More about the numbers

Sim and I have discussed the issue of Army recruiting. Ralph Peters addresses it again today in his NY Post column. If his numbers are right, I'm not sure what we're debating:

* Every one of the Army's 10 divisions — its key combat organizations — has exceeded its re-enlistment goal for the year to date. Those with the most intense experience in Iraq have the best rates. The 1st Cavalry Division is at 136 percent of its target, the 3rd Infantry Division at 117 percent.

* What about first-time enlistment rates, since that was the issue last spring? The Army is running at 108 percent of its needs. Guess not every young American despises his or her country and our president.

* The Army Reserve is a tougher sell, given that it takes men and women away from their families and careers on short notice. Well, Reserve recruitment stands at 102 percent of requirements.

* And then there's the Army National Guard. We've been told for two years that the Guard was in free-fall. Really? Guard recruitment and retention comes out to 106 percent of its requirements as of June 30. (I've even heard a rumor that Al Franken and Tim Robbins signed up — but let's wait for confirmation on that.)

On a side note, Peters appeared on C-SPAN's Book TV Sunday evening. The topic was Peters' newest book, New Glory.

Peters has many strong things to say about the Pentagon and it's war leadership, yet saves his strongest and harshest criticisms for the opponents of the war. All in all, a very interesting interview and one worth your checking out.

UPDATE: Stephen Spruiell at NRO's Media Blog makes an important distinction:

According to a Pentagon spokesman, Peters apparently got the overall Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard re-enlistment numbers instead of the first-time enlistment numbers.

Just so we're all clear...