July 29, 2006
Activists Pose Fresh Challenges to New Recruitment Tactics
Over the next week, US Army recruiters have scheduled appearances at venues as diverse as a rodeo in Abilene, Kansas; a county fair in Wheeling, West Virginia; "Mall Day" in Erie, Pennsylvania; pro-football hall-of-fame week in Canton, Ohio; and surfing competitions in Huntington Beach, California.
The US military's recruitment machine has become highly innovative, proving itself in-touch with many aspects of youth culture. The Army uses a slick, multi-player online video game that attracts enthusiasts of all ages from around the world, but most importantly infiltrates popular culture the Army says offers a "virtual experience within which to explore entry level and advanced training."
The Marine Corps, meanwhile, has set up its own MySpace.com page, attracting more than 13,500 "friends" on the social-networking site popular among young people. And the National Guard gives Internet users "HOOAH" points, named after the military's own energy bar and drink. The points are redeemable for iTunes songs and "other cool stuff" - after they submit a valid name and e-mail address.
Recruitment goals for June 2006 alone were nearly 50,000 for the Army National Guard, about 25,000 for the Army Reserve, and about 6,000 for the Marines.
Though their budgets pale in comparison to the military's recruiting and advertising budget - about $1.4 billion for FY 2006- grassroots counter-recruitment organizations across the country are nonetheless reaching young people about alternatives to war and military service...
story by Catherine Komp | The NewStand via TruthOut
~Seduced by iTunes and video games. This generation's candy bars and chewing gum i.e. free room and board.
[photo google: new recruit\ not from above link]