 And three, what would happen if the world was threatened again like that tomorrow? Who would step up? Likely a coalition of allied countries would again be formed, but who would step up? Literally. This is the army, where just two years can really pay off. The Council for a Strong America published findings last year that 77% of America's military-aged people, ages 17 to 24, are not up to the task. Too fat. Too unhealthy. Nasty.