Has the U.S. military dropped in its ranks as the best in the world? If not, why are fewer people willing to join the world’s most powerful military?

The Department of Defense is struggling with recruitment, and a recent poll conducted by the department showed that only 9% of young people were inclined to serve. The most interesting reasons cited by 57% of those who took the survey were emotional or psychological problems after completing their service, and half were concerned about the physical problems.

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These numbers reinforce the well-known problem of veterans being able to easily navigate a complicated system post-discharge to secure the benefits they are legally, medically, and ethically entitled to based on injuries that occurred during their time in service. While the military offers a range of benefits to its members, including healthcare, education, and housing assistance, many veterans feel these benefits are insufficient to address their concerns and are worried they will not be able to get the support they need after they leave the service.

One of the primary reasons veterans may feel that their benefits are inadequate is the high cost of living in many parts of the country. While the military provides housing assistance to its members, this assistance may not be enough to cover the cost of living in areas with high housing prices. Additionally, veterans may struggle to find affordable healthcare, especially if they have preexisting conditions or disabilities related to their military service. These financial challenges can make it difficult for veterans to transition back into civilian life and may discourage potential recruits from joining the military in the first place.

Another contributing factor is that the benefits system itself is too complex. Many veterans report feeling overwhelmed by the process of applying for and accessing their benefits, which can be time-consuming and confusing. This complexity may discourage veterans from seeking out the benefits they are entitled to, which can exacerbate financial difficulties and make it harder for them to transition back into civilian life. Additionally, the complexity of the system may discourage potential recruits from joining the military, as they may be concerned about navigating the benefits system if they decide to leave the service.

The lack of job opportunities for veterans is another issue that may be contributing to the perception that benefits are insufficient. While the military provides training and education opportunities to its members, veterans may struggle to find employment in their chosen fields after they leave the service. This can make it difficult for them to support themselves and their families, which can lead to financial difficulties and a sense of disillusionment with the military. The lack of job opportunities for veterans may also discourage potential recruits from joining the military, as they may be concerned about their ability to find employment after they leave the service.

The impact of these issues on military recruitment cannot be overstated. In recent years, the military has struggled to meet its recruitment goals, with many potential recruits citing concerns about the benefits and quality of life for veterans as a reason for not joining. This has led to a shortage of personnel in some branches of the military, which can have serious implications for national security.

So, what can be done to address these issues and improve the perception of veterans' benefits? One potential solution is to simplify the benefits system and make it easier for veterans to access the benefits to which they are entitled. This could involve streamlining the application process, providing more resources to help veterans navigate the system, and increasing outreach efforts to ensure that veterans are aware of the benefits available to them.

There should also be an option to let the veterans choose which method of accessing their benefits is right for them. If they want to seek private assistance to help them navigate the complex Veterans Affairs system, then they should be free to pursue that option without any penalties.

The military could also work to improve job opportunities for veterans by partnering with employers to create more job opportunities and providing additional training and education opportunities to help veterans transition back into civilian life.

The military’s recruitment crisis has serious implications for our nation’s defense. It can lead to a decrease in readiness, compromise the ability to respond to threats in a timely and effective manner, and leave the country vulnerable to attack. It is critical that the military address these personnel shortages and ensure that it has the resources and personnel necessary to maintain readiness and protect national security.

At a time when America has been a main target by our adversaries, it is imperative that our military is always prepared to foil an attack. Saying “Thank you for your service” is not enough and falls short when we know the problems veterans face. We can, and must, do better.

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Karina Lipsman is a visiting fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum.