MILITARY - More on the "Cost" of the Iraq War

It is well documented in many ways how the Iraq War has put a strain on our military. Especially the Army and Marines. But there is also a long range danger that could "cost" American its security.

"Stepped-up Army recruiting enlists many with problems" by Bryan Bender, Boston Globe

Excerpt

Two weeks ago, the Pentagon announced the "good news" that the Army had met its recruiting goal for October, the first month in a five-year plan to add 65,000 new soldiers to the ranks by 2012.

But Pentagon statistics show the Army met that goal by accepting a higher percentage of enlistees with criminal records, drug or alcohol problems, or health conditions that would have ordinarily disqualified them from service.

In each fiscal year since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, statistics show, the Army has accepted a growing percentage of recruits who do not meet its own minimum fitness standards. The October statistics show that at least 1 of every 5 recruits required a waiver to join the service, leading military analysts to conclude that the Army is lowering standards more than it has in decades.

"The across-the-board lowering of the standards is buying problems in the future," said John D. Hutson, a retired rear admiral, dean of the Franklin Pierce Law Center, and a former judge advocate general of the Navy. "You are going to have more people getting in trouble, more people washing out" of the service before finishing their tour of duty.

The Army Recruiting Command, based in Fort Knox, Ky., insists that it carefully reviews each applicant. "We look at the recent history, such as employment, schooling, references, and signs of remorse and changed behavior since the incident occurred" on how recruits with criminal records are regarded, the command said in a statement to the Globe.

Bold emphasis mine

Do we really want to trust the future security of America to less than top-tear troops?

Do we really believe that the Army Recruiting Command can resist cutting investigations/evaluations short to make their recruiting goals? If the misbehavior of individual Recruiters (all military services) can be used as a guideline, the answer is no.

Especially worrisome, do we want to put high-power weapons in the hands of those with a criminal past? Even if they SEEM to have changed their stripes.

Then again, considering how well street gangs are armed, the point may be moot.