During the recent Service for America Summit in Washington, D.C., Department of Defense (DOD) officials emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness about diverse service opportunities beyond the military. Ashish S. Vazirani, performing the duties of undersecretary for personnel and readiness, and his deputy, Shawn G. Skelly, discussed strategies to engage more Americans in various forms of public service.
Vazirani highlighted that many people are open to serving but often lack information about available options. He detailed initiatives aimed at educating the public about opportunities within the DOD and other federal agencies, particularly for those medically disqualified from military service. These efforts include directing potential recruits towards organizations like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.
Skelly stressed the importance of maintaining engagement with individuals who show interest in serving but may find initial obstacles. She emphasized that every potential service avenue should be fully explored to harness America’s talent pool.
The summit, which also involved AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and the Selective Service System, served as a platform for promoting “awareness, aspiration, and accessibility” in military, national, and public service, aligning with the recommendations from the 2020 report by the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service. This report, titled “Inspired to Serve,” aims to significantly increase participation in these areas by 2031.–News Desk