Major General Dennis LeMaster stopped to visit with and give advice to Eastern Washington University students involved with the ROTC program on April 25.
CHENEY-In recent years, recruitment numbers have been trending downward, according to Major General Dennis LeMaster, who spoke at Cadet Hall on the Eastern Washington University campus on April 25.
LeMaster is the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence and 19th Chief of the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. He explained that only 4% of Americans are enlisted to serve, and that number has been trending down recently, with COVID exacerbating the issue and creating further problems for recruiters.
"The latest data that the Army is tracking shows that 75 percent of America's youth doesn't have a lot of knowledge about our military," LeMaster said. "Most people aren't able to serve, whether it's because of health issues or legal issues, but only .04 percent of Americans do and that's a very low number.
"You know what I'm always worried about-is it in the best interest of our nation?" LeMaster questioned. I think we'd be better off if we get more people to serve, but in many cases, people simply aren't aware of the opportunities."
LeMaster explained that he feels many young Americans are unaware of what can be accomplished through the military. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Van Meter from Eastern Washington University echoed those concerns. Van Meter serves as the Department Chair in the Department of Military Science.
"People tend to only understand the Army through the lens of movies they see," Van Meter said. "It could be partially because so many of our Vietnam era and older veterans are leaving us quickly, so our young people don't have the exposure to speak with veterans about the military.
"Many younger individuals only think of infantry and combat when talking about the military. But there is so much more to the Army than combat, tanks, and helicopters. There is a huge medical field that presents various opportunities for people to support our soldiers."
Van Meter noted that the Eastern Washington University ROTC program had seen a substantial drop in participation when the pandemic impacted the college.
"We've seen quite a significant drop in enrollment, and it mirrored Eastern's enrollment," he said. "When their numbers dropped, ours did as well and we are now at just under 50% of what our enrollment was before COVID."
The main focus of this trip is to help raise awareness and build relationships with community partners to assist recruiters in informing and educating prospective recruits, according to LeMaster.
"I am thrilled to come back to Washington and share my Army story," LeMaster wrote in an April 24 press release. "I credit the Army for so much of the success I have enjoyed for the last 35 years of service and for shaping me into the leader I am today."
Traveling to visit several universities in Washington, LeMaster hopes to advise younger people on what opportunities are available when choosing an Army career.
"They simply don't know about all of the options out there," he said. "But what would they be able to do if they could have everything to make an informed decision?
"I believe most young adults start off being in a lot of debt after graduation and it can take decades to pay off that debt, which is not good for the economy. How neat would it be if these people knew about the G.I. Bill, which can help offset much or all of the costs."
Having spent much of his life in Eastern Washington, LeMaster notes that he is looking forward to enjoying the land and scenery upon retiring.
"I should be retiring here in about 13 months and it feels wonderful to be back in Washington," LeMaster concluded. "Born in Everett and raised in Pullman, I love it here and have fond memories of playing football against the Cheney Blackhawks.
"This has been day one of a week-long trip, and it has been profoundly meaningful."
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