The Army Times is out with an intriguing yet utterly embarrassing commentary on the state of our civilian counterparts. Here's the pull-quote:
“Should we make it easier for someone who has, for example, expertise in computers to serve in the military even though they can’t meet all the physical requirements?” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry asked last month. “Maybe there needs to be limited exceptions for these high demand areas.”
Yikes. And: wow. A comment like that makes you wonder whether "Army Strong" remains our branch's guiding recruitment principle. Perhaps "Be All You Can Be" should be refashioned as "Myeh, We'll Take What We Can Get."
But the truth is irrefutable. This past March, "researchers at The Heritage Foundation reported that more than 70 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds in America today are ineligible to join the military under current Pentagon requirements. About half of that group did not meet physical fitness or health requirements for service."
With statistics like that, fashioning an elite force of warriors who impress equally at the gym and behind a monitor may not be realistically feasible. And notwithstanding the danger of that slippery slope in which the need for advanced skills in a wide range of strategic aptitudes compels lowering the corresponding physical standards, some MOS requirements may have to acknowledge that what makes a person excel at, say, computer hacking isn't exactly consistent with a first-place finish in an Ironman Triathlon.
Yet if that's the case, the Order of the JAGWAR's underlying mission is more critical than ever. Because the truth is that an attorney's value lies primarily in the cranium, in one's ability to reason logically, argue persuasively, and advocate zealously through all means of communication. As a result, there just isn't a lot of cultural pressure in the JAG Corps to develop one's athletic capabilities and cultivate comfortable familiarity with conventional Soldier skills. The JAGWAR can thus serve as a bulwark against broad-based apathy, encouraging at least some individuals to Be All They Can Be--and exemplify the meaning of "Army Strong" in both mind and body.
I've often noted during this deployment--with due self-deprecation--that if I end up on the front lines with my finger on a trigger, something has gone horribly wrong. But in the Army, that possibility nonetheless always exists by the very nature of the environments in which JAGs find themselves. It's why we all wear the same uniform, and why each of us is assigned an M4 in the company arms room.
So while it's probably institutionally unwise to disregard and deny talent simply because it's not accompanied by proficiency as a ninja, the JAGWAR encourages all Judge Advocates and paralegals to achieve on the combatives mat, in the ruck march, on the drop zones, at the range, and in preparation for the battle that may unexpectedly arrive. A healthy body yields a sharper mind and a tougher soul.
Someday, the Army may have to lower its physical standards. But the Order of the JAGWAR never will. It will continue to honor those who go above and beyond, and inspire them to keep doing just that.
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On a related note--and as an intriguing counterpoint to the screed above--check out these thoughts from the head of our sister service in the sky:
"Getting more women into military specialties may require focusing more on the protector role of troops than the macho stereotype emphasized in the past, the Air Force secretary told lawmakers."