Who is surprised at this? I'd KILL my kids if they signed up right now.

Interesting, the country is at war but you don't feel you or your kids should be a part of it. Did you also agree with the surge, or stay the course? Are you supporting the troops withdrawing?

Key missing component of this story: What portion of the recruiting goal that was missed has been offset by greater than expected reenlistments? Inquiring minds want to know.

I'm not suprised at all. The polls say it all. The nation's confindence in the President and the wars have dramatically fallen. The fear of loved ones coming home wounded or not coming home at all are overwhelming.

Maybe Mitt Romney could convince one of his five strapping young sons to enlist! Just for once, I'd like to see the kids of the politicos supporting this war actually fighting in it!

My oldest son was thinking of putting off college for a couple of years and enlisting after high school. I told him he would have my blessings only--and I mean ONLY--when one of the Bush twins signs up first! Let those who preach patriotism the loudest practice it the most meaningfully. Do YOU hear ME Mr. Bush?

Guess that slinging hamburgers at Mickey D's, looks like a better option than it used to.

On the other hand, no one at Mickey D's speaks English, any more, so maybe not.

I totally agree - Mr. Bush, why dont your twins volunteer? Do they really believe in your war? Anyone who supports Bush and his war, should encourage their family members to sign up. Let's see just how many really support him when their loved ones are over there dealing with suicide bombs and IED's everyday.

My oldest son just enlisted in the US Army infantry. He will be going off to Ft. Benning in late 2007 for Infantry and airborne school. Go 82nd Infantry, all American. My second oldest son enlisted for the US Navy and will work on submarines.

Me, I did 4 years active in the military and 16 years in the reserve system. I don't care if people are gay, agnostic, athesis, or good Christians as long as I can own my guns. I'm pretty easy to get along with.

I don't care about the anti-war protestors. It's their right.

"At least when you're slinging burgers at Mickey D's no ones trying to blow you to bits with IED's"

What part of America do you live in? In our part it's mini-subs, fists, 9mm... not a far stretch from an IED. The whole world is violent, there is no doubting that. War is what you get when Peace fails. Lasting War is what you get when Peace continuously fails. Want Peace? Find a solution other then ending War.

Only a fool would enlist to fight in Iraq so Bush can see if he can install a ghoulish Islamic dictatorship in that country. Bush has made our troops nothing more than targets in a shooting gallery with bullets and bombs supplied by Iran and Syria.

Iraq is worse than the Vietnam quagmire. There we were only fighting Communism which is a beautiful concept when compared with Islamism which orders the heads be chopped off anyone who disagrees.

It's sorta foolish to say that a politician's children should or shouldn't enlist.

It's a volunteer army. No one is forced to enlist and a making correct policy decisions has nothing to do with whether or not your children are involved.

Key missing component of this story: What portion of the recruiting goal that was missed has been offset by greater than expected reenlistments? Inquiring minds want to know.- And how many tours in Iraq can our troops endure?

"It's a volunteer army. No one is forced to enlist..."

Yeah, if these enlistment numbers keep dropping it might not be voluntary for long. Bush and his cronies need warm, young bodies to feed the military industrial complex and keep them and their buddies at Halliburton flush in cash! If we dumb ole' common people decide we don't want to play ball anymore, you'll hear the word draft suddenly mentioned alot more on Fox News and Republican talking points memos. By that time, you'll probably already be picking out where in Canada you'd like to settle down in until it all blows over! LOL!

Re-enlistments are way up. Translation? The men and women who are in this "quagmire" and "horrendus" war in Iraq, are signing up to go back! I'd rather have re-enlistments up, and keep the strong people in the Army.

why would anyone want to willingly DIE for a lie?
nothing about this IRAQ war has any pluses for the United States. We have lost the battle, the war, the hearts and mind of the Iraqis as well as the American people.
The idea of controlling the oil in Iraq and giving up the Saoudi oil was at best wishful thinking. we have lost all credibility in the Middle East it will be decades before the world will trust us again.

I have two sons in the Navy. They love their country. After reading some of the regurgitated hate Bush propaganda postings here, I sometimes wonder why.

Thank God that there are brave men and women that choose to protect these pathetic examples of Americans who have more in common with our enemies and put them and the rest of us in greater risk each day.

We in THIS family have agreed to and vowed not to have ANYTHING to do with any form of the federal government until there is a regime change in America. I have stopped my volunteer position at our local BLM museum, no one will be enlisting nor will we contribute in any way to any thing even remotely tied to the federal government. Not as long as our nation remains hijacked by the Cheney/Bu$h cabal. And likely not for a good deal of time into the next administration when, prayerfully, reparations to our once great nation have begun and are ongoing. That just seems like common sense to me and mine.
siri

They fight for the right of Americans to disagrre with you just as the patriots of America disagreed with the British.
It will be unamerican to sit back and accept the lies and corruption of the few who would control the minds and actions of the masses.
So just continue to rant against the modern Patriots that are protecting you and your rights that Americans willingly fought for.

"Thank God that there are brave men and women that choose to protect these pathetic examples of Americans who have more in common with our enemies and put them and the rest of us in greater risk each day."

Dictators and charlatans have always historically counted on sheep who cloak themselves in patriotism and blind themselves to reality in the name of God and country! Unfortunately, cemeteries bear the names and bones of far too many young people you've been led to their deaths by the lies of politicians and arrogance of their parents! Michael proves that point well!