According to a report Monday, the United States Department of Defense, led by Secretary Ash Carter, could be easing enlistment standards to help “attract and keep quality service members and civilians.”
The Associated Press made the initial report Monday. There are “few details” known as of right now, but the new requirements, mainly in the civilian sector, could apply to jobs requiring cyber or high-tech expertise.
The Defense Department eased restrictions on enlistments in 2006 and 2007, the AP noted. Specifically, bad behavior waivers were increased as the Army and the Marine Corps were challenged with meeting demands for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. This report comes on the heels of a trip Carter took to his alma mater of Abington Senior High School in Abington Township, Pa.
“Over the last decade or so, many signed up because our country was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and because of the threat of terrorism still with us today. But in the coming years, as the so-called 9/11 generation begins to leave our ranks, the Defense Department must continue to bring in talented Americans from your generation,” Carter said Monday, according to The Reporter.
Carter was also slated to visit Fort Drum, N.Y., and Syracuse University.
USA Today outlined some of the other initiatives proposed:
– Modernizing retirement pay. The vast majority of troops, including those called on to do most of the fighting, would get a 401(k)-style retirement account. To qualify for a pension, troops must serve 20 years in uniform. The majority of troops serve fewer years, many of them enlisted soldiers and Marines, and they qualify for no retirement benefits.
– Allowing mid-career breaks. The plans would allow troops to have mid-career breaks for school or family.
h/t: Fox News
Share this article and let us know your thoughts on easing restrictions for potential DOD employees.
This post originally appeared on Western Journalism – Informing And Equipping Americans Who Love Freedom
Read More and Comment: Report: Defense Department Could Be Easing Restrictions On Enlistment Standards