56°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Retired officers assert military readiness begins in pre-K

Two retired military officers recently presided over a conference in Las Vegas to address the fact that although the U.S. boasts a highly skilled and professional force of soldiers, airmen and Marines, there are problems lurking in future recruitment.

The problems stem from what a group called Mission: Readiness reports is a statistic issued by the Defense Department — that 75 percent of 17- to-24 year-olds Americans do not qualify to serve because they are poorly educated, physically unfit or have criminal records.

The physical well-being of American youth culture is not new. In the early 1950s, I can remember reading research put forth by the Young Men’s Christian Association that had concluded, in general, American boys were falling behind Europeans when it came to being physically fit. The YMCA began random programs of physical exercise for its members who attended sessions in cities across the nation. Other social organizations, Boy Scouts of America included, also stressed physical fitness among members.

But today the stakes can be much higher, in that we have an all-volunteer military and our fighting forces rely on computers and other technologies that require formal intelligence and specialized training. Mission: Readiness has issued a statement by retired Army Gen. William Wallace, who stressed the seriousness of the situation: “The U.S. Army today faces an imminent and menacing threat to our national security. We are engaged in a struggle that will determine our future. The threat? The lack of fully qualified young people to serve in the military. Faced with these declining numbers, we have two choices: lower the military admission standards or raise the health and education standards for our young people.”

In Las Vegas, retired Army Brig. Gen. Donald Scott told the press and other invited guests at the Variety Early Learning Center that “Right now when you look at America’s youth standards” in math, literature, science, “the USA is down on the list. ... If we don’t do something to bolster their skills in (those areas), just think where we will be years from now.”

Mission: Readiness’ emphasis is on the very young to begin their lifelong process of education at the beginning and not wait for them to grow up and adopt outlooks that can (and often do) lead to poor study habits and obesity.

Also at the Las Vegas event, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Billy McCoy said, “Most people are surprised that 75 percent of young people don’t qualify for military service.” He added that “Good-quality pre-K (pre-kindergarten) is very important to success as an adult. ... By the fourth or fifth grade” it has been shown that those with quality pre-K were on their way to more success in life than others. He said it costs more today to send children to pre-K annually than it did for him to pay his way through college years ago.

As it is with many things in our society today, money, or the lack of it, has become an issue. Scott added that today’s youths are “not prepared to serve their country” and not prepared to be gainful citizens because of their lack of reading and mathematics skills.

“We’re very concerned,” he said.

McCoy has firsthand knowledge of Nevada’s military. He is a former commander of the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis Air Force Base.

In a printed statement, Mission:Readiness said a state-federal early education proposal being put forth in Washington could lead to 15,000 more high school graduates in Nevada and $1.5 billion in net economic benefits to the state. Nationwide the 10-year proposal could lead to 2 million more high school graduates and $150 billion in net economic benefits, according to reports. The generals said they would like to have Congress and the administration work more closely to pass proposals enabling states to create and expand high-quality early learning programs that would lead to increased national security.

The local event was at the Variety Early Learning Center on D Street, where such programs as full-day child care, early childhood development and a child scholarship program are offered. The school’s executive director, Toyya Glass, handed me a brochure that explained the school dates to 1955, when the Variety Club of Southern Nevada Tent 39 recognized the need for a day home to care for children of working mothers. Over the years, the programs were expanded and enlarged with the help of numerous community partners, including governments, hotels, other nonprofit groups and individuals.

Mission: Readiness brought its message to Nevada. When asked why the generals came to Las Vegas, Scott (a Henderson resident) told me they wanted to impress upon the Nevada congressional delegation and other elected officials, Democratic Sen. Harry Reid in particular, the importance of sponsoring legislation for early childhood education.

He added that individuals have been staging similar events in other states. McCoy said that governors in states such as Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Colorado and New York have proposed or signed into law budget increases for quality pre-K.

Quality early education is one of the best methods of getting children on track for academic and career success, including military service for those who care to serve the nation, he said several times. “A commitment to pre-kindergarten really is a strategic commitment to national security,” he said.

For more information, visit missionreadiness.org.

Journalist and author Chuck N. Baker is an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He is the managing editor of Nevada’s Veterans Reporter newspaper and the host of the “Veterans Reporter Radio Show” on KLAV (1230 AM) from 8-9 p.m. Thursdays and the “Veterans Reporter News” at 2:30 a.m. Fridays on VEGAStv KTUD-Cable 14.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Veteran uses talents to help other veterans

Robert Serge served in the United States Navy for 20 months as part of an ordnance laboratory test facility. As he puts it, “We designed harbor mines and stuff like that.”

Holistic treatments help many veterans

Last year in one of my columns, I briefly discussed holistic medicine and efforts that the Department of Veterans Affairs had been taking to include such treatments in its care of veterans. Since then, the VA has made some additional efforts to include nontraditional treatments.

Gallery helps veterans explore their feelings through art

Artist and businesswoman Chris Frausto used to reside in Boulder City and owned an art gallery here. It was located on a corner, so it was not considered unusual when she named it the Corner Gallery.

Burns’ Vietnam documentary explores ‘truths’ about war

The Vietnam War. The conflict is burned into the minds of millions of Americans — those who fought in it, civilians who lived through the 1960s, historians, journalists, photographers and filmmakers.

Vets’ families find compassion at home away from home

When veterans and active-duty military personnel need help, it’s very common for other veterans and service people to step up to lend their collective hands. Providing assistance to their fellow brothers and sisters is ingrained in the hearts and minds of America’s military culture.

Ex-Tunnel Rat appreciates ‘penthouse’ lifestyle

Boulder City is currently the home of a veteran whose name is “Fearless.” When someone’s name is “Fearless” it could either be a satirical reference, or it could mean that it’s someone who is in reality a very tough individual. In the case of Fearless Fredy King, it’s the latter definition.

USO helps military as they travel, return to civilian life

The general public knows the combination of letters “USO.” Many even know the type of work the USO is involved in. But if one were to ask those individuals what the letters stand for, and where the organization is located in Southern Nevada, the answer might just involve a blank stare unless the person being questioned is involved with the local military or veterans community.

Teacher’s brush with fame included astronaut

Veteran John Glenn was known by most Americans and indeed was internationally famous. Most Americans also know that Glenn died in December at age 95.

Honor Flight offers awe-inspiring experience

Many individuals, especially those who follow issues concerning veterans, have more than likely heard of the Honor Flight Network. The mission of the group is to honor select veterans, especially those who served in World War II, by taking them on all-expense-paid excursions to Washington, D.C., to visit military memorials.

Nevada celebrates veterans’ achievements

Southern Nevada resident and former Army Sgt. Richard “Dick” L. Moyer was presented with a Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for valor this month for his heroic efforts during the Vietnam War.