There is not a day that goes by in which people around the world propose new and exciting arguments in order to try and change the way the world turns. Case 2 on page 310 of the text book Writing Arguments quickly gained my attention when I noticed the proposal argument. This specific argument proposed a possible solution to increase the Army recruiting efforts due to their crisis in supplying enough soldiers to serve around the world. Though the Army is not really my style, I do have a complete understanding of the stress they often endure during recruiting men and women into the armed forces. As the recent economy crisis has shown many of us how critical job seeking can be today, many individuals have realized that the military maybe the only way to survive these tough times. With guaranteed pay and health benefits in an economical downfall, many people would be foolish to not try and use this opportunity to their full advantage.
At the time this proposal argument was published, U.S. Forces were being tasked with many conflicts around the world. Two major well known conflicts were Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. With these two conflicts alone, it took every ounce of effort recruiters had on a daily basis to supply new men and women to training camps in order to replenish soldiers, sailors, and Marines who were returning home to separate from the military. I believe the proposed possible solutions on page 310 and 311 are a poor idea in that it discusses lowering enlistment standards, doubling bonuses, and reinstituting the draft to name a few. As a Marine for over nine years and a recruiter for almost a year, I have personally sighted these ideas slowly coming to reality. After seeing this proposal, the only thing I could really think of was America's enemies.
Our enemies these days have no standards except to do as much damage and harm as possible until they are eventually stopped. If we lower our standards it could give the enemy more advantages over our troops as well as possibilities back onto American soil in which more civilian lives could be lost. If training standards of new service members are left at stake, young men and women could lose out on possible life saving techniques in which not only their life depends on it but so does the service member to the left or right of them. As increasing bonus money for enlisting has become a hot topic these days, I simply turn individuals away when they directly tell me that they want an enlistment bonus. Don't get me wrong, I am all about money but I have witnessed to many people “window shop” as we recruiters call it to try and find more money for their services. These individuals in my point of view end up doing no justice in the military being that they generally show a sense of greed right away. Last but not least I have a strong believe that if a draft was reinstated; those individuals brought into the military would do no good for a few different reasons. I feel in order to get a productive result from an individual, that person has to want to be involved in the line of work they are performing. Yes the military can be known for its' harsh way of getting results from individuals but in turn if someone is forced to do what he or she does not want to do, what quality would come of their work.
As I have picked this proposal apart, I want to conclude by making a proposal myself. I propose to maintain the highest of standards and demand only the best effort from all the individuals that I come in contact with who wants to be a U.S. Marine. These men and women are our next line of defense for this great nation of ours. In doing this I believe that only those future Marines who prevail will not only carry on the highest of standards but will also enforce them in turn. This will at least help me feel safe once I have separated from the military and rely heavily on the next generation of young men and women to carry on the traditions of the Marine Corps.
Pay me now or pay me later - Reply to Justin Buschbacher
ReplyDeleteI never have served in recruiting command, but I respect the challenge those that have served while completing that tour. The struggles the military has with manpower is no different than those in corporate America, all are looking for the best employees that can return the best value for the investment they committed. Economic, money, incentives are one way to motivate. The audience the military is targeting is way off in my opinion. A little nasty fact is that soldiers are leaving the force in alarming numbers. Why should a soldier stay when he is only offered a $6,000 re-enlistment bonus (or in some cases none at all) and an applicant who is not trained nor has served in any capacity is offered $20,000-30,000? Many interpret this situation as a slap in the face. Private corporations who have military relevant occupations prey on this simple disparity to recruit from the talented pool the military has built and tries to maintain. Better wages and improved medical insurance plans offered in the private sector meet or exceeded military standards making leaving the service a choice some feel they have to make.
I agree that the draft is not the answer to manpower. I do believe in the concept that all Americans should serve in some capacity for any 2 year period between ages of 18 to 26. Investing in the country as local shelter worker, maintaining local city recreation parks, caring for national parks, or even serving as a care giver for aged citizen would increase their connection to this great country. No person enjoys being forced to do something. At the age of 46, after numerous skydiving injuries from Airborne operations and countless miles under an overloaded rucksack, the last thing my body wants to do is physical training. Advil, Aleve and Motrin are my best friends. Yet most morning I roll out of the sack to get my sweat on. People can be taught to endure those things they do not want to do. So can the youth of America.
Standards are exactly that, requirements needed to maximize success. Lowering a standard to open the pool of possible applicants is nothing more than assuming more risk and jeopardizing the end game. There is a reason why some applicants are turned away; criminal record, medical issues, education capacity. Some track records may reveal poor choices indicating the applicant is likely not the best choice for the military to invest in…especially when lives are at state. Those unable to make the grade for the military would still have the options to serve already covered in community service discussion.