FORT EUSTIS, Va. – Sen. Tim Kaine is making multiple stops in Hampton Roads this week. Monday morning, he was at Fort Eustis for a briefing on Army recruiting.
Kaine met with General Paul E. Funk II and Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) leaders. In addition to the briefing on recruiting, he also toured Army training facilities and met with service members.
Kaine talked about how recruiting goals are down in other branches of the military, particularly in the Army. He also said that physical fitness requirements are one of the most challenging areas that young people struggle to meet. The Army recruiting website shows 71% of youth do not qualify for military service because of obesity, drugs, physical and mental health problems, misconduct, and aptitude.
"A smaller percentage of 18-year-olds are able to meet military standards, and so the way we’re going to deal with that is – we’re going to have to start earlier with kids," stated Sen. Kaine.
Kaine said the good news is the physical fitness part can be helped. In fact, the Army has started a pilot program called "Future Soldier Preparatory Course" at Fort Jackson. He also talked about how the retention side is strong and how he feels the recruiting is another effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and it will improve.
The Senator also said he wishes more schools would be excited about promoting the option of military careers.
"They should look as military service as every bit as valuable as college," Kaine said.
