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Widespread Obesity Makes Trump's Military Recruitment Goals a Challenge

Kerry Hensley

   WASHINGTON - As he reveled in the huge display of military might during
   last week's Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, U.S.
   President Donald Trump encouraged Americans to enlist in the military.

   "To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to join our
   military and make a truly great statement in life, and you should do
   it," Trump said in his speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

   Speaking to reporters outside the White House the following day, Trump
   predicted that his display would boost military enlistment. "Based on
   that, we're going to have a lot of people joining our military," he
   said.

   However, with a [1]2016 Department of Defense report finding that
   nearly three-quarters of young Americans are unfit to serve in
   America's military, Trump's encouragement and military display may not
   be enough to reverse declining military recruitment.

References

   1. https://dacowits.defense.gov/Portals/48/Documents/General%20Documents/RFI%20Docs/Sept2016/JAMRS%20RFI%2014.pdf?ver=2016-09-09-164855-510

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