More than two-thirds of America’s youth would fail to qualify for military service because of physical, behavioral or educational shortcomings, posing challenges to building the next generation of soldiers even as the U.S. draws down troops from conflict zones.
The military deems many youngsters ineligible due to obesity, lack of a high-school diploma, felony convictions and prescription-drug use for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. But others are now also running afoul of standards for appearance amid the growing popularity of large-scale tattoos and devices called ear gauges that create large holes in earlobes. Wall Street Journal 6-28-14
We can’t control what others do and we can’t stop misfortune from striking. But we can control our own actions. Those who are financially prudent will most likely enjoy success, even if events don’t always go their way.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
Dick, I spent two years wearing the green back in 1971-1973. I can confirm, today’s soldiers and sailors are head and shoulders above those I served with (including myself). I have two nephews in the navy and they are motivated, sharp and competent young men.
I am happy that the military is so selective that only a minority will qualify. That is a far cry from my day …too many times the choice was jail or basic.
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I saw this on the news this morning. How pathetic that the next generation may not have anyone willing or capable of defending our own nation. Thankfully I probably will not be around to see what happens. It even scares me to thinking who will run our country or our corporations in the future. I think we are getting a sample of that with our present administration.
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You are right about that.
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