Is lowering fitness standards a good idea?

[Gunner Rossco]

Recruiting problems mean many militaries of the world are understaffed. Is it worth lowering fitness standards if that's what it takes to keep the military from shrinking to an inpractical size?

Keeping in mind that society has gone soft, and the average young man can't get down and do fifty pushups anymore. Sort of a trade-off between a large, powerful deployable force and a small, elite professional defence force.

[abouch66]

People who can't do PT shouldn't be in the military. If they don't have the motivation or determination to get off the couch and work out once in a while, then they don't have what it takes to be a soldier. 50 push ups isn't alot, sure it may take alittle bit of training to get there, but if you can't do 50 push ups then how are you gonna pull your buddy out of a burning bradley. I'd rather have one squared away soldier, than a dozen gomer's anyday.

[MotherBear1975]

I don't think they should lower the standards... but I also don't think they should kick people out for falling out of standards.. *a little bit*.

[TedEx]

Lower standards? Hell, no!
Who would you want next to you in a tight spot. ? Somewone you can count on and belongs there, or someone who got in because they lowered the standards.