A retired Navy SEAL is sounding the alarm about a declining number of young men and women willing to serve in the U.S. military.
Mike Sarraille, now an author and entrepreneur, said weak leadership and “cultural rot” is playing a role in declining recruitment and retention.
A November 2022 survey from the Ronald Reagan Institute found trust and confidence in the U.S. military stands at 48%, down from 70% in November 2018. The primary reason for the more than 20-point decline was the “perceived politicization of the military,” according to a press release from the organization.
A second survey also found only 13% of 18-29-year-olds are “highly willing” to join the military. Twenty-five percent are “somewhat willing” and 26% are “not willing at all.”
Sarraille argued one reason so few Americans are unable to serve is because of health reasons.
“I think it should send shockwaves through America that we’ve lowered our standards to such depths. We’re in a culture where everyone gets a trophy. Obesity is the new beautiful,” he explained on “Fox News Live.”
“And if you fail or don’t even try- don’t worry- it’s somebody else’s fault. When you look at leadership, strong leadership, leadership that people respect and trust, they’re willing to contribute and sacrifice for the collective good. Now, the juxtaposition to that is weak leadership, the crisis of confidence [where] people pull inward to protect themselves and their immediate families. And they’re not willing to sacrifice for the cause they deem unworthy,” he continued. . . . (read more on Fox News)
What People Are Saying
(Comments on the article from the comments section)
“Please remember there are still Patriots in the US military, me being one of them. My age is 42, and I’m a part of a generation that believes in this country. I’ll fight with all my might. Once my generation is gone from the military, I’m not sure what the future holds. We have taken God out of our ranks. Now we worry about hurting peoples feelings and accepting gender transformation. I will stand up for my God. 3 more years, and I’m out. I’v heard of military presentations about how we are to accept transgender within our ranks. If I’m asked to watch and sign off on accepting transgender, they’ll need to start processing my discharge. My God comes first. They will lose a patriot willing to die for our freedom.”
“A friend recently retired after 30 years in the Army. His certificate of retirement was auto-pen signed by Biden. He shredded it. He said Brandon has completely destroyed morale in the military. He and others like him are warning potential recruits not to join.”
“Another Marine veteran commenting here – I have friends nearing retirement in multiple branches and they send me screen shots of “programs” and “initiatives” that are nothing but complete wokeness. It’s an absolute disgusting place our military is in and we need to clean house. Start with commander in chief and work all the way down through every complacent officer there is. And to be very clear, every single officer is complicit right now. The good ones have all gotten kicked out (mostly for Covid reasons). Our military is weak. It can be fixed. But it’s gonna be painful.”
“As one who spent 26 years on active duty and retired, then worked for the DoD at two separate commands until late last year (14 years) , the military is woke! The wokeness the military exemplifies impact on it’s readiness. Had to sit thru extremism training and then they tried to get me to take an oath. I said the only oath I would take it the oath of enlistment!”
“20 years service with the US Marine Corps. I do not recognize the service which I once had proudly served only 12 years ago. My son joined the Marines – article was spot on; he is getting out because in his words “I am not some germ in a political petri dish”.”
“I have been beating the drum about some of the WOKE decisions made by the Department of Defense and the Air Force in the last two years. How some of the decisions made have undermined the work we did from the 80s, through the 90s into the early 2000s to overcome the problems we inherited from the Vietnam Era and immediately Post-Vietnam Era policies that severely damaged our military. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force mentioned on some of these policies were due to a need to open the Air Force to the cultures of those joining the Air Force (something along those lines). That is a fundamental misunderstanding of culture, at least in the sense of an Organization such as the Air Force. Culture is defined as the sum of our values, beliefs, and norms of behavior. When they are misaligned, the culture is broken. Changes in appearance standards violate the long-held idea “military image” is the most important aspect of dress and appearance. It is important to look like the military and act like the military, as an apolitical entity, that people have come to depend on in times of turmoil. We worked really, really, really hard to make that happen. We are seeing the undoing in a couple of short years the work of 30+ years. This is what happens when you vote for someone because you are led to dislike the other guy, not because he was a poor President (like the current incompetent in the WH), but because he makes mean posts and speaks truth. I fear for our country.”
“I spent the weekend camping out with several ex military and several active duty military. 3 of the active duty soldiers said their getting out this year after 11 yrs of a career decision saying today’s military is a joke and it’s not worth continuing forward to their 20 yr goal.”
“It’s not just recruitment. It’s also retention. The backbone of the US military has always been the middle and senior NCOs. They’re leaving the services in larger numbers than in the past and that’s actually more damaging than the recruitment problem. These were your experienced people who also taught to new recruits. Few of them want anything to do with a woke military.”
“My family has spilled their blood on American and foreign soil all the way back before the revolutionary War. If my ancestors could have seen what America has become, they would have headed to the local pub and just gotten drunk.”
“As a Veteran I always appreciate those who have and or serve today in our country’s military. In the past as teacher and a Pastor I have encouraged young people to serve, my son served, both my son-in-laws served. But as I see the cultural experimentation and Woke ideology spreading in the ranks today, I can no longer encourage young people enter the military.”
“Likewise.. as a retired 35 yr vet I could’ve steered family into a flying career. I have been retired 12 years and no longer recognize the service I left. Neither of my children want anything to do with a “woke” service. They see and hear how China, North Korea, and Iran are strengthening their forces. They also see how Russia commits troops without concern for losses and make comparisons to our pullout from Afghanistan. They hear how the Navy is set to lose even more ships. All things considered, they along with their friends don’t want to be sacrificial lambs for this administration. This will be another year of not meeting recruiting goals. You can bet no politician will even consider reinstating a draft or acknowledge there’s a problem.”
“Agree 100%. I would not encourage any family member to serve in this woke military. This incompetent commander-in-chief will get people killed with his indecisiveness. It’s hard to protect a country when you won’t protect a border.”
“Well said, and I agree as well. I retired after serving a few months shy of 25 years. I haven’t spent much of the last 8 and a half years around young people, therefore I haven’t given my opinion about joining these days. But I’ve voiced my opinion to those of us veterans here, and with some friends in RL that are closer to my age. Until current leadership is replaced, vis a vis our current administration, now isn’t the best time. Unless people are hard-up to serve…then they have my gratitude and best wishes.”
“I served to protect , honor and preserve the constitution of the United States of America and to see how the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed the constitution and the people Bill of Rights as Government took control of our life why would anyone serve!”
“I stand with you on this. I served my country with a feeling of both pride and a fulfillment of patriotic duty. Every time I go into a VA facility and see a picture of Brandon on the wall, I want to tear it down. Then I see Sec Def Austin and Chief of Staff Miley I am reminded why I decided to throw away 17 years of active service and retirement. The higher in rank I went, the more incompetent and self serving officers I worked with. They were not the dedicated and self sacrificing leaders I followed when I first accepted my commission. Too often they are followers and self serving sycophants aka brown nosers.”
“I am one 5 generations Veterans and the same, the officer Corp is woke and corrupt. I will not in courage enlistment!”
“A lot of NCO’s have bailed in the last couple years and then count in the servicemember’s who refused the vaccine & were forced out. I’m glad I retired when I did, would seriously consider conscientious objector if Biden was my CINC.”
“When our entire education system is teaching our youth that this country is terrible and that white people are all awful racists, and people of color deserve everything for free with zero effort, why would they want to fight for it? These are Democrat self-defeating policies.”
“I’m a 30 year veteran and I encouraged my son to join after he graduated from college 3 years ago, but the recruiters in the DC area didn’t seem to want a white male, STEM graduate in the service (weren’t motivated to have him). As a Biochemist he’s been employed in the lab of several companies that were glad to have him. At this point I’m not disappointed that he didn’t follow in my footsteps at all. I wouldn’t recommend the services to anyone at this point.”
“I’m a 25 year Army veteran. I have helped dozens of young people join the Army and other branches of the military. Today, however, I find it very difficult to encourage young people to join the military.”
“25 plus United States Marine . Retired right before Biden was sworn in. I could not in good conscience serve under a man who has no respect for half of our country. I would not recommend service with the leadership we have at or near the top.”
“Same here…..30 years Army. I will discourage my grandchildren from entering the service when the time comes.”
“My son is 18 and would love to enlist, he has spoken to Army, Navy and Air-force, he scored exceptional on his assessment. Every time he speaks with members of our family that have served or has spoken to neighbors or friends. They all ask the same thing. Why would you enlist when we have the absolutely worst commander in chief in office. He also hears that it would be a good idea to wait, as all four branches have lost track of their priorities, explaining there were once two major priorities; 1) keep our nation safe, and 2) freedom is worth fighting for. Neither are a priority today, as America’s best is met with today’s priority, CRT, DEI, LBGTQ, indoctrination. Also disturbing is that these young kids were lost and locked-out of learning, living, and thriving for 2 years, these kids are not prepared. They are no longer learning in our schools, our nation is not prepared to protect itself. Biden did all that is just 2 years. Remember when you vote what you are voting for.”
“Having served with our military for 25+ years, I think I can speak for the vast majority of our military which is compromised of mostly conservative Americans. No one wants to serve under a liberal regime like Biden and his administration. Liberals are pounding the war drums. We have never been closer to WWIII than we are today. Who in their right mind wants to serve under a Commander-in-Chief that has lost his mind?!? The numbers will stay as low as the country’s moral which is dropping considerably every day.”
“I spent 22 years Navy. I was thinking the exact same thing.”
“Same here. Mentored many over the years. Now, I don’t due to the woke and dei push. With the lack of quality VA healthcare, reduced benefits, it’s not worth it.”
“It should be obvious to all Americans that the majority of new recruits to military service are the result of the influence of men & women who formerly served their country. Like my father who served in WWll, Korea, and Vietnam, I proudly served in Vietnam and in the Middle East. Military service was common throughout our entire family. However when my eldest daughter told me my grandson was hot to join the military and would I advise him of my thoughts on the subject I was quick to advise him not to join. My reasoning was simple, America’s imminent threat is not from overseas but it is a malignant communist growth in our government. I do not want a grandson of mine to be forced to take up arms against his own people. Unless something fortuitous occurs in the near future, this war may soon come to pass. It is my belief that Americans will not go peacefully into that good night.”
“I for one would never encourage young people to join the military. Why put our children in harm’s way for the benefit of the military industrial complex? It used to be honorable, it used to be noble, but now it’s just about money. Regardless of who sits in the White House.”
“I served in the USN for 10 years and only left as my wife could not handle the separations. Fortunately I was taught a skill while serving that proved to be a plus in aerospace. I witnessed the Zumwalt experiment in the 60’s but could not fathom what was to come. I retired from one of the biggest aerospace contractors in 2017 disillusioned of the then woke ( they were not known as that then) policies management forced on all employees. I am a Nam vet and it is with great sorrow I will never encourage any of my grandchildren to enlist. Like the Roman Empire we are doomed by the same forces that turned them to dust.”
“I’m a former military submariner, with 2 sons who are at the end of their military careers, no way I would ever encourage any of my grandchildren to serve under the failed leadership of Milley, Austin and the current CiC.”
“I am a former Military Police in the US Army and a civilian Law Enforcement Officer in metro Atlanta. There is no way with the WOKE culture I could recommend a young person joining the military and I would recommend that any person wanting to become a Law Enforcement Officer to seek only those states where Law Enforcement is appreciated and not prohibited from doing their jobs.”
“I have a family member who was going to career in the Marines. As soon as his hitch was up he left. Refused to reenlist. Couldn’t blame him.”
“Yeah, I just retired from the Air Force last May after putting in 35 years; last 5 were the worse; poor leadership, no accountability, people unfit to actually be in uniform (fat/overweight), list goes on and on!”
“I retired in 2009 because quotas were more important than skill and ability. At that point I put in my papers and sadly look back at the great decision I made as the military declined. There will be a day when us relics will be needed. I fear it will be before Biden retires and China attacks.”
“Three of my children became United States Marines (two still active duty). After serving in Afghanistan Operation Allies Refuge, my son withdrew his reenlistment package. He said the government did not allow them to properly do their jobs (fight back). It’s all a rich man’s game shrouded in patriotic purpose making friends and family wealthier via government contracts at the detriment of service members who really love their country.”
“Maybe it is because of Biden, his policies, and Democrats in General. My grandson wanted to enlist as I did when I graduated from HS and spent two tours in Vietnam before I turned 20, and I talked him out of it. Why go and risk your life when your Commander in Chief doesn’t care about you or the Country? Biden and Democrats, care more for the Illegals than he does Veterans.”
“The best recruiting tool is veterans. However, I as a retired USAF member would never recommend the military to anyone today.”
“I was proud to enlist in 85. Marine recon. If this leadership was in then, I wouldn’t have. If I was 18-22 today, no way would I consider the military, FBI or CIA. All once great agencies, now just political platforms.”
“My dad was Navy, I was Navy, my daughter was Navy. I preached military service til Joey’s Pentagon took over. Now, I sadly say, stay away.”
“I’m a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy. My middle brother served in the Army in Vietnam. My oldest brother was career Air Force. My dad was in the Coast Guard in WWII, my grandfather in the Army in WWI, my great grandfather in the Confederate army and a great great grandfather in the Union army. 28 Patriots of the American Revolution. I told my sons, that I would have no part of today’s WOKE military. Neither of my sons served and I hope my grandsons don’t, either, until we have a return to normalcy, if ever. Biden, Milley and Austin are buffoons, complete JOKES. They are so focused on WOKEness, they put our national security in jeopardy. No way would I serve today.”
“Don’t expect anything different with the marxist administration. The people who join our armed forces are patriots that respect the constitution. This regime has proven they are not interested in American values.”
“So sad. I wish everyone could have the same lifetime memories I gained in the Navy. We were decidedly unwoke!”
“I served in the US Marine Corps for 8 years from 1983-1991. I loved it and learned life skills that cannot be taught in the civilian world. I saw the world and am very proud, today these young people have been taught to hate our military, law enforcement and country. They have been spoon fed and taught liberalism courtesy of social media platforms , teachers and professors. Biden has made our once proud country weak and unpatriotic.”
“42 years in the Army and Air Force. I now counsel young people who ask my advice to avoid military service. Failed leadership starts at top and disintegration of good order and discipline has corrupted the ranks with the bizarre WOKE diversity mandates. Afghanistan withdrawal was a disastrous revelation of Failed Leadership starting with Biden and complimented by SECDEF, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the Service Chiefs and the CENTCOM CC. Not a single senior officer offered their resignation as a protest for this amateurish, inept and pathetic operation, leaving one of the worst Terrorist groups in the world armed with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of American Military Equipment. Not to mention the obscene deaths of countless Afghani allies who were loyal to American troops. Made the duplicity of Benghazi by Hillary Clinton and Obama look like a venial sin. Weakness enables aggression and Biden has severely weakened our Economic and Military strength. Compound this with the millions of illegals flooding our country that have to be harboring terrorist enemies and we will all pay a grim price for Biden and his appointees failures. The landscape of a viable military to protect and defend us is being compromised through abjectly poor and incompetent leadership. And the reality of the sickness is painfully evident in Americans no longer wanting to serve in our Military.”
“I spoke with three young adults yesterday evening that had gone through Civil Air Patrol. All of them are high achievers with good grades and volunteer work. All three had goals to serve in the USAF when they joined CAP. Now, one wants to just be an airline pilot, one a teacher and another a 911 dispatcher. Great trades of course. I asked why all had changed their minds, and it all came down to the woke push in the military. I warned the future airline guy that it will be heavily pushed there. I hope the two ladies will enjoy their choices.“
“This USMC veteran would highly advise someone to NOT enlist and become a pawn for weak leaders’ political games. Never forget the Afghanistan debacle and Biden checking his watch as the caskets roll off the plane.”
“The biggest recruitment base for the military comes from those who don’t play the woke game. Since the government leadership doesn’t understand this, they forced the military to go woke and now we are seeing the results.”
“My San Diego high school, as well as a few others, had an active ROTC and a indoor gun range. Not anymore. Now they sponsor drag shows, force students and staff to use “correct pronouns” and allow misbehavior to run the classroom. Try recruiting from that!”
“Freely admit, after spending 28 years in uniform….I don’t recommend this career choice like I used to.”
“It’s a sad day when are civilian and military leadership are responsible for the decline in our military. The military I joined and honorably served for over 26 years doesn’t exist anymore which I never thought I would see. I’m actually embarrassed with what our leadership has turned what was the greatest military in the world into what it is today.”
“I spent six years in the Marines, 1985-1991. The best decision I ever made. I absolutely loved the military. I have two boys now, one 23 and one 21. I would ABSOLUTELY discourage them both to serve if they wanted to. Our current administration, our military leaders and half this nation being socialists, FORGET THAT! I love my country with all my heart, but NOW, I wouldn’t let my boys sacrifice their safety for this third world country we now live in.”
“My grandsons are 17 and 18. Time to think about future. I am an Army vet and will not encourage either to enlist until there is competent and loyal leadership in our military. This new “WOKE” military is a danger to our freedom. I pray for all our service members, danger!”
“I was in the navy in the mid-sixties. I was proud to have served…but not now.”
“There are several complex factors in play. Those of us who served decades, deploying for 12 months at a time, just to see our government admit their faults and run away, are not promoting military service like our fathers and grandfathers did. That in addition to new generations of lazy, self-serving liberal kids who are more concerned about pronouns and being climate activists, rather than serving their country, while being fed constant narratives of anti-American hate by their false-virtue-signaling liberal teachers, and are thus not motivated to do anything, much less serve in the military. All of that on top of a general lack of grit and work ethic, results in the Democrat backed erosion of American values in general, one of which is serving your country in the military.”
“I did eight years active duty. Told my sons and daughters don’t even think about it.”
“As a separated captain who volunteered as enlisted out of high school I would never consider today’s weak and woke military. Soldiers need to train, not be indoctrinated with extreme liberalism. I would not chose that path in this era. As there’re finding I’m far from alone.”
“When I served, we had a mission against our cold war foe and later, world terrorism. Now, why would any young kid join when they see poor leadership that is pushing “wokeism” and dropping stadands. I never thought that so I would see so many snowflakes, overweight, woke-warriors in my lifetime serving. There is no way I would survive in today’s military. I would be accused of being too mean, hurting feelings, and being too toxic. So glad I retired!”
“Who wants to join a rigged system? A military that shoves woke nonsense down your throat. I am a retired Army veteran that served 3 tours in Afghanistan and 1 in Iraq and I can tell you that the Biden administration is absolutely gutting and ruining our military. Many are retiring early or want out asap.”
“When I joined the US Navy in 1967 it was the greatest Navy in the world. We had everything, and wanted for nothing. Housing, Food, Equipment. We worked hard, fought hard, and played hard. We had Chief Petty Officers, Division Officers, and Commanding Officers you could respect. There was NO POLITICS, or PC RUBBISH! You knew exactly who you were, what your job was, and you were rewarded for real achievements. Most of all we all had a great sense of humour that kept our spirits up with each other. Today these poor kids are serving under political Officers and Chiefs who are only looking after one thing, themselves. They are scared to lead as you look at someone wrong, or say the littlest thing wrong and they are up for the high jump. I read the Navy Times and the amount of Commanding Officers, and Senior Enlisted Leaders being relieved of their positions today is alarming, and for unspecified reasons? Nobody wants to join that. There is no future in the military due to these political gutter snipes ready to kneecap you for the smallest off colour joke, or because you asked out a Wave for a date. I even saw a picture of a Sailor that does Drag Queen Shows every week on an Aircraft Carrier. That’s not my Navy.”
“Having served faithfully for 31yrs, I cannot in good conscience recommend military service to anyone asking if I would recommend it.”
“I did 25 years total in the Marines and later the Army. I would tell anyone to not serve now because the military is a failed democrat social experiment.”
“I retired from USAF after 24 years. I dont blame anyone for not joining now. I wouldn’t have joined either if “woke” would’ve been a thing back when I agreed to devote the best years of my life to serving my country. USAF 2E191, retired 2001.”
“I’m retired military. My daughter had plans to join after graduating with an RN degree. She told me that isn’t part of her plans now. She understands full well, when I served, the Army could tell men from women. That’s not the case anymore.”
“My family has served since before the revolution, doing so helped form this nation, instilled military heritage, honor and gave many opportunities for my family for generations…but I would never give my blessing for my children to serve under this administration, I know I’m not alone…..”
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