'Woke' military policies' effect on recruitment overblown, other factor fueling crisis: expert

Critics have said that so-called "woke" military policies have contributed to the worst recruiting crisis in decades — a critique that one expert says is overblown.

"Because of drug use, obesity or health concerns, it's just a smaller pool than it was even two years ago," Feaver told Fox News Digital. "These are the big drivers."

Feaver recently released a book titled "Thank You For Your Service," which takes a deep dive into declining public confidence in the military. At the heart of that issue, Feaver said, is the politicization of the military by both parties. Feaver cited a Gallup poll released In July that showed public confidence in the military at 60%, noting that while that number compares favorably to other U.S. institutions, it represents a worrying trend for the military.