The U.S. military has long had difficulty finding soldiers who meet enlistment requirements, resulting in recruitment targets not being met.
In 2022, 25 percent of new recruits were missing for the US Army to reach the goal. The navy and air force also had great difficulties, according to what the site Roll Call reported.
Offers bootcamps
One of the main reasons is said to be the obesity of young Americans, but in many cases it is also about a lack of academic skills.
To solve the soldier crisis, the army has started offering applicants to participate in a 90-day preparatory “bootcamp”. It is both an academic program – but also one for obese people to lose fat mass and have a healthier lifestyle.
– They learn how to become healthier through what they eat, their physical condition, their sleep, their cognitive health and spirituality. Those who participate absolutely lose weight here, sometimes up to 30 pounds or more, said Andrew Pfeiffer, a lieutenant colonel at the Fort Jackson military base in South Carolina where the program is conducted.
Lost 50 kilos
Future soldier Singervan Techur from Lakewood in the state of Washington says he used to weigh close to 150 kilos. Two years ago, as a 22-year-old, he applied for the military and was then offered to participate in the program. He saw it as a chance to have a career he never thought possible.
– Many saw me as the fat guy who could only be kind. There were also those who spoke disparagingly of me and I got so used to it that I no longer thought about it. There was a time when I thought I would never get anywhere in life, he says.
After three months of training and education, he had lost close to 50 kilos in weight. He is now waiting to be able to get through the continuing military training.
– It took a long time, but it was worth the wait. I am happy that I have been able to get through this, says Singervan Techur.
According to the Army, 95 percent of participants in the academic or physical training have succeeded in advancing to the next step, after previously being denied a place.
– Other parts of the Ministry of Defense come here to see what we do and how they can use it for their respective problem areas. Military personnel from other countries also come here. It’s a good model and I think it would work in other places too, says Andrew Pfeiffer.