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Recruiting crisis: US military gets creative to find new cadets

As military recruiting numbers plummet, the key could be in a new program.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Military leaders are working on new ways to try and beef up recruiting numbers after a difficult year. 

As recruiting numbers plummet, the key could be in a new program. Let's connect the dots. 

The U.S. military is getting creative with how it brings in cadets. By all accounts, 2023 was a difficult year for recruiting. Goals fell short by tens of thousands of new troops, making it one of the toughest years since the inception of the all-volunteer force. 

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Recruiters say they're facing several challenges getting young people enlisted. First, they say people who would've signed up in the past are looking for an immediate return on their investment of time and energy. That's something they can't always promise. 

There's now a new program to help young people who aren't considered physically fit get in shape so they can enlist. Instead of lowering standards, the Army is looking to help build up potential cadets by helping them achieve at a higher level, both physically and academically. 

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