Military standards eased to fill ranks

• Published May 05, 2008

As the conflict in Iraq enters its fifth year with no end in sight, the capability of the country's armed forces is being challenged by extended combat assignments. ...

In a disturbing sign that standards are being lowered to fill the ranks, the number of felons granted waivers to serve in the Army more than doubled this year from last, rising to 511 from 249. ...

Offenses waived included convictions for armed robbery, arson and burglary. Both services also granted increases in the number of waivers for misdemeanors. ...

One reason recruiting highly qualified young people for the armed forces has become so difficult is that they see the unfair and seemingly endless demands placed on our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan while the general public sacrifices little. Previous hit-or-miss treatment of wounded veterans after they returned home gives little assurance to prospective recruits that they will receive the best medical care their country can offer should they become disabled.

The United States must maintain and expand a military of the highest quality. Lowering the standards for recruits to include convicted criminals is not the way to achieve that goal. ...

The above editorial excerpt is from The Houston Chronicle.