It’s no secret that, in America, our young men, even if they want to serve in the military, are often physically unprepared:
A full 27 percent of young Americans are simply too overweight to join the military, says Mission: Readiness. "Many are turned away by recruiters and others never try to join. Of those who attempt to join, however, roughly 15,000 young potential recruits fail their entrance physicals every year because they are too heavy."
Nearly 32 percent have other disqualifying health problems, including asthma, eyesight or hearing problems, mental health issues, or recent treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Due to all of the above and other assorted problems, only about two out of 10 American young people are fully eligible to join the military without special waivers, according to the report.
Previous generations of young men did more physical labor. Our young men sit in classrooms, sit in front of computers, sit in front of televisions, and sit in cars. It’s not conducive to physical rigor.
What’s surprising, though, is to learn that China is having the same problem — although with a twist, because the Chinese military also says young men need to keep their hands out of their crotches. This concern emerged when the Chinese People’s Liberation Army put up an online post saying that the failure rate for recruits had hit an "alarming high."
To help redress this problem, the PLA had some suggestions for potential recruits. Many of these were sensible suggestions for general good health: cut out sodas and alcohol, limit screen time, get more exercise, and sleep better. Some of the recommendations were unique to China:
Nearly 32 percent have other disqualifying health problems, including asthma, eyesight or hearing problems, mental health issues, or recent treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.