Child care is a national security issue

To the Editor;

As Thomas College President Laurie Lachance pointed out in a recent opinion piece, high-quality child care that is accessible and affordable is critical to Maine’s future. As a retired brigadier general, I argue that it also is critical to national security.

The United States military is currently challenged to find recruits who are fit to serve our country. Too many of our nation’s youth are disqualified due to poor academic performance, a criminal record, or because they are physically unfit.

One way to reverse this trend among youth is to reach kids early in life. This requires that we have programs available to them that provide the support our youngest citizens need to start out on a strong path. Many times, this start occurs in child care. These programs can help make the difference in whether a child grows up healthy, does well in school, and stays away from crime.

Lachance mentioned a new report, “Early Childhood Programs’ Scarcity Undermines Maine’s Rural Communities” in her article. Based on the research, more than one-quarter of rural Mainers live in a childcare “desert” where there is only one open child care slot for every three kids. I concur that targeted investments to improve access are warranted.

High-quality child care programs can change the future for many kids. These programs can increase the number of young Mainers eligible for military service. Considering current recruitment challenges, they are also a matter of national security.

Rob Carmichael

Bucksport