BY ROBERT NOVAK SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

 

 

 

Retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Krohn got himself in trouble with his superiors as a Pentagon civilian public affairs official during the first 3-1/2 years of the Bush administration by telling the truth. He is still at it in private life. He says not to blame the military recruiters for the current recruiting ''scandal.'' Blame the war.

 

''Army recruiting is in a death spiral, through no fault of the Army,'' Krohn told me. Always defending uniformed personnel, he resents hard-pressed recruiters being attacked for offering unauthorized benefits to make quotas. In a recent e-mail sent to friends (mostly retired military), Krohn complained that the ''Army is having to compensate for a problem of national scope.''

 

The Army's dilemma is maintaining an all-volunteer service when volunteering means going in harm's way in Iraq. The dilemma extends to national policy. How can the United States maintain its global credibility against the Islamists, if military ranks cannot be filled by volunteers and there is no public will for a draft?

 

Krohn's e-mail describes the problem: ''Consider the implications of being unable to find sufficient volunteers, as seen by our adversaries. Has the United States lost its will to survive? What's happened to the Great Satan when so few are willing to fight to defend the country? Surely bin Laden et al are making this argument, telling supporters victory is just around the corner if they are a bit more patient. And if they're successful, the energy sources in the Mideast may be within their grasp.''

 

Krohn says this reality is accepted by recipients of his message. It also meets agreement from active-duty officers I have contacted but who cannot speak publicly. They ponder how an all-volunteer force can be maintained when generals say there is no end in sight for U.S. troops facing an increasingly sophisticated insurgency.

 

Krohn's message goes on to say ''the recruiting problem is an unintended consequence of a prolonged war in Iraq, especially given the failure to find WMD.'' He therefore calls for a ''national consensus to address the root causes'' of the recruiting problem -- that is, the war in Iraq.

 

But the focus at the Defense Department has been on the excesses of desperate recruiters, 37 of whom reflected their frustration in trying to meet quotas by going AWOL over the last 2-1/2 years. The official response was a 24-hour stand-down in recruiting to review proper procedures. It also has been proposed that enlistments, now usually three to four years with a minimum of 24 months, be cut to 15 months.

 

The recruiting guru Charles Moskos, professor emeritus at Northwestern University who once suggested an 18-month tour, now says shorter enlistments will not help. He proposes restoring the draft, but that is a political non-starter. Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel, who as a drafted soldier won the Bronze Star in Korea, is one of the very few members of Congress who advocate the draft. He does not hide his motive: A president would be politically unable to take a conscript army into wars such as Iraq.

 

In contrast, Krohn is a lifelong Republican who actively supported George W. Bush's presidential candidacy in 2000. He specified in his e-mail that ''I'm not now blaming'' President Bush or Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for the situation. ''We have a problem that transcends politics,'' Krohn added.

 

The current Iraq war is America's first prolonged conflict fought entirely with volunteers. It is a more professional and in every way a better army than the conscript army of Korean War vintage in which I served, or the conscript army that fought in Vietnam for seven years. The problem was signaled when the 9/11 attack on America did not generate the enlistments expected. Three and one-half years later, willingness to face personal peril in Iraq has faded.

 

That means the problem goes beyond mechanics of recruiting and the details of volunteer service and is found in the war itself. Paraphrasing Rumsfelds' comment about going into battle with the Army we had, Charles Krohn said: ''The war we have now is not the war we started off with. It's much more serious.''

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cst-edt-novak26.html

I don't blame people who don't want to sign up for this war, especially when it is one that never made sense.

 

If anyone is to blame for this recruiting shortage, it is the people who brought us to war in the first place. I really don't think the administration ever had a clear post-war plan for Iraq.

Whats even more dire is that because of this questionable war, people may be less willing to fight the overall war on terror. Cleary an adverse affect. Yet Bush just has to smile and people think he is strong on terror.

I'm considering going for a commission in the Navy, Army, or Marines upon my graduation. I have a feeling they would take me. These institutions need good people even though my dream is law school.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

785525[/snapback]

The reason why were experiencing a recruitment crisis is simply because of fear of death. And the chances of dying in the army in Israel are much higher.

 

If our army would be in such great danger as the Israel army is in every single day then we'd have even less soldiers!

 

It's also because many Americans are fearful, and many Israeli's are intrepid.

 

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

785525[/snapback]

The reason why were experiencing a recruitment crisis is simply because of fear of death. And the chances of dying in the army in Israel are much higher.

 

If our army would be in such great danger as the Israel army is in every single day then we'd have even less soldiers!

 

It's also because many Americans are fearful, and many Israeli's are intrepid.

 

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

 

Americans aren't fearful don't come with that crap.

 

It's because people don't wanna die fighting a war they don't agree with.

 

This has nothing to do with fearfulness.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

785525[/snapback]

The reason why were experiencing a recruitment crisis is simply because of fear of death. And the chances of dying in the army in Israel are much higher.

 

If our army would be in such great danger as the Israel army is in every single day then we'd have even less soldiers!

 

It's also because many Americans are fearful, and many Israeli's are intrepid.

 

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

That's just stupid. Take your America bashing elsewhere.

if our way of life and our freedom was in jepardy, I would fight to the death on our soil. Otherwise, I'm staying out of it.

I'm considering going for a commission in the Navy, Army, or Marines upon my graduation. I have a feeling they would take me. These institutions need good people even though my dream is law school.

784823[/snapback]

 

The Army pretty much accepts anyone who has a 4-year degree as an officer, the Navy and especially the Marine Corps are a lot tought to earn a commission and the requirements are a lot more strict.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

785525[/snapback]

The reason why were experiencing a recruitment crisis is simply because of fear of death. And the chances of dying in the army in Israel are much higher.

 

If our army would be in such great danger as the Israel army is in every single day then we'd have even less soldiers!

 

It's also because many Americans are fearful, and many Israeli's are intrepid.

 

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

 

Americans aren't fearful don't come with that crap.

 

It's because people don't wanna die fighting a war they don't agree with.

 

This has nothing to do with fearfulness.

785604[/snapback]

I think it's because they don't want to die, especially in a war. Whether they agree with the war or not has nothing to do with their fear of death. Even if they agreed with the war, and it would be very dangerous, they would still be scared, and atleast IMO, they would still be reluctant to join.

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

The reason Israel has no problems with recruitment is beacuse EVERYONE IS FORCED TO SERVE IN THE ARMY.

 

Common sense man, common sense.

It comes as no surprise to me that there is a shortage of Army recruitments.

 

The problem IMO is that we just aren't dedicated to protecting our country enough. I know in Israel the soldiers fight and protect their country with zeal. That's what were missing. Dedication.

785299[/snapback]

We don't have to worry about people blowing up night clubs or McDonald's like they do in Israel. Also, in Israel there's not a problem with recruitment because it's a conscript army. It's a good one, but a conscript one nonetheless.

785350[/snapback]

Regardless of the greater necessity for an army in Israel, serving in the army there isn't viewed as such a difficult thing. In Israel, very few people attempt to avoid serving. They WANT to serve for the army.

 

I think another reason why in Israel the soldiers are proud to serve their country and why they really enjoy serving is because of the way Israeli's are. Israli's fight a lot and are intrepid. They won't back down to anything. So joining the army is something that they don't do because they're forced too, but because they WANT too.

785466[/snapback]

Trust me, if there wasn't a conscript army, I doubt as many people would join the army. It'd also make your soldiers that much better too since it'd be all voluntary. A lot of people want to serve in Israel because, like I alluded to before, terrorism and conflict in general is far more real to them than it is to the average American.

785488[/snapback]

Without a doubt, if it wasn't a conscript army then there wouldn't be as many people serving. But nevertheless, there would still be many people serving, and they wouldn't have a recruitment crisis like we have.

 

And that's all because of dedication, what were lacking.

785510[/snapback]

Yeah, but that's because the threat of terrorism and invasion by foreign enemies is 100000000x more real to Israelis than it is to Americans.

785525[/snapback]

The reason why were experiencing a recruitment crisis is simply because of fear of death. And the chances of dying in the army in Israel are much higher.

 

If our army would be in such great danger as the Israel army is in every single day then we'd have even less soldiers!

 

It's also because many Americans are fearful, and many Israeli's are intrepid.

 

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

 

Americans aren't fearful don't come with that crap.

 

It's because people don't wanna die fighting a war they don't agree with.

 

This has nothing to do with fearfulness.

785604[/snapback]

I think it's because they don't want to die, especially in a war. Whether they agree with the war or not has nothing to do with their fear of death. Even if they agreed with the war, and it would be very dangerous, they would still be scared, and atleast IMO, they would still be reluctant to join.

785652[/snapback]

 

Are you thick headed?

 

Who wants to die? I'm sure the people joing the Israeli army don't want to die.

 

People don't want to fight in a war they don't believe in. D'uh.

 

It's not about fear of death. Stop projecting Israel like a bunch of heroes. They have as many cowards as any other country.

 

Again you try to sound intelligent and make yourself look like an ass.

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

The reason Israel has no problems with recruitment is beacuse EVERYONE IS FORCED TO SERVE IN THE ARMY.

 

Common sense man, common sense.

785653[/snapback]

I said that at least three times. The kid will not let it process in his thick skull.

So the reason why Israel doesn't have any problems with recruitment isn't because of the great need, it's because of their dedication and intrepidity.

785564[/snapback]

The reason Israel has no problems with recruitment is beacuse EVERYONE IS FORCED TO SERVE IN THE ARMY.

 

Common sense man, common sense.

785653[/snapback]

OWNED.

 

There's no need for America-bashing on this board.

Also, the Army may be having horrible recruitment problems, but every other branch is doing very well. Infact, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have to turn people away. You can't even enlist in the Marine Corps under the infantry field anymore until the next fiscal year begins in October. People are literally lining up to join and being turned away even if they're qualified.

 

It's pretty interesting that the branch with the lowest standards, highest enlistment bonuses and quickest advancement in rank is also the only branch with recruitment problems. The Army is even giving out guaranteed contracts to people off the street for Ranger school, Airborne school, etc. and are even offering guaranteed contracts to people off the street for Army special forces under the new 18x program. They're really getting desperate.

 

One last thing, i've noticed that when talking about the military to people, generally most people just talk about the Army as if it's the entire