But there is also an economic factor. Recruiting is easier when there are no jobs. With unemployment low, the kids feel like they have options. Many of those options suck but probably not any more than military life when viewed through the eyes of a young person.

But, the Republicans might think a shrinking military is a good thing. They can farm out more of the job to mercenaries.

They already farm out much of the maintenance, cooking, clerking, to contractors.

His approval ratings?

Hey, you millennials! Want to get maimed so billionaires can make more money?

The youngest millennials are about 24 now, the oldest are getting close to 40, that's old for the Marines and Army as far as enlisted recruiting goes.

I did it, didn't have many options, joined in the 90's, got college paid for, etc. Main reason I was able to get a federal civilian job as well.

Be

Be a part of something bigger than yourself ... lol . Who falls for that crap.

"Maybe they are being smart and don't want to be maimed or die for a republican and trump war lie. "
No sht they see very well how they are "thanked " for their service.

Wouldn't put it past him.

But, dosen't it take an act of congress to do that and not just an executive order?

It would require funding, and that means Congress.

Trump hates that.

We had one grandfather who was an Army Air Corp officer in World War II, the other grandfather a Conscientious Objector Pacifist who chose to build and repair ships for the Merchant Marine rather than go to jail.

Our dad is a nearsighted Radar O'Reilly Army clerk who just missed service in Korea by the skin of his teeth.

The rest of our siblings were like, "No way, fuck that shit. What did you miss about voluntary?"

Hope that’s the case, but a good percentage of recruits nowadays seem to be mercenaries in training or white supremacists.

It felt like they were using any excuse to kick us out. I got permanently disqualified for failing the hearing test twice. Still pretty unhappy about it, I can't afford a college education.

...volunteering to any young person in my family.

Of all their (BushCheney) many sins, it's hard to pick the most egregious, but the training some got in sadism and torture at Gitmo and later at Abu Ghraib is surely near the top.

Away while Trump in charge.

No change for my son n law but he only has 2 yrs left and is lt colonel in AF. He has office job in San Antonio.

They are looking forward to it being over and no more moving. Especially with the kids.

Have Cadet Bone Spurs tell how great and patriotic it is to serve in our country's military service.

Eric Trump is still young enough to enlist.