REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED
CVB R.E.D. FRIDAY Update
Marine Corps to relocate 9,000 Marines from Okinawa by 2024
The Marine Corps established Camp Blaz in Guam in 2022 to relocate 9,000 Marines from Okinawa by 2024, with 5,000 Marines ending up in Guam. This base, the first since 1952, serves as a key hub in the Indo-Pacific due to rising U.S.-China tensions. It’s part of U.S. territories since 1898 and has existing Air Force and Navy presence. The relocation plans, emphasizing continuity of operational capability, involve over 45 construction projects funded by the U.S. and Japan. However, environmental and cultural concerns have arisen, prompting measures to mitigate impacts, including a $200 million commitment and 140 environmental initiatives.
The Lingering Legacy: Impact of GWOT on U.S. Military Recruitment Crisis
The U.S. military faces a daunting challenge in recruiting young Americans due to the weariness felt by citizens after witnessing prolonged, boundary-less deployments of service members during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). This war, spanning various theaters and counterterrorism operations, drained the nation’s social capital and public support. Despite the apparent end of GWOT in 2021 marked by the Afghanistan withdrawal, the military consistently misses recruitment targets across branches, recording the lowest numbers since 1999.
While factors like inadequate pay, living conditions, healthcare, diversity concerns, pandemic fallout, and sexual assault issues contribute to the crisis, the core problem is the loss of public faith in the military. A Gallup poll revealed that confidence in the military dropped significantly since the GWOT era, reflecting a wider decline in institutional trust across society.
This loss of trust poses a significant risk, and rebuilding social capital is essential before potential future conflicts. The historical trend shows recruitment surges during wars, but after twenty years of war without clear objectives and declining public support, the current crisis is far more complicated. The legacy of GWOT leaves potential recruits questioning the purpose and value of their service, with little positive outcome to reference.
The haunting repercussions of this war’s legacy weigh heavily on recruitment efforts and the decision to volunteer, highlighting the long-term consequences of engaging in wars lacking clear, achievable objectives.
