Marine Corps Commandant General Robert B Neller told reporters that although the Corps has been meeting its recruiting goals thus far, the shortage of young Americans who can pass the fitness tests "should scare you".
Neller said the Corps achieved its goal without lowering standards.
“If anything, we’ve raised our standards,” he said.
At a Defense Writers Group breakfast, Neller pointed out that today less than 30 percent of the nation’s youth are qualified — physically and otherwise — for military service. The biggest issue is obesity.
Asked about Secretary of Defense Mattis' new goal of having 80% of aircraft ready to fly in one year's time, and then keeping them that way, Neller said he appreciates clear orders. One of the ways the Marines will get there is by retiring older aircraft, as the F-35s and other newer models are brought into service. The Washington Examiner's Jamie McIntyre reported it this way:
“He told us we’ve got a year, so OK. I mean, I know where we are right now,” Neller said during a breakfast meeting with defense reporters. Part of that solution will be getting rid of the oldest Marine Corps F/A-18 jets “to take advantage of the parts we can get off of them and reduce the number of airplanes,” he said.
“I’ve said we have too many airplanes, we’ve got to get rid of airplanes. At some point when you get new you’ve got to get rid of the old ones. You can’t just keep them. Now, you’ve got a squadron that’s designed to maintain 12 airplanes and they’ve got to maintain 16,” Neller said.
SeaPower Magazine: Marine Commandant: 2018 Recruiting Goal Met, but Dearth of Qualified Youth ‘Should Scare You’
http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20181010-Neller.html
Military Times: Marine Commandant: 2018 Recruiting Goal Met, but Dearth of Qualified Youth ‘Should Scare You’
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/10/11/few-female-marines-are-joining-the-infantry-but-thats-expected-top-marine-says/
Inside the Navy: Neller acknowledges 'risk' in ending AAV survivability upgrade
https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/neller-acknowledges-risk-ending-aav-survivability-upgrade
The Washington Times: U.S. military training should continue on Korean peninsula, says top Marine
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/oct/10/us-military-should-keep-training-korean-peninsula/
Stars and Stripes: Neller: 'Roger that' to Mattis' goal to improve aviation readiness
https://www.stripes.com/neller-roger-that-to-mattis-goal-to-improve-aviation-readiness-1.551207
Politico: NELLER HOPES FOR A STEADY BUDGET
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-defense/2018/10/11/us-saudi-tensions-rise-with-journalists-disappearance-370982
Washington Examiner: Mattis memo ordering higher combat jet readiness sparks quiet freakout at the Pentagon
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mattis-memo-ordering-higher-combat-jet-readiness-sparks-quiet-freakout-at-the-pentagon
Defense One: Curtailing Korean Exercises Comes at a Price, Says USMC Commandant
https://www.defenseone.com/politics/2018/10/curtailing-korean-exercises-comes-price-says-usmc-commandant/151917/?oref=d_brief_nl
Jane’s: USMC touts F-35B readiness as flights are suspended
https://www.janes.com/article/83768/usmc-touts-f-35b-readiness-as-flights-are-suspended
Defense Daily: Neller: Marines Interested In New All-Terrain Support Vehicle, But No Budget Plans For Bv206 Replacement
http://www.defensedaily.com/neller-marines-interested-new-terrain-support-vehicle-no-budget-plans-bv206-replacement/?_ga=2.240073157.733875685.1539359954-1794728382.1533321748
Task and Purpose: The Marines Are Finally Getting Rid Of Their Oldest, Crappiest Jet Fighters
https://taskandpurpose.com/marines-retiring-older-hornets/
