Can AI Help Solve The Military's Recruiting Crisis?
May 17, 2023Military recruitment is experiencing a severe crisis that threatens the readiness of our armed forces. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently revealed that the Defense Department is grappling with its most difficult recruitment environment in 50 years.The GAO report highlighted the lack of adequate plans, goals, and strategies to guide recruitment and retention efforts. For years, some have suggested embracing existing AI tools that have the potential to streamline recruitment processes and identify the most qualified individuals.
The Department of Defense already possesses vast amounts of data, and the technology exists to analyze it quickly and efficiently. By harnessing these capabilities, military recruiters can better identify the best candidates to serve their country. Furthermore, AI may help shorten the time recruiters spend processing information, and cut down the amount of time they have to spend behind a desk. Thus, allowing them to engage with the community more.
100% of recruiters polled said having to do less paperwork would help them greatly.
AI technology can provide short-term solutions, the long-term goal is to bridge the civilian-military divide and restore the appeal of military service to the American population. Achieving this objective requires collaborative efforts from Americans across generations, both inside and outside of the government. It is essential to showcase the meaningful and honorable aspects of military service and inspire young people to choose it as a path.
Is it too late for AI to help the recruiting crisis?
The Army, one of the major branches of the U.S. military, fell short of its recruiting goal for FY22 by a staggering 15,000 active-duty recruits, accounting for 25% of the target or the equivalent of an entire Army division. As a result, the Army had to reduce its planned active-duty end strength from 476,000 to 466,000. Furthermore, due to expected recruiting shortfalls in FY23, the Army anticipates an additional reduction of 20,000 personnel by September.
The Air Force also faces recruitment challenges, expecting to miss its FY23 goals by thousands of recruits across different divisions. Lowering the standards for body fat has been one measure taken to allow more recruits to join. However, the problem extends beyond new recruits as factors that dissuade young men and women from military service also contribute to members leaving upon completing their obligations. The current competitive job market, polarized cultural landscape, and a wide array of alternative choices are all factors that impact recruitment and retention.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica H. Smith-McMahan)
The need for action is evident, especially considering the evolving armed forces of China, which now boasts a military twice the size of the U.S. military. The National Security Strategy acknowledges China’s intent and growing power to reshape the international order. In the short term, experts emphasize the importance of innovation, particularly in leveraging AI-enabled capabilities to identify and recruit young Americans who are both interested and qualified.
