Most Americans not Fit to Join

Associated Press ^ | 3/13/06 | Associated Press

[HungarianGypsy]

Last year a lady in my church said her husband -- who is in his 40s -- commented that a lot of the younger recruits were in worse shape than he was. They often get sent home early.

[ClearCase_guy]

Why -- that's discrimination! To tell someone that they are not fit to be in the military is just outrageous! How long has this been going on? [/sarcasm]

[Turbo Pig]

"WE"RE DOOMED!!!"

[Tallguy]

Somebody at the AP seriously screwed-up... this story does not fit the "The Draft is On the Way" template.

[johnny7]

Yeah... but they have very high self-esteem!

[FlipWilson]

I know someone who was on a medication (for seizures) that is also used for treating bi-polar disorder. It only took a letter and in he went. Moreover, as it turns out people on the meds for bi-polar were getting in. I suppose it all depends on what job your are going to be doing.

[Gay State Conservative]

At least in my day,the Army was quite skilled in the art of turning fat slobs into reasonably (or very) fit individuals. I was 20 pounds lighter,and far more fit,when I finished BCT than when I started.

[bnelson44]

I know someone who was bipolar who did not get in.

[elli1]

Well, duh. The military has been raising standards to avoid the dregs.

[bnelson44]

They still do. But they want a fighting chance at it from the start, so there are some minimum physical requirements.

[Lazamataz]

My last blood pressure reading was 106/60, resting heart rate of 55.

And I'm old. :)

[Rakkasan1]

yeah, but it fits the 'we're all gonna die from McDonalds if the bird flu don't get us first' template.

[lormand]

I quit going to "Amy's Ice Cream" here in Austin because the employees look like they come straight out of a tribe in the Amazon jungle.

I'm afraid I will get hepatitis from these freaks.

[Flavius Josephus]

Hmmm I thought you couldn't get in if you were on maintenance medications of any kind.

[Flavius Josephus]

Watch out for that bottom number. If it hits Zero, you dead.

[lesser_satan]

bump

[FlipWilson]

that must have depressed them and yet elated them at the same time.

[FlipWilson]

Yes, but the Army needs Doctors and Lawyers.

[Jim Pelosi]

The main reason for the rejection of so many is the health care costs associated with the military. The health care budget for the DOD runs into the billions of dollars. They want people who are healthy and defect free so they don't have to assist anybody with special needs. Makes it a much easier and more efficient ship.