Future military readiness depends on more than weapons and equipment. It requires young people who are ready, willing and able (both physically and mentally) to serve. It is therefore troubling that according to the U.S. Department of Defense, 77 percent of young Americans aged 17 to 24 are currently ineligible for military service, with obesity playing the most significant role.
This is why the Medicaid and SNAP cuts in the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (H.R. 1) should concern everyone who cares about the readiness of our young people and our nation’s security.