Military challenged in recruiting efforts

Military challenged in recruiting efforts

Demands of war may mean easing some policies and appealing to more immigrants

By Mike Tolson and John Gonzalez / Houston Chronicle

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Military recruiters around the country are struggling to reach their goals. So the government has boosted sign-up bonuses, some standards have been relaxed and there is talk of going after more foreign nationals to expand the ranks.

Although recruiting targets were reached in 2006, the backdrop of an unpopular war and the projection of future needs are not encouraging. President Bush is pondering a revised strategy in Iraq, including, reportedly, boosting troop levels.

The Army has suggested adding at least 20,000 troops and the Marines 5,000, while one prominent retired Army general pegged the real need at 80,000 and 25,000 — but few doubt the challenge involved in getting them.

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Army officials say that almost half of the waivers of those standards are for medical reasons (asthma, flat feet, blood pressure, vision). They say almost 90 percent of the moral waivers are for misdemeanors.

The Army also is embracing older recruits. In June, it raised to 42 the top age for enlistees. Six months earlier, it had upped the limit from 35 to 40 years of age. And in a move aimed at qualifying younger recruits, the Army eased its rules governing visible tattoos.

Relaxing standards is one way to bolster troop strength, said Beth Asch, a Rand Corp. senior economist specializing in defense manpower. Two other likely moves involve increasing the number of recruiters, now 8,200, and re-enlisting more soldiers. But there are no quick solutions, she said.

"You don't get 20,000 people in the Army overnight," Asch said.

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