The study was released Monday by the group Mission: Readiness, which is made up of more than 150 retired generals and admirals.
The report estimates 80 percent to 90 percent of Philadelphians ages 18 to 24 cannot meet the military's standards for fitness and education, or have criminal records.
Nationally, the Department of Defense estimates that 75 percent of young adults are unable to join the military.
Mission: Readiness wants state and federal lawmakers to fund pre-kindergarten programs that it says give children a solid foundation for academic and personal success.
