Relações civis-militares: desafios e soluções no recrutamento militar dos Estados Unidos da América

Abstract

In 2022, the United States Army failed to meet its recruitment goal of 60,000 new recruits, enlisting only 44,901, which is 75% of the target. In 2023, the Army, Navy, and Air Force reported declining recruitment numbers. Projections for 2024 indicate that, while the Air Force and Army are on track to meet their adjusted targets, the Navy continues to struggle. Causes identified include political attacks on the military, public distrust, and the impacts of COVID-19. Generation Z, the primary source of new recruits until 2031, has not experienced decisive events like 9/11 or the Cold War, affecting their motivation to enlist. Historically, the US has alternated between smaller professional armies and mass conscription, often controversially, during key conflicts such as the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. Since 1971, the US has maintained an all-volunteer force, which has brought benefits such as qualified troops and high morale but faces challenges in demographic representation and promotion biases. Increasing distrust in the government, fueled by misinformation on social media, and the rise in mental health issues among Generation Z also impact recruitment. Proposed solutions include improving informational campaigns about military benefits, expanding programs like JROTC, revising drug and alcohol policies, and increasing public outreach and community service programs.