With Few Able and Fewer Willing, U.S. Military Can't Find Recruits

[Siwsan]

5. There was a shortage when I enlisted, years ago

They had shaved 2 weeks off of basic training to expedite getting people to duty stations. I got an immediate 2 place bump up in rank when I finished basic.

I don't, for a nano-second, regret enlisting. I'm a 'Cold War' veteran so there wasn't a lot of worry about combat. And I was in the Dental Corps. Medical/Dental personnel were, for the most part, pretty respected. Everyone on the base knew us - a lot of them knew us by name. Especially, for some reason, the Marines. I loved serving along side of them when I was in Iceland.

While I came to realize I wasn't cut out for a career in the Navy, I sure learned a lot about people, had 3 really nice duty stations (San Diego, Iceland and Philadelphia) and got to do some great traveling.

My nephew enlisted in the Air Force but as soon as tfg came to office, he decided it might be smart to return to civilian life. He's doing GREAT, due to the training he received during those 6 years. I couldn't be more proud of him. We are the only 2 remaining veterans in a family with a long history of serving.