Service to C-suites. Founder, Task Force NEXT, Vice Chairman, Shields & Stripes. Past: McChrystal Group, Twitter, U.S. Marine, Sensitive Activities for Navy SEALs, JSOC, SOCOM, Pentagon.
Our military is experiencing an unprecedented recruiting crisis due to a perfect storm of physical, mental, cultural and societal barriers, along with more than a few self-inflicted wounds that have made the military the less appealing option among the 18-24 year-old demographic. The desire to serve our nation doesn't come standard. We are competing in a time where sitting is the norm and there is no longer any real need or incentive to go outside or socialize. Screens have become the primary influencer of the mind, and the content being consumed is largely contributing to the problem at hand. The desire to serve must be inspired, cultivated - earned. Not starting at age 17, but from the time a child can talk and walk. If we want to turn the tide, we have to invest in youth programs like Sea Cadets, that teach children skills, instill values, confidence, leadership, pride in service, love of country - and most importantly, respect for people over party. Some favorites of mine (please add yours): U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Young Marines, The Corps Network, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Civil Air Patrol, AFA CyberPatriot Private, YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office) #leadership #service #recruiting #militaryreadiness #nationalsecurity
Want to boost military recruiting? Support Sea Cadets! I visited this amazing group in Lexington: leadership, master at arms, aviation, medical, culinary, ceremonial guard, electronics*, physical fitness, and more! Thanks to many volunteers who led these middle school and high school students. And this is just one of many similarly excellent trainings Sea Cadets conducts around the nation. We have lots of action photos of course, but sometimes quantity has a quality all its own. * The cadets literally built radios and electromagnetic launchers. U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Lukas Toth
I agree wholeheartedly, Geoff Tokajer, MBA, MS, D-A-D. The challenge in military recruitment is indeed multi-faceted, requiring comprehensive solutions, including inspiring younger generations about the virtues of service. But the issue extends further into our ranks with the declining interest in leadership roles, like the alarming 47% participation in BCAP among eligible Lieutenant Colonels last fiscal year. While investing in programs for the youth is critical, we must also reevaluate the incentives and supports in place for our seasoned service members. We should endeavor to foster an environment that not only brings people into service but inspires them to strive for command positions, thus securing a robust, future leadership. This dual approach could help alleviate the crisis at both ends.
Advocate & Speaker | Strategic Brand Leader | Champion for Military Families
1y4H and Talented and Gifted programming have been great for my 11 year old to reinforce the positive desire to serve.