What is the true Military recruiting problem?

There is an interesting Washington Times story today. Army Maj. General Michael Rochelle is giving a totally different reason for the military's failure to be able to meet their recruiting needs. He says its the hostility of parents, educators and other influencers.

I think the answer probably falls somewhere between the MSM and their spining how Iraq is a quagmire that no one would want to serve in, and what General Rochelle says. There is obvious hostility out there, and it's just not the MSM. Look at the recent stories of the reception military recruiters and even non-recruiters have gotten on some campuses.

The article came from- http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20050617-111632-4628r.htm

FORT MEADE, Md. -- Although the Army is struggling to attract soldiers to its active-duty ranks, the commander in charge of recruiting said yesterday that the current generation of eligible young people is eager to serve.

Maj. Gen. Michael Rochelle said the problem is that recruiters are increasingly thwarted in reaching potential recruits by parents, educators and other "influencers" who won't allow even a discussion about a military career.

"They are magnificent men and women, and, by and large, they are inclined to serve," Gen. Rochelle, 55, said of the "millennium generation" currently graduating from high school. "The challenge we are having is with those who influence 'millennials.' ... They listen and they generally heed the advice of their advisers -- whether we're talking parents, coaches, teachers, guidance counselors."

That older, more skeptical, generation of Americans, Gen. Rochelle said, has "unquestionably" contributed to recent drops in recruits. Last month, the Army fell short of its recruiting goal for the fourth consecutive month.

After the September 11 attacks, these influencers were likely to recommend military service 22 percent of the time; now, Army studies show that figure has dropped to 14 percent.

"It's getting harder because of the influencers who are discouraging young people from simply acquiring information" about the Army, Gen. Rochelle said. "Influencers not wanting recruiters to call, not wanting recruiters to sit down and talk."

Still, Gen. Rochelle was optimistic that recruiting would get a lift from graduating seniors looking for a career this summer. To make the job more attractive, officials are exploring incentives, including a proposal to double the Army's four-year enlistment bonus to $40,000.