And it describes both why recruitment is down and re-enlistment is fair , even with massive financial incentives being added.

Post 9/11 there was no problem having people enlist, even during the initial stages in Afghanistan and the being of the conflict in Iraq.  Americans are willing to serve for their country, even knowing what the possible consequences are, up to and including death in that service.

But when they no longer have trust in the CinC or the other civilian leaders of this country to "spend" their lives wisely and for the good of the country, they will stay away from that commitment.

When they see this country and particularly its leaders being willing to take us into a war for self-aggrandizement, they shy away.

And when they see out leaders, having put our military in hatrm's way for no solid reason, and then not provide equipment, numbers or post fighting support, they stay away even more.

It is not that people don't want to serve their country.  We have seen evidence time and again that they are willing to.

But they desparately want to believe that if they make the ultimate sacrifice, it will be for the country, not for Halliburton or someone's self-inflated ego.