(Washington, D.C.) -- There is a shocking new report out that says about 75 percent of Americans ages 17 through 24 are unfit for service.   

"It's a national security threat because in the future, if that number increases, we aren't going to have enough young people to meet the needs of the military that meet our rigorous standards," says Brigadier General John Douglass, (Retired) U.S. Air Force.

Ready, Willing and Unable to Serve, a group made up of about 100 retired military leaders, recently released the report. 

The group says about one out of four prospective recruits didn't graduate high school.  One in ten have criminal convictions and nearly a third have health problems. 

Plus, a hefty twenty-seven percent are simply too fat to fight.  That has some recruiters working to help young men and women get in shape and ready for the front lines.