a response to AVF

something I did not cover

My intention with Actions Create Consequences is to expand measured, civil conversation about the challenges ahead. I repeatedly remind you, almost daily, that I welcome your rebuttals, questions, comments, and ideas as I do.

In response to my long entry yesterday on recruiting challenges and the associated consequences, I received the following long, thoughtful response from a colleague I worked with literally decades ago. A retired Air Force colonel, he consistently, regularly, and thoughtfully engages with me as a subscriber. These were his thoughts on yesterday’s points and I thank Cliff not only for taking time to craft the response but for opening a series of issues I did not cover.

“This is timely. I saw an article saying the US Navy was tying up to piers some 17 support ships, due to lack of manning.

Interesting that Vox had a similar article. (https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/368528/us-military-army-navy-recruit-numbers. Future Perfect America isn’t ready for another war — because it doesn’t have the troops: The US military’s recruiting crisis, explained., by Gil Barndollar and Matthew C. Mai, Sep 1, 2024, 8:00 AM EDT)

Both articles seem to skirt the issue which some of us might name .Woke". I hear that serving or retired members are telling thei children or bear relatives that it’s not a desirable work environment. And, as a sign of this, per my understanding, DoD recruiting has shifted focus to areas with less of a Caucasian recruiting pool. Yet, data suggests Black representation disproportionately high, especial in higher enlisted ranks. (See Council on Foreign Relations, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/demographics-us-military)

I don't wish to prejudge this, but a review of DEI in DoD might be in order. Esprit does corps is important in the military. If ANY group thought it wasn't a level playing field it would hurt retention and recruiting. I want to bite my tongue, but we need another study.

An additional issue, perhaps from my imagination, is that our public schools are failing us. Public School students are less healthy, not doing as well as earlier generations in academics, and not getting the civics lessons they need to know and love this Country. Justice Neil Gorsuch touches on this last item in his new book, "Over Ruled". It is also covered by Editors Chris Sinacola and Jamie Gass in "Restoring the City on a Hill: U.S. History and Civics in America’s Schools".

Regards — Cliff”

I am part of two different, primarily military chatrooms where this question of “woke” in the armed forces arises regularly. I confess I did not address it in my remarks, though not by design. I saw it as included in the essay as I mentioned the fracturing of our nation. I suspect Cliff unlikely the sole person to note my explicit omission.

I include his remarks in full to continue expanding our conversation. I will note Cliff’s specific comment “If ANY group thought it wasn’t a level playing field it would hurt retention and recruiting.” We all need examine that concern in so many different ways.

Thank you for reading Actions today—and every single time you open the newsletter. Please respond, if you wish, as that is the intention. Please feel free to circulate the newsletter if you find it valuable.

Thanks to those subscribers like Cliff who put financial support behind my attempts to assure we discuss relevant problems. We as citizens and voters and neighbors can make a difference.

The first picture was at the Edinburgh Royal Tattoo last month while the second was the Federal Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri in June.

Be well and be safe. FIN