“The Army recently downsized by ~100,000. It makes no sense for the Army to downsize so drastically (under Obama rules) and then to turn around and start recruiting the dregs of society.”
A good chunk of the Army turns over every year. Soldiers get out or are refused re-enlistment and those positions must be filled. For officers is “up or out”. Fail to get promoted 3 times, you’re gone. A reduction in force structure eases things a bit at the lower levels, but only temporarily.
I know that there is a certain turn-over rate, but that is not why the Army is downsized. Obama cut the size of the military. I’d heard that Trump was going to build it back up.
It is not always the case that being passed over for promotion 3 Times is a career ender. I’ve known officers who were selectively continued after the third pass over.