Legislation to enhance military recruitment was introduced recently by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran.
The Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement (SERVE) Act would promote the benefits of service while expanding recruiter access to high school students. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Lance Gooden (R-TX).
“For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American Dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life committed to service,” Ernst, who served in the military for 23 years, said. “By increasing avenues to the benefits and pathways of a career in the military, we can unlock even more opportunities and brighter futures for our next generation. The call to service is loud and clear, and through the SERVE Act, our nation can bolster recruitment efforts and build the most lethal, efficient, and effective force in the world.”
If passed, the SERVE Act would expand opportunities for high school students to get involved in JROTC, incentivize schools to increase enlistment rats, support pathways toward a military career by prioritizing graduates from high-enlistment schools for service academies and create a national military recruitment week.
“America’s military is only as strong as the young men and women who step forward to serve,” Kiggans said. “Right now, many students aren’t being provided information about the amazing opportunities and experiences military service can offer. The SERVE Act is about turning that around by reconnecting our youth with a powerful call to service and opening doors to leadership, education, and purpose. This bipartisan, bicameral bill sends a clear message that we believe in our next generation, and we’re ready to invest in their future and the future security of our nation.”