Local/State

Report: Most Philadelphians not fit for military

Monday, June 14, 2010

Private First Class, Jon Holverstott, front, from Kilean, Texas, performs performs one leg push-ups, that are included in the Army's new physical training regimen, during early morning physical training with the rest of along with other members of third platoon, at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Brett Flashnick) (AP Photo / AP Photo/Brett Flashnick)

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pennsylvania, philadelphia, military, obesity, local/state

PHILADELPHIA - June 14, 2010 -- A new report by a nonprofit group says that up to 90 percent of young Philadelphia residents are ineligible for military service because of criminal records, obesity or lack of education.

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The study was released Monday by the group Mission: Readiness, which is made up of more than 150 retired generals and admirals.

The report estimates 80 percent to 90 percent of Philadelphians ages 18 to 24 cannot meet the military's standards for fitness and education, or have criminal records.

Nationally, the Department of Defense estimates that 75 percent of young adults are unable to join the military.

Mission: Readiness wants state and federal lawmakers to fund pre-kindergarten programs that it says give children a solid foundation for academic and personal success.

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pennsylvania, philadelphia, military, obesity, local/state