US Patriotism in Crisis: Understanding its Erosion and Consequences for the US Army

By: M. Sharifi

An American news network has conducted a detailed analysis of the US Army's severe crisis, drawing upon field observations and expert statements. The report highlights a concerning lack of patriotism among US soldiers, adding to domestic and foreign challenges and further exacerbating challenges threatening US national security.

The declining sense of patriotism among American citizens has resulted in a significant decrease in army enlistment, ultimately impacting the recruitment efforts of the Pentagon. The Wall Street Journal recently published a troubling report highlighting the current state of the country's army, citing a lack of sufficient recruits and emphasising that the majority of new soldiers are the children of former military personnel.

Various factors contribute to the reluctance of young people to serve in the US Army. One interviewee, an African-American woman, suggests that the modern concept of nationalism in the United States and racial dynamics and political tendencies play a significant role in this trend. She argues that joining the army can create a sense of entrapment, making it difficult to leave. The lack of patriotism among both the military and the general population, coupled with the disinterest of young individuals in joining the army, has resulted in the United States declining military strength. Consequently, the country faces an increased risk of being unable to respond effectively to threats against its national interests.

Experts predict that the crisis in recruiting new personnel and maintaining existing ones within the US Army will worsen in the coming years. As efforts to attract new recruits continue to falter, the burden on current military personnel intensifies. This excessive workload not only compromises the well-being of the military personnel but also unintentionally undermines the effectiveness of the US military services.