Posted on 02/04/2017 2:46:56 PM PST by Brad from Tennessee
Secretary of Defense James Mattis has issued his initial campaign plan for rebuilding America's military, pursuant to a presidential directive signed January 27. If Congress provides necessary funding, the Mattis plan would reverse a steady erosion of the joint force's warfighting edge that resulted from caps on military spending during the Obama years. In fact, the plan may usher in a surge of spending on new military technology unlike anything seen since the Reagan years.
All four of the military services General Mattis oversees would get a boost, but the biggest beneficiary during President Trump's tenure will be the service that is currently in the direst straits -- the Army. That's because the fixes the Army needs can be implemented more quickly than expanding the Navy's fleet or fielding a new Air Force bomber. In fact, making the Army healthy again could be largely accomplished during Trump's first term -- which is a good thing since it is pivotal to deterring East-West war in Europe. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
I must admit, at 32 years of age, I’m thinking about enlisting. I recently lost my job and looking for something new. I’m in excellent physical health, not sure if I’m too old, but would definitely love to serve. Obama had enlistment standards impossibly high.
You’re good but if you have a college degree try to get a commission.
This is sooo desperately needed. The former president degraded our army to levels that should frighten any citizen concerned with our safety and security.
I am profoundly relieved that “Jim” is in charge.
This article is too focused on Russia.
The Army has a program where you can go from enlisted to warrant officer pretty quickly. Look into that.
I read the article and apparently Mattis is focused on Russia
As for the Army, it hasn't successfully developed a major ground or air system since the Cold War. Armored Systems Modernization, dead. M8 Armored Gun System, dead. Comanche light helicopter, dead. Future Combat Systems, collapsed under it's own weight, dead. FCS became the Brigade combat team Modernization, dead. Ground Combat Vehicle, dead.
The only reason we have the Stryker is that it is based on Canada's LAV III and was also intended to be a interim solution. Much like the various MRAPs.
The current age cutoff is 35.
Have college? Check into commissioning opportunities.
I went in at 27 and spent 27 years defending the Republic. Would do it all over again.
If you have a graduate degree in a field the Army needs, you can join up to age 47. I’ve heard of highly experienced professionals joining even beyond age 47.
An officer’s career path is based on spending 30 years in the service, but you can retire after 20. With the new retirement system, you may still get a pension even if you don’t make it to 20 years.
I know someone who went back in and, being more mature and better educated than most, has had very good opportunities. Its something to consider.
I think we should help Gen. Mattis out and send a bunch of ‘steel balls’ to help with the enlistees...ya think??? lol...
About a dozen years ago the Guard raised their recruiting age to 39; that might work if other routes fail.
I support high enlistment standards because we don’t need a massive military, and therefore can take the cream of the crop.
Depends on the mission. For a straight unified land operation mission, I could agree with that. If we're doing more COIN/nation-building nonsense, then you definitely need a lot of people.
It use to be 35.5 years old was the limit. If you have a degree you could go to Officer Training School. Either officer or enlisted you will be looked upon as an old timer. Most of higher rank people will be in thier late 30’s and close to retirement.
You could do it !
Sure, but it seems that since 2003 we’ve had more applicants than positions; why not be picky?
What are your specialties?
I don’t really have any specialties other than I’m a highly experienced gunsmith and have fixed many a weapon over the years. The only “college” I have is for welding. I’m just a greasy, tobacco spitting sawmill mechanic who likes to fight and shoot
The American taxpayer has carried Europe for far too long.
It’s time for Germany, France and the rest of the EU to step up to the plate and pay for the deterrence force discussed in this article.
If Germany has billions of dollars to hand over to muslim “Rape-U-Gees they have the wherewithal to finance their own defense.
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