US Army Misses Feb Recruiting Goal by Almost 30%

USA Today reports that the Army recruited 5,114 soldiers in February, 1,936 fewer than its goal. This dramatic shortfall in new soldiers happened even though the Army has more recruiters than ever and is offering record cash bonuses to new recruits -- up to $20,000 if you commit to four years. The Marine Corp missed its target in January for the first time in a decade. Also, everyone has soaked up all the "delayed entry" people who usually ensure a steady stream of new soldiers.

This problem began in the National Guard and Reserve and is now spreading to active recruits. It's going to get worse and worse and worse over the coming year. (It's hard to imagine ANYONE who would sign up right now for anything other than the Air Force and Navy -- which are far away from danger in Iraq.)

USA Today quotes one analyst who says recruiting will probably "fall off a cliff" this year.

Bush's shameful abuse of the original intent of the Reserves and National Guard, his backdoor draft that forces people who have fulfilled their duty to this country and sometimes even retired to go back to the front lines, his disrespect for soldiers as reflected in the miserable health care they are receiving, his disregard for their safety (has the MSM done any updates on proper armor for cars, tanks etc in Iraq? Nope) and general disdain for our men and women in uniform is going to have a DISASTROUS effect on our nation's ability to protect itself and project power around the world for years if not decades to come.