As "Death to America" threats are chanted in Iran, another threat is looming here at home Colonel Mike Wunn with Iowa National Guard says over two-thirds of Americans are unfit to serve their country.
"Nationally about 30 percent of young adults between the ages of 17 to 24 fit into those categories where they can qualify for military service," Wunn tells WHO-TV 13.
That means about two-thirds of Americans are unfit to serve their country. One of the problems Wunn has seen is obesity. "Certain groups of young people are very sedentary and not getting the physical exercise and fitness they need," he says.
In a recent Trust for America's Health report, 35.3 percent of Iowa adults in 2018 were obese. That number is tied for the fifth highest obesity rate in the country and above all bordering states. "We are not as active in our work as we used to be. We are not as active as young people," Wunn told WHO-TV 13. "It's something that is not just a military concern. That's a societal issue that all of us need to be concerned about."
Aside from being physically unfit, other issues include a criminal background or not having a high school diploma. If not too egregious, some can earn a waiver. "We can work with them so they can get the physical conditioning they need to be successful at basic training," Wunn says.
Recruiters are more than earning their pay with a limited pool to choose from. They are also hoping a good pay day for prospective soldiers can sweeten the deal with up to a $20,000 bonus for infantry recruits. Wunn says. "We have a recruitment bonus right now specific to 15 different military occupational specialties."
Getting people fit is all part of protecting America from enemies both foreign and domestic. Wunn said, "Making sure they aren't just playing video games, that they are out getting physical activity, not just for physical health but for their mental health as well."