ans have little sense of the need to protect their homeland from possible enemies. Unlike those of an earlier generation who felt electrified by President John F. Kennedys call for them to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country, this new generation is more likely to ask just the opposite. Downgraded in the public mind, todays armed forces must also recruit at a time when the nations economy is offering a range of workforce alternatives promising high-pay and equally substantial benefits. In seeking to compete for even a small share of Americas best and brightest young people, the military continues to offer larger and larger bonuses, college funds and career-based training opportunities. But armed forces recruitment drives continue to fall short of their goals. Fearing a consequential reduction in manpower, and in an attempt to broaden todays recruitment pool, the military has made a potentially devastating decision to accept young men and women who lack even a high school diploma. At a time when the conduct of military operations utilizes sophisticated technology and depends more and more upon skilled personnel, this lowering of standards could have tragic results.ConclusionAmericas military must add to its recruitment arsenal of financial bonuses and other benefits the motivating force of pride and recognition -- a sense that our nation appreciates such service. It is a motivation shared by generations of those who have served in years past; it must now be extended to those we are calling upon to defend Americas interests in years to come. And America must give tomorrows soldiers and sailors, airmen and Marines a reason to feel proud and appreciated. By extending membership in the American Legion to all such men and women who will put their lives on the line in defense of our nations cherished goals, Congress can move both to correct an error of past indifference and to strengthen Ameri...
