Director for American Legion Media Communications, Jeff Stoffer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the articles in the upcoming issue of the American Legion Magazine.
According to a recent article, the United States military cannot reach its recruiting goals. Only 23 percent of applicants who want to serve in the military can pass the needed requirements. This article is part of a multi-part series that outlines the actions the military is taking to lighten entrance requirements for applicants. Stoffer said adjustments are being made, but it’s a complicated process.
Many applicants to the military are unable to serve due to mental health and anxiety issues, a growing issue for the younger generations in America, Stoffer said. It’s not about providing simpler access to the military, but also creating a stronger group of applicants, he added. To create a stronger group of applicants, the military branches are using programs similar to registered pre-apprenticeship programs used by unions to better prepare applicants.
Stoffer also discussed the Buddy Check Program, was created to activate the American Legion posts to contact local veterans to ensure they were in a good state. The program began in 2019, and has been picking up momentum, each year, and exploded to over 1 million veterans assisted across the country during the pandemic. The VA took on the program and passed a Buddy Check bill in 2022. This past week was the national Buddy Check week, operated by the VA and the American Legion, and early numbers show that they are reaching more veterans than ever before, Stoffer said.
To hear more on the American Legion Magazine articles, play the show above.