The bad economy gives the military recruitment a lift

The bad economy gives a boost to the military recruitment. The military pay is more than twice the pay rates of 1960, adjusted for inflation. In 1960 there was a draft in place so the U.S. Foreign Legion did not have to pay as much to fight their foreign wars.

The recent downturn in the U.S. economy has made it difficult for some men to find good jobs. A man with a family will do desperate things to provide for his family.

I noticed this in a news story about a U.S. soldier that was killed in Afghanistan in June 2010. What caught my eye was the age and rank of the deceased soldier. He was 31 years old and only a Private. Either he just joined the army or he was recently demoted.

As it turns out he was the father of three and he had just joined the U.S. Foreign Legion. He joined for the pay and benefits. He said he wanted to provide for his family.

The G.I. Bill will provide education for his widow and or children.

The point is that soldiers become soldiers for reasons other than duty, honor and county.

Charles Tolleson