Mattis Gives Disturbing Reasons Why Number Of Americans Qualified For Military Is Dropping

The number of Americans qualified for military service is dropping, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis warned late Wednesday, citing drug abuse, obesity and a lack of “morals” as key reasons why nearly three-quarters of young people can’t meet the minimum requirements.

“We are no longer receiving people from the society who are as much in step with the qualities that our institution must have for success on the battlefield,” Mr. Mattis told reporters Wednesday, following his address to Air Force Academy graduates in Colorado Springs, Colorado. . .

“More than 70 percent of 18- to 24-year-old males and females cannot qualify to be a private in the Army. … I’m told it’s 72 percent, it’s unfortunately going up,” he said.

“This is combination of illicit drug abuse, illicit drug use, obesity is probably the biggest one, morals, you know, just arrests, that sort of thing and there are other reasons,” he continued, adding academic failings as another major factor.

There are roughly 34 million Americans between the ages of 17 and 24. Of those, about 24 million are ineligible to serve, according to a recent report from the conservative Heritage Foundation. (Read more from “Mattis Gives Disturbing Reasons Why Number Of Americans Qualified For Military Is Dropping” HERE)

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