Posted on 11/21/2014 8:43:11 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Unhealthy eating habits could become an issue of national security. The Department of Defense says that obesity is affecting the number of Americans eligible to serve in the military.
Jessica Kartalija reports now there’s a push for kids to eat healthier.
Recruiting for our military is facing a growing challenge.
“I am very concerned about the reduced number of men and women who can meet all of the qualifications required to serve in our armed forces,” said retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Steven Tomaszeski.
Now, retired admirals from Maryland are releasing a report, citing obesity as the number one reason young adults can’t serve in the military.
“Nearly one quarter, 25 percent of all Americans ages 17-24 are too overweight to serve. Obesity is not only affecting those who can qualify for military service, it is also creating challenges for our active duty military,” Tomaszeski said.
The Department of Defense says more than 70 percent of young people are unable to serve in the military.
“This report shows that obesity is the leading medical reason why 70 percent of young adults in Maryland are unable to serve in today’s military. And that within the military itself, obesity rates have risen a staggering 61 percent since 2002,” said A.B. Cruz III, Rear Admiral USN (Ret).
Now they’re pushing to update nutrition standards in Maryland schools and joining forces with kids as part of the Alliance For a Healthier Generation.
“It is important for youth to have a voice in the fight against childhood obesity,” said Jodi Evans, a youth advisory board member. “The healthy habits we develop today will become the healthy habits we maintain as adults.”
Also at issue: poor education, crime and drug use.
“Thirty percent of eligible Americans. That’s all we have to draw from for our great armed forces. That’s a great concern,” said Tomaszeski.
The retired admirals are members of Mission: Readiness, made up of more than 500 retired admirals and generals working to ensure our future natural security.
At least we won’t suffer the indignity of having obese transgender troops. Ugh!
They’ll probably get a waiver, along with the gays.
“I want to join the Army.”
.
“Fat chance.”
OH MY....HERE COME MICHELLE...LOOK OUT CHUBBY’S
“Pyle, your ass looks like about 150 pounds of chewed gum!”
Gee Sarge, I’m really flattered! (batting eyelashes)
Don’t worry, Obama will come to the rescue by lowering standards again.
Nope. If you aren’t at/under weight limit, or BMI you cannot get it waived. I had to lose 60-80 pounds. But I did, and I joined.
I think I have a good corrective plan for active duty pukes who are obese.
Exist on C-rats til you “make weight.” My guess is that most people would shed weight quickly thru gym work, running, hiking, etc. to avoid C-rats.
you chubbophobe.
/sarc
So much for JFK’s youth fitness plan.
The newly unillegals are going to fit right in since we aborted so many. They will protect us then work hard to feed ud after they get out and pay taxes and join the tea parties in futile attempts....
BMI is garbage for athletes. Body Fat percentage is a better measure, by using tape and calipers.
Well we need to ration food for everyone except Congress and the White House, it is the only way to solve this problem. Those that won’t volunteer for the program, will volunteer as a dietary supplement.
Not to worry. We can sit on our fat assets eating a can of potato chips and shoot missiles from drones on our monitors.
Well, since we’ve just merged our nation with Mexico, this obesity problem will be less of a prob...never mind.
70% of obesity is due to weightlifting forks, not under activity. A person could be an exercise fanatic and build a really good muscular frame, but it will be hidden behind rolls of fat if they aren’t eating right or overeating.
During Nam, many were being drafted and some tried to hide out in High School. One guy was a 20 year old senior and was drafted. Problem was that he was about 80 lbs overweight so they gave him and edict to lose weight so he could be inducted into the Army. He would hit the cafeteria with 2 full trays every day and then go back for a couple desserts - never did get inducted.
Very correct. Along with those rolls of fat comes type 2 Diabetes, high Cholesterol, and bad knees. To much TV/VID games and no PE in school, and in many neighborhoods it is NOT safe to be outside.
My nephew had to lose a lot of weight before they’d accept him, too, but I see he has put on a lot of weight since then and no one’s stopping him. That’s a shame.
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