[edge919]

Maybe you’re not understanding. I didn’t say that recruiting is down or that recruiting efforts haven’t been growing or aren’t successful. What Drew was suggesting is swapping out 5,000 new troops ON TOP of regular recruiting activities. This would be 5,000 troops leaving in addition to the normal attrition rates. Then he followed by claiming there’s a ideological shift going on (still unsubstantiated) that is supposably going to be filled through enlistment efforts, but without showing proof. We’re supposed to simply accept his anecdotal observation as authoritative.

[Sarajevo]

We lost division sized elements during the drawdown of the Clinton years. It didn't take much to ramp up recruiting efforts to refill those slots post 9-11, and it wouldn't be difficult today. 5000 would be a drop in the bucket.

Now, do I think any politician would be dumb enough to arbitrarily drop 5000 from the military rolls due to political affiliation? No.