(NewsNation) — Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., is concerned about military readiness in the United States.
“You’re either fit to deploy and do your job, or we’re gonna find someone that’s willing to do the hard work being physically fit,” Issa said during a Monday appearance on NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “It’s hard because America is overweight.”
Issa stated, “If we take people who are ready to serve, we’ll be fine.” He also highlighted the need for reform in military procurement, noting, “We can do the military procurement better. But we’re only going to do it by recognizing that business as usual isn’t going to work. And I’ll tell you, Trump is very fortunate that he’s had eight years looking at this system.”
One of the top Pentagon leaders for personnel said a recruitment crisis is the biggest challenge the military has faced since its inception.
Challenges have included a low unemployment rate, competition from private companies that can offer better pay and benefits and the eligible public’s fewer ties to friends and family members who have served.
Before this past cycle, the Army fell short of its recruitment goals for two consecutive years, including a 25% shortfall in 2022.
New enlistments have also declined. 2023 saw about 30,000 fewer enlistees than 2019.
“We need to remain cautiously optimistic about the future recruiting operations as we continue to recruit in a market that has low youth propensity to serve, limited familiarity with military opportunities, a competitive labor market and a declining eligibility among young adults,” Director of Military Accession Policy Katie Helland said in an official statement.
Trump may renew a ban on transgender service members
President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration in January could mean some changes for the United States military.
Among those possible changes is a renewed ban on transgender service members. Trump announced the ban during his first term but President Joe Biden lifted that restriction.
Other possible changes under Trump
Another policy that’s potentially on the chopping block provides paid leave and reimbursements for service members who travel to another state for an abortion.
The U.S. military implemented that policy last year. The Defense Department says it was used 12 times across all military branches from June to December, costing $45,000.
Trump has also pushed to cut back on what he considers wasteful government spending, which could potentially lead to cuts in defense spending.
The official 2024 Republican platform includes plans to invest in military research and advanced technology and supports higher pay for troops.
NewsNation’s Tom Dempsey contributed to this report.