Comments about ‘Ignoring veterans' issues could hurt military recruitment efforts’

There are myriad reasons recruitment efforts are going to erode. I was in the Marine Corps in the mid 2000s. I absolutely loved it. I recommended it to pretty much anyone I talked to. No longer. Our supposed leaders at the top are proving to be incredibly incompetent and corrupt. There really isn't much by way of leadership. Do yourself a favor if you are considering a career in the military or civil service. Reconsider. Remember Benghazi. If you, as one of the rank and file, were responsible for the deaths of two Navy SEALs and an ambassador, you would be nailed to a cross right now. The upper layer of 'leaders,' however, are totally shielded. Living comfortable, traveling the world, campaigning, wine tasting, etc. Not only that, they've squandered the Treasury, so it isn't like they're going to be able to pay you. Severe defense cuts are coming. There's going to be some serious desertion and mutiny in the not to distant future. Things will get worse before they get better. Better wait until then before enlisting.

Not in Utah. Enlistments per capita are the lowest in the entire nation. Young men and woman here are not encouraged to serve in the military. The people of Utah prefer to have others do that. This problem has a long history in the state and does not appear to improve in the foreseeable future.