The main feature of the recession caused by pandemic in USAfollowed by a recovery, and then the risk of a second recession, was the lack of a workforce capable of filling positions of responsibility to keep operations running smoothly. economy.

This shortage mainly concerned the professions of nurses, cooks, merchants and workers.

However, the same seems to apply to the US military. As agency founder Mike Bloomberg writes, the Pentagon still has a long way to go to fill its 150,000 vacancies and is struggling to create incentives to poach some workers from the private sector.

It could even lead to a reduction in draft requirements, but according to Bloomberg, the example of the Russian military in Ukraine shows what consequences this can lead to.

For example, establishing a training center for applicants who do poorly in the military aptitude test may help less qualified applicants meet the minimum required for service, but also threatens to reduce the overall combat capability of the armed forces.

The US can no longer be involved in two wars in the Middle East. But they face the even more troubling prospect of being embroiled in a war in Europe and Asia, with Vladimir Putin threatening NATO and China threatening Taiwan.

The US military cannot afford to be understrength.

How can problems be solved?

According to Bloomberg, the US military should not lower its requirements, but take a more pragmatic approach.

Higher priority may be given to retaining troops in its ranks once they have been enlisted. In addition, financial bonuses, career advancement opportunities, and incentives to acquire new skills can lead military personnel to pursue longer careers in the armed forces.

The Pentagon could also expand its pool of potential recruits by placing more recruiters in communities with low levels of military involvement.

Despite these efforts, the US may have to do more with less in the coming years. Investment in unmanned weapons systems, artificial intelligence, and more precision-guided munitions could reduce manpower needs.

Greater collaboration with the private sector and smarter use of new technology will allow the Pentagon to outsource more technical work to civil servants and contractors. The US should also push regional allies, especially its NATO partners in Europe, to contribute more to collective defense.

According to Bloomberg, the above could help the US overcome difficulties without sacrificing the military’s core capabilities.