Why do most of our soldiers come from the Southeastern and Midwestern states?

Question

I know over all they come from everywhere even outside of the country but in most wars the majority come from these areas.

These states have the lowest populations but do the majority of the fighting, why is that?

Answer 1

Yes, I think so.

Most soldiers I've met have come from the Midwest. From TX to Montana/Mich/Wisc.

Also, the National Guard and Reserves are much larger in the Midwest than in the other parts of the country. Especially the South.

I don't think it has anything to do with Poverty and alot to do with the fact that most Patriots are from the South and Midwest. Go down a neighborhood in any Midwestern state and count the American Flags. Rich, Poor, Middle, doesn't matter. Then go to any neighborhood in a West Coast or East Coast and count the flags. Rich, Poor, Middle, doesn't matter.

Answer 2

The army recruiters target certain areas and certain socioeconomic groups. Basically, they give options to people/groups that do not have a lot of options. They do tend to recruit in poorer areas. Many kids enlist due to lack of direction, patriotism or the gi bill for school.

But soldiers come from all over, not just these states.

I don't agree that there is more patriotism in these areas rather than in the Northeastern seaboard, or elsewhere in the US. This country was started in New York, Philadelphia and Boston, and those cities are still very patriotic. These areas just disagree with the current war, which is not the same as patriotism at all.

Answer 3

You've already gotten good answers on this one.

Just my .02: Poverty and job opportunites may be part of the picture for some but the majority have a higher sense of pride, duty and service than other parts of the country.

Many of them/us also come from a Scotch - Irish background which has more to do with it than many would think. Strong work ethic, sense of duty, patriotism, love of the land and willingness to die for what you beleive, stubborness and grit.


aside -- contrary to what some people seem to beleive MOST people in the military are not uneducated, lazy, or just looking for a handout. benefits are icing on the cake.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I've often said that the good citizens of the world would be completely **** out of luck if it weren't for allies like Illinois and Texas. I think its a sense of pride, protection of what you hold dear, and devotion to things higher than you. Disregarding POG (personnel other than Grunt) units, simply because I have no experience with them. I know countless grunts in my unit that are very intelligent and from middle - upper class backgrounds. People in the infantry join for a challenge. Honestly, make a valid arguement to me where a self serving person in a low socio-economic position says to himself, "man this sucks pretty bad, It sure would be better to do a job where I'd get shot at." Thats right, you can't. In today's Marine Corps you pick your job, even If you go to boot camp as an open contract the only job they won't give you is infantry. Its all volunteers. Don't tell me were here because theres nothing better for us, because trust me...there is. Were here because we chose to be.

Answer 6

I agree with the individuals that said it's because there's more pride and patriotism in the Midwest and South. There might be some truth to the lower income comment, but that's not the norm. The South is not unique in that capacity.

Answer 7

Not to sound condescending to the rest of the country. But From my own personal experience it's mainly just the Southerners and Midwesterners that still have a general scene of pride and ownership in their country as a whole. Many of them also wish to follow in their family's foot steps (as it was in my family anyway). Their is much pride in doing so.

Answer 8

They come from all corners of America. And their socio-economic and education level is higher than the general population in the same demographic range.

Answer 9

This is because they are more patriotic than the northeast. They are also predominantly Republican. It is a completely different culture than we have in the Northeast, where homosexualks are more accepted and so are vegans, earthmothers, hippies and anti-war protests.

Answer 10

Now this is no way drawn from any facts, but in my opinion I believe that these states have fewer opportunities and therefor, the military often seems like a way out and a way to make something out of ourselves that we wouldnt necessarily do if we stayed in our hometowns.
Thats why i joined...now that I am out I dont know what I was thinking, but that was my initial motivation.