To the Editor:

I would like to commemorate Veterans Day with a salute to all the men and women who have served and sacrificed to defend our country — and to express concern over future military readiness.

The Department of Defense estimates that 75 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 cannot qualify for military service, many because they are academically unprepared. In Maine, 16 percent of high school students do not graduate on time; 19 percent of graduates who try to join the military cannot score highly enough on the military’s exam to enlist.

High-quality preschool is proven to prepare children for long-term academic success. Studies in New Jersey, Michigan, Arkansas, West Virginia, New Mexico and Pennsylvania have shown a range of benefits, including lasting academic gains and reductions in special education or being held back.

These results are why hundreds of retired admirals and generals who are members of “Mission: Readiness” strongly support a proposed state-federal partnership to give states the resources to create, strengthen and expand preschool programs. This could lead to 6,700 additional graduates and $500 million in net economic benefits for Maine over 10 years. Maine’s congressional delegation should support this proposal as a smart way to prepare more children for academic achievement, higher education and careers including the military for those who choose to serve.

John C. Harvey Jr.
Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Vienna, Va.