A group of retired generals is seeking a $10 million yearly increase in Nebraska state aid for early childhood education.

The veterans said Monday that they were pushing for the funding boost to ensure that more youths qualify for military service.

Retired Brig. Gen. Paul G. Cohen says an estimated 75 percent of the nation’s youths aren’t able to serve in the military because they’re too poorly educated, physically unfit, or have a criminal record.

Supporters pointed to a 2010 report by the Education Trust, a Washington advocacy group, which found that 15 percent of Nebraska high school graduates who applied for military service scored too low on entrance exams to qualify.

Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff is seeking to increase the funding.