Washington, D.C.—According to a recent report, 75 percent of young people can’t enlist in the U.S. military because they’re physically unfit, lack a high school diploma, or have criminal records.

Military leaders say the lack of high-quality recruits could pose a threat to America’s ability to defend itself. “We are very concerned,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. James Kelley, a member of Mission: Readiness, the nonprofit organization that issued the report. “The key goal is having great people.”

One-third of all potential military recruits are either too fat or out of shape. Curtis Gilroy, with the Pentagon, said, “When you get kids who can’t do push-ups, pull-ups, or run, this is a fundamental problem not just for the military but for the country.” He added that many kids aren’t “taking physical education in school; they’re more interested in sedentary activities such as the computer or television. And we have a fast-food mentality in this country.”

Many military recruiters now help kids with homework and coach them as they prepare for basic training. “We’ll go work out at the gym with them to get them in shape,” said Sgt. Maj. Anthony Weeks.

Mission: Readiness is urging Congress to pass an Early Learning Challenge Fund, saying that preschool programs lead to successful young people.

“You can’t wait until high school in order to change a young person,” said Kelley. “It has to be done at a very early age.”

Source: Associated Press

Discussion Questions:

• What’s your reaction to this report? Are you surprised that so many young people fall into these unacceptable categories? Why or why not?

• Are you offended by generalizations or assumptions made about the condition and abilities of today’s kids? If so, explain. Do you think your generation of Americans is just as healthy—and will be just as successful—as previous generations? Why or why not?

• What may account for some of the deficiencies the military is finding in young people these days? Do you agree that kids are more sedentary now? Does that mean they’re lazier or lack intelligence or aptitude? Explain.

• How would you describe the work ethic of most of your peers? How would you describe your own work ethic? Are you willing to go the extra mile to accomplish a tough task? If so, explain.

• When you face a challenging long-term goal, what approach do you take? Do you give up when you feel overwhelmed? Are you willing to ask for help when you need it? Why or why not?

• Do you agree that it’s too late to change people once they’re in high school? Why or why not? Think of someone you know who transformed him- or herself later in life: How can that person’s story motivate you to keep improving yourself?

• In what ways have you changed in the past few years? During 2010, what improvements would you like to make physically? mentally? socially? spiritually? How do you plan to accomplish those improvements?

Scripture links: Genesis 32:22-30; Numbers 14:20-24; Mark 4:3-20; Acts 9:10-22; Romans 6:6-7; and Galatians 6:9.

Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado.