Tattoos, obesity, and drugs disqualify majority of young people from military service

Startling statistics from the Army Recruiting Command reveal that 71 percent of young people wanting to join the military would be ineligible because of "mental, moral, and physical reasons," the Washington Times reports.

According to the report, both reserve and active military forces have been struggling to meet the demand for an increased number of recruits, because more and more applicants are being rejected for being dependent on prescription medication, having tattoos below the forearm, and/or for being overweight.

Analysts have suggested alternative methods to combat the recruitment shortfall. One such plan proposes establishing a "preconditioning camp" to delay active duty for recruits who are not yet physically ready.

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