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William Kinney's avatar

The Marines have not missed their first term recruiting goals since sometime in the 1990’s. In fact the Corps first term recruiting mission is larger than the Air Force at 33k annually vice 22k.

Many assume ignorantly that because the Corps is small that it’s recruiting mission is also low.

I would challenge anyone to give specifics on how DEI has a impact on the Marine Corps. One could argue that women in combat arms as an issue however we have no indications that it has decreased readiness nor any combat after action that can confirm this.

During my two tours in Irag I witnessed females in combat from support units and observed no decrease in closing with and destroying the enemy. Fighting along side their males counterparts.

Finally my own daughter just retired from the Corps after 21 years with deployments to Irag, Afganistan and the horn of africa. Upon retirement she remains harder than woodpecker lips.

The Corps has used the same recruiting strategy since 1973. While the other services focus on tangible features and benefits the Corps has remained true to intangible benefits as the author mentions.

Challenge, pride of belonging, patriotism, self discipline, self reliance, physical fitness, leadership and management skills. These intangibles draw individuals from across the spectrum of society that no matter the economic situation or politics have a need for travel and adventure that the Corps can fullfill.

So don’t throw the baby out with the bath water by including all the services in deciding combat readiness.

And remember what eleanor Roosevelt said;

“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!”

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Diana Downs's avatar

Ooorah!!

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