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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Army Recruiting Soars as Job Dry Up

Recruitment soars with unemployment

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(Newser) – The recession has swelled military recruitment, bumping the forces past their goals for the first time since 2004, reports the New York Times. Many Americans are being enticed from a flagging job market by the promised stability and benefits. The Army—whose recruiting has struggled most under the shadow of the Iraq war—gained 6% more active-duty soldiers and 16% more reservists in November than targeted.

Recruits are also filing in because Iraq casualties have fallen dramatically. But unemployment hikes often coincide with military enlistments, and this economic dive is especially dire, observers note. Recruiters have even had to reject overage applicants hoping to sneak in. "They are having trouble finding well-paying jobs," said a Connecticut recruiter. "No one is hiring."

Soldiers stand at attention during an induction of new US Army recruits on the field prior to the US Army All-American Bowl football game in San Antonio.
Soldiers stand at attention during an induction of new US Army recruits on the field prior to the US Army All-American Bowl football game in San Antonio.   (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Declining violence in the Iraq war is also a factor in the boost in military recruits.
Declining violence in the Iraq war is also a factor in the boost in military recruits.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Army soldiers stand guard in Iraq. Record unemployment has boosted military recruitment, which has been down since the Iraq war effort stepped up.
Army soldiers stand guard in Iraq. Record unemployment has boosted military recruitment, which has been down since the Iraq war effort stepped up.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
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When the economy slackens and unemployment rises and jobs become more scarce in civilian society, recruiting is less challenging.
- Curtis Gilroy of the Department of Defense

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3 comments
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PaleRider
Jan 19, 09 6:57 PM CST
Wait till all these people that voted for him find out that their kids are going to be "Drafted" in order to fulfill anything near what Barak has planned. Reply
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Shannonals
Jan 20, 09 10:23 PM CST
Yada-Yada Feragola, everyone has been requesting the drat be reinstated for years due to the strain of deployments on the active duty and reserve troops since the 90's. Of course, couch warriors like yourself wouldn't know about that.
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Doctor_Zaius
Jan 25, 09 7:33 PM CST
I have figured out why the Right Wing is so desperate for the Obama administration to fail. Because if they succeed the Republicans won't be fit for running for Dog Catcher outside of Alabama or Mississippi. Which is entirely appropriate. Welcome to the wilderness Pubes. You deserve it for aiding and abetting a criminally stupid president for 8 years. Reply
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