Posted on 05/04/2019 10:10:59 AM PDT by Tammy8
Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee expressed almost unanimous acclaim for Army Gen. James McConville as he testified before them Thursday to become that service branch's top officer, lauding a career so eminent that the committee chairman, Sen. Jim Inhofe, began the hearing by saying, "I can't imagine there's any opposition."
McConville's tenure was exemplified in stacks of badges and ribbons adorning his crisp service dress that glittered under the lights of the Senate chamber, but it wasn't that particular uniform that caught the attention of the Oklahoma Republican and others on the dais.
"Who can vote against a guy, a distinguished general, who has two sons, a daughter – all three captains in the U.S. Army? I say, no one," Inhofe said.
Indeed McConville, a Massachusetts native and West Point graduate, sat before a phalanx of Army uniforms worn by his three children and son-in-law, a sergeant. Among them, they have multiple combat and overseas tours, and tenures at graduate schools and elite military training facilities. Next to them was his wife Maria, who, though wearing a dress on Thursday, had previously served as an Army captain as well.
But the McConville family's presence on Thursday also represented what some suggest is a growing and troubling trend in the military regarding the demographics of those who choose to serve.
Since transitioning to an "all volunteer force" in the aftermath of the Vietnam War draft, Americans now serving in the U.S. military comprise less than 1 percent of the population. The number of U.S. military veterans continues to plummet from almost half the population in 1970 to 16 percent as of 2014, according to Pew Research.
(Excerpt) Read more at usnews.com ...
My oldest brother passed away last year, he was a Vietnam Veteran. His service was at his VFW, after the service one of men that helped with the service made the remark he had never seen so many military and former military attend a service. I was surprised to hear that but have read a few articles like this since, seems to be a trend that for the most part most in the military are from military families.
My Grandson is now in basic. 4th generation Army.
This will be a major issue regarding our national identity - no one will relate to the sacrifice of previous generations-
One good thing is that we shouldn’t have any more unnecessary conflicts that require all that manpower.
Witches, weirdos and warriors...of the social justice variety that is.
It’s the nature of the beast. It’s no different than that the children of police and fire fighters become police and fire fighters. We’re far from needing to panic.
There is simply no big problem here.
Thank him for me.
I truly do appreciate those who serve, there are so many options it means a lot when the younger generations choose to serve.
The majority of missionaries are children of missionaries also.
It seems a normal human trait regarding service.
Me too. Patriots rock.
I think it already is a major issue. When I was growing up nearly everyone in Congress had served, Presidents had served. Now not true, most have not served. Those making decisions for this country- I just think it is helpful if they had some military service.
I think some understanding of the military would be helpful and the experience itself in so many of the decisions that have to be made.
I actually talked to the Senator and he assured me and the grass-roots org. I represented that it would be included in the legislation. Because of the importance of the bill, Clinton had no recourse than to sign it. That was a BIG win!
Senator Inhofe is probably the most Constitutional conservative patriot in Congress. He ALWAYS votes on the right side.
That will be nice if it works out that way. I think the nature of mankind says otherwise though.
The manpower number has decreased but the need for military will always be there. Often jobs for the military are done by contractors that could be done by the military as they used to do. Without the widespread service and understanding there will be a growing divide between civilians and military and I do not think that is or will be a good thing.
I have always thought it would be a good thing if everyone who is able had to serve at least one enlistment, after high school say a couple years. Mandatory service for all who qualify. I think a close relationship of civilians to military is a benefit.
The thing is I hear that and similar issues from those not serving and have not served than I hear from those in the military.
Military service was not really that way though...sure career military were more likely to be from military families but so many others had served it was widespread throughout the population. Not now, not at all.
This will be a major issue regarding our national identity - no one will relate to the sacrifice of previous generations-
Perhaps it's because the people you're hearing that from in the military are the very witches, weirdos and warriors...of the social justice variety that is, and they see nothing wrong with the way things are being changed and they want it to stay that way?
Just wondering who "in the military" you were talking with...since you didn't say.
Impressive record.
5.56mm
I agree about Sen. Inhofe.
I am hoping the younger veterans will run for Congress, President. A few of them are, maybe the tide of those who have served will turn a little at least.
Military service was not that way before though, a good cross section served.
No... Never... No “mandatory” ever...
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