I was a recruiter for 16 years. One thing I wonder about in this situation is how many careers are being ruined. Not making your recruiting goals was not a minor issue. It could potentially ruin an otherwise good career. If the services are missing goals by that much there are a lot of recruiters in trouble. It’s not like, “oops, we missed goal”. The recruiting command commanders are going to get slammed, the middle managers are going to get slammed, and the recruiters are going to be crucified. Crap rolls downhill. When I was in there were no excuses, especially excuses aimed at the leadership (for example, I can’t find anybody who wants to risk their lives to protect globohomo). That wouldn’t fly.
That is sad that careers could be ruined and the problem is clear, but there is nothing they can do about it.
I wonder how much standards are being dropped just to make the numbers they have today?