The U.S. armed forces struggle periodically to fill their ranks. But the details in Anna Mulrine Grobe’s report today offer arresting detail on just how big the challenge is at the moment. There’s the chief Army recruiter characterizing 2024 as one of the toughest environments he’s seen in 33 years. The three-quarters of 17-to-24-year-olds who can’t meet fitness standards. Americans’ wavering support for the military across the political spectrum.

The Fort Jackson Future Soldier Preparatory Course in South Carolina is one effort to get candidates ready for basic training not by lowering standards but by lifting up skills. Everything is up for discussion, from gauging a candidate to transforming the role of drill sergeant. Join Anna as she explores the work that one brigadier general says is sparking cautious optimism for the future.