Across the United States, military recruiters from all branches are facing one of the most challenging periods in the history of the all-volunteer force, as they struggle to find qualified and willing young Americans to join their ranks. Greg Jaffe from The Washington Post shares how this recruitment crisis reflects broader changes in American society, from declining trust in institutions to shifting demographics and evolving perceptions of national service. As the pool of eligible candidates shrinks and competition with the private sector intensifies, recruiters are not just offering jobs – they're selling a vision of service to the country in an increasingly divided nation.