For these nonetheless contemplating their nation’s participation in a high-intensity conflict in opposition to Russia, Common Dominique Delawarde recommends taking cautious account of the present state of NATO’s armed forces, and specifically the bodily situation of army personnel.
In relation to recruiting for the US Armed Forces, we understand that there are main issues in deciding on enough numbers of bodily match volunteers. 77% of younger Individuals aged 17 to 24 are usually not match sufficient to serve within the Armed Forces. The weight problems price amongst younger folks (aged 2 to 19) has risen from 17% in 2009 to 22% in 2022, and continues to be rising. With out wishing to stigmatize anybody, high-intensity wars can’t be gained with obese or overweight troopers, troopers hooked on consolation, and even medication. Out of an annual requirement of 55,000 recruits, 10,000 recruits fall brief yearly, which isn’t sufficient to satisfy the US finances…
Excessive weight problems price within the US army
In its annual “Well being of the Power” report for 2022, the Pentagon indicated that 21% of lively US army personnel had been overweight. The 2021 report detailed the state of affairs within the totally different providers. Whereas the elite Marine Corps had solely 11% overweight members, the US Military had 21%, the US Air Power 23% and the US Navy 27%.
The Division of Well being doc already warned of this drawback, mentioning that an overweight soldier is extra prone to be injured. Nevertheless, this proportion continues to rise quickly. Within the US Military, it has risen from 13% overweight in 2015 to 21% in 2021.
The picture of the chief
Right this moment, the French Armed Forces additionally appear to be experiencing recruitment and, much more so, retention issues, together with amongst officers. Studying the article beneath, and the feedback in all probability written by army personnel, is edifying.
It’s true that for a soldier, the picture of his or her chief and the belief positioned in her or him, immediately linked to his or her exemplarity, are vital and situation loyalty. Though this reality isn’t talked about by the Haut comité d’évaluation de la situation militaire in its report, we will higher perceive the difficulties officers have in retaining their loyalty after they have a look at the picture of the Chief of the Armed Forces.
