerns among military experts as the U.S. military faces emerging global threats with its most minor force in 80 years.
Over the past three years, the number of active duty service members has decreased by 64,000, bringing the total down to 1,284,500, as stated in the Defense Authorization Bill. This reduction means that the U.S. military is fielding its most minor force since before World War II.
Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille has criticized the White House for treating troops stationed in the Middle East as “cannon fodder.” Sarraille argues that the Biden administration’s leadership has contributed significantly to the recruitment crisis.
Sarraille voiced his apprehensions, asserting, “The concerning decline in numbers not only jeopardizes our national security and defense strategy but also prompts a critical question: are we equipped to face emerging global threats? This is not merely a recruitment challenge; it’s a leadership issue.”
He went on to say, “Why would the younger generation be inclined to serve in an administration that deploys its troops without due consideration in the Middle East? Instead of strengthening our military force and enhancing technological capabilities, the administration has chosen to prioritize progressive initiatives such as renaming bases and allocating funds to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.”
According to Army veteran and counterterrorism expert Mike Glover, the military’s low morale and recruitment struggles are affected by the progressive policies implemented within the Department of Defense.
Glover stated, “Part of it is national pride. We had a purpose. My generation in the military after 9/11 had a significant purpose, but many men and women in the military today lack that sense of purpose. This lack of purpose has contributed to low morale in the military and across the nation.”
The Senate Committee on Armed Services reports an 8.3 percent decrease in Army recruitment since 2020, with the Marines declining by 4.8 percent, the Air Force by 4.1 percent, and the Navy by 2.7 percent.
Glover proposed that a shift in focus towards the mission, rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, could aid each branch in overcoming its recruitment challenges.
“The number one thing I would do is focus on the mission,” Glover emphasized. “The mission is protecting our country. This woke politics and ideology within our military is detrimental to our service. We must return to the idea that the Army is an ‘Army of one’ and that team effort matters most.”
He continued, “The spirit of unity and camaraderie lies in combat arms and special operations. We must prioritize these areas because many men and women are sacrificing everything, and if they don’t feel like they’re fighting for anything, that’s a significant problem.”
