Way to be insensitive, army recruiters.

tell me thats not real.

Really, is it real? Has it aired?

The video is not real, it was the intro to Bill Maher's show, but the quotes from the Wall Street Journal however are.

Hilarious. on a serious note: an article on army recruitment techniques being directed more and more at youngins.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050912/houppert

Everyone should be able to read it without logging in. If not, I'm sorry.

We have to fight the hurricanes abroad, before they our territory... we have now substantial prove of the existence of WMD (weather-caused mass destructions)

Terror activities and weapons of mass destruction related programs cause violent weather patterns. It's science. Look it up in the Bible if you don't believe me.

You know, when you mock the military, you go from making valid points to just being assholes. They don't force people to join. And while we should do more to provide other opportunities to people who don't have options or cash, the military is not a bad choice for making a living.

Anon, you're misinterpreting the Scripture. Jesus clllllllearly states that he is in favor of destructive hurricanes. You'll note he was quite careful not to speak out against the weather of his day, and nowhere in the Bible does he do this. QED.

;)

@Joe: Yes it is true, that joining the army is way to earn money. But when I read that some of the women who were KIA in Iraq were mothers of very little kids, then the USA has to ask itself: Is there really no other option for a young mother to earn a living? Why is it they have to choose this way (don't tell me it was for patriotic reasons). What are family values in this context?

I love mocking the Army. As a former soldier, I know too well what a goofy and messed-up organization it can be.

I do not, however, mock soldiers.

Joe, I think you need some kind of mental health counseling. Your anger towards and hatred of people who hold differing views is not healthy.

And please ask those around you to hide all sharp objects until you seek help.

this is a joke, right? does anyone know for certain? this can't be real. they wouldn't be so insensitive...

oh, it is a joke... sorry, first post was a reaction. ;)

soldiers are pawns in this struggle. they're not to blame. the military is there for a legitimate reason: to protect this country. however, this administration, more than any other, has used the emotions of a hurt nation to gain specific interests in another, through complete manipulation and outright lies. the bush administration has single-handedly driven this country into the toilet. i hope the truth is some day listened to, and that the people responsible for this: bush, et al, are tried and treated accordingly.

Several weeks ago I was out riding my bike late one night in a parking lot. I ride flatland, which, if you don't know, could be described as dancing with a bicycle. ANyway, i'm practicing a new trick for about half an hour, then out of one of the stores comes two marines. They stand and watch me ride for about 10 minutes. The second I sit down to have a drink of water they come over and talk to me.

Marine1: That look s pretty hard. Must take a lot of dedication. me: Yeah, I try to ride about 8 to 10 hours a week. marine2: You ever thought about joining the army? You could ride your bike all over the world. me: But I'd get shot at. marine1: Well, you might not get shot at. me: 'might' being the key word there. I'm not joining the army when I can ride me bike right here and not worry about being in the crosshairs of someone who doesn't want us in his country.

They both said nothing, just turned and walked off.

goodnight guys.

I thought that the bush administration would try to get some troops out of this disaster from the beginning.

Of course, that video is fake. But I wouldn't be surprised if they had recruiting stations down there after it calmed down a bit.

CAstudent: Two marines tried to recruit you into the army? I guess the Army finally gave up on trying to recruit and looked to the people who actually hit their goals :)

There is some discussion over on TomDispatch (again, thanks Norm for bringing these interviews to our attention) in an interview with James Carroll that I found relevant to this discussion.

[snip]

TD: I was struck by recent statements by top American generals in Iraq about draw-downs and withdrawals, all of them clearly unauthorized by Washington. At the bottom, you have angry military families, lowering morale, and the difficulties of signing people on to the all-volunteer army; at the top, generals who didn't want to be in Iraq in the first place and don't want to be there now.

Carroll: Well, they've been forced to preside over the destruction of the United States Army, including the civilian system of support for the Army -- the National Guard and the active Reserves. This is the most important outcome of the war and, as with Vietnam, we'll be paying the price for it for a generation.

[/snip]

Anyways, it's a fascinating interview. Carroll talks of the unavoidable implications, such as our sudden dependence - in absence of troops - on long-range missiles (including nuclear) and the airforce, and our lack of ability to respond to humanitarian crises, like that in Sudan, in absence of ground forces.

In my view, when the military is abused, it abuses in turn.

"But when I read that some of the women who were KIA in Iraq were mothers of very little kids, then the USA has to ask itself: Is there really no other option for a young mother to earn a living?"

Isn't that the 'equality' that everyone claims they want? Now, I know that what they really mean is they want all the good stuff equality brings, and none of the bad stuff. But if men and women are equal, then both have the potential of being in harm's way if they join the military.

I think safe, rich, comfortable people who think 'left' because they've been indoctrinated mock the Army, police, and any other institution because they basically have empty, vapid, pointless lives. All they have is their tired sarcasm and rancor.

I did not join the Army, but I know many people who did. I have family members from many of the services. Being on a military base is a lot like being, well, anywhere else. There are smart people and dumb people, brave people and cowards. But to mock them, or claim that they are somehow preyed upon or tricked into their service, is disingenuous at best and dishonest at worst. A lot of people do believe in their country, and do want to defend it. Many people still believe in the concept of service, of performing a duty. And many join it just because it's hard.

Don't like the military, then don't join it. Yes it would be great if everyone had the opportunity to do something else, but that doesn't mean that everyone in the military was tricked or cajoled or had no other options.

marine2: You ever thought about joining the army? You could ride your bike all over the world.

Believe it's been touched on, but if two marines tried to recruit you into the army three things have happened:

1. The marines have gone insane and lost all sense of reality.

2. It's a joke by two guys who have no idea what they're talking about.

3. You made a mistake or made up the event.

I doubt you made it up, and a marine would kill themself before saying they're apart of the Army ;)

But, it's only a major slip if you say it in presence of marines (another tip: never call them soldiers either -- always Marines).

Thanks a million for all the clips Norm.

IN full disclosure, previously Anon from above.

Hmm... so let me get this straight. One week or so after the worst natural disaster of their lives, we should subject the poorest of the poor with a sales pitch for getting shot? No wait, all those commercials for the Army show the kid having fun with computers and telling mom what a man he can be for being in the Army.

I find it quite telling when someone who has never been in the Army/Navy or whatever (yet says it is ok for "blackie" to join because he/she is poor) defends this fact with the phrase "but I know people in the service." This is flawed logic; an irrelevant statement if there was one.

It is especially flawed given the fact that the people in the Superdome, Astrodome, etc. were for the most part impoverished and uneducated. Can we all guess what the pitch was from the recruiters? Hmm, let's hazard a guess.

"Hey there, you want some fast cash? Army's giving enlistees 15k just to sign their name on the dotted line! Then we'll pay for school, take care of your family... blah blah blah"

What bullshit. You give me a fight worth dying for and I'll be the first in line any day of the week. For now, if the cause is so noble to you then get the hell off the keyboard and get your ass to Baghdad.

"I think safe, rich, comfortable people who think 'left' because they've been indoctrinated mock the Army, police, and any other institution because they basically have empty, vapid, pointless lives. All they have is their tired sarcasm and rancor."

Joe, I know the homefront needs to be guarded against lib-think, but, trust me, the internet is manned well beyond capacity with no-nuts neocons and pussy young conservatives. What you need to do is put down your keyboard and get to a recruiters office. Today. You think the war in Iraq is so fucking important, you fight it.

But what do I know, I'm just another liberal veteran.

I don't think many people are "tricked" into joining the military any more than single mothers are "tricked" into waitressing. Two of my cousins joined (one army, one navy) simply because they wanted to go to college but neither they nor their parents could afford it or get enough scholarships/loans. One of them is going into the culinary arts, but again, couldn't afford the schooling, so he's a navy chef instead, to take advantage of the GI Bill. They did not join out of some sense of 'patriotism' (this was before 9/11/01), but simply because they needed the money for school. And this is the 'hook' that gets many high school graduates into the military.

For me, once I told them I was majoring in graphic design, they usually gave up pretty quickly. Now I'm 25 so they've stopped calling.

Forgot to mention, both of my cousins quit after their four years were up, and are now using the GI Bill to help pay for college, as planned. One did get sent to Afghanistan after 9/11/01, but wasn't over there very long and didn't see any action.

Joe: "I think safe, rich, comfortable people who think 'left' because they've been indoctrinated mock the Army, police, and any other institution because they basically have empty, vapid, pointless lives. All they have is their tired sarcasm and rancor."

I know this quote was already responded to, but I just had to pick it apart.

First, "I think safe, rich, comfortable people think 'left' because they've been indoctrinated". Are you implying that the only reason people think 'left' is because they have been told to, or in some way brainwashed? No rational person who is safe and rich can think 'left'?

Then we got, "mock the Army, police, and any other institution because they basically have empty, vapid, pointless lives". empty, vapid, and pointless? Because they made a joke about an institution? What about people who mock politicians, celebrities, even hairdressers? Are all our nations comedians lives empty, vapid, and pointless?

And to finish it off, "All they have is their tired sarcasm and rancor." Yeah, if all you do is listen to the sarcasm and rancor. But most people are attempting to make a point with their statements, too.

today looking at craigs list for orange county ca saw these deceptive adds (the following is cut and pasted from the list) -Food service operations, No exp needed, paid training -Patient Admin. Specialist, Paid Medical, Training, no exp -Admin/Office paid trainee, no exp 3 pos. available! -MILITARY POLICE TRAINEE (all adds had the same description below, the only add that came close to the truth was military police trainee and whats this "weekend military" bs when you can get shipped to Iraq if you join???)

STATE PROGRAM in response to Hurricane Katrina. Looking for men and women 18-39 years old, Must have HS Diploma or GED, no serious law violations or health issues. You get: up $600 for 2 days work, $10,000 sign on bonus,Food Service training, 100% college tuition assistance. We are the National Guard, our mission is to assist the police and fire dept's during disasters like earthquakes, floods and natural disasters in California. You will be a state employee with all the benefits! This is the best kept secret in the state! Must enlist in the part time military. Call me, I promise NO B.S., just the facts to see if this is for you. Prior service encouraged to apply! (yes they say its the nat'l guard but the job listing is straight bs and how is it "part time" in Iraq)

My recruiter lied his ass off to me when I enlisted. Back in 1982 the Army had plenty of recruits, but most were not scoring high enough on the ASVAB to fill slots in high-IQ MOS'.

I wanted to enlist in Infantry, but my recruiter told me, because I got a perfect GT score on my ASVAB, that there was no way in hell he could place me in Infantry.

I told him to kiss my ass and I walked over to the USMC recruiting station. The USMC recruiter, unlike the Army recruiter, didn't give a damn what my ASVAB score was and encouraged me to join Marine Infantry. Unfortunately, I wanted to leave right away, but the Marines wouldn't have a Basic Training slot for me for five weeks.

So I went back to the Army and enlisted in the Medical Corps. Only when I got to Basic did I learn my recruiter lied to me. However, to his credit, I belonged in the Army as a medic and I appreciate his kicking my butt into the right direction; I did more good for the Green Machine as a doc than I would have as a grunt.

I digress, heh-heh.

I would like to point out one interesting recruitment strategy I noticed that I haven't really followed up on. OK, on launch.com (Yahoo music service, for those of you who don't know) plays music videos and...ads; commercials, in between videos. You can 'sign in' with your yahoo ID. I would like to point out that I am sixteen years old, OK? Prime recruiting age right? I might want to go off to college, or learn those 'life skills' the army goes on about. Whatever. Point is, when I sign in with my Yahoo ID, which clearly states that I am sixteen, guess which commercials start playing almost nonstop. Any guesses? Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, etcetera. These play very seldom if I am just surfing and not signed in with my ID. Yes, that same exact one stating I am sixteen, as a matter of fact. Prime age. The military knows the audience it wants, that's for sure.

Kienan, Not long ago Joe Camel would also have appeared insistently. Who knows if in the future they will also be forbidden?

When I was in the Navy I was suprised at how many people were so against going to sea.........ya joined the f'n Navy! People who join the Army, Navy, Airforce or Marines and feel duped because they were sent into combat need to get a clue. The National Guard? That is another story. They should not be conducting combat operations overseas in my opinion. I can understnd utalizing them to a degree, but they should be in more of a support role.

My last 30 days in the navy I worked at the recruiteres office, being a seal they loved to send us to highschools in our uniforms and such. They would give me a printout for every local highschool, it would include names, address, phone numbers, I'd have to cold call the kids. So the people who think Bush is trying to start some "Hitler Youth" cult by getting this information, all this happened in 1996. When I joined I talked to the Army, Marines and Navy. I have one grandfather who is retired Air Force, and the other is a Marine (I would never say former, he'd kill me). My grandfather who is a marine told me the Marine recruiter was full of shit, and my grandfather who was in the AF said the same about their recruiter, so I went with the Navy.

That's right we should just stop making commericals for the people to ask them to join the Military. Once your 18 your demanded to join the military. I say that works for everyone.

To the person Moaning about women with children that joined the Army went out and died. Good ridance, the child can find a better mommy that is still alive and well. Hell the new mommy maybe even in the Military too.

USAF, could you possibly be a little more insensitive with your callous and abusive viewpoint? Before you post, take a second and look at the issue from another side.

Try some of these thoughts....What if it were my daughter? what if it were my grandchildren that I am now responsible for raising?

Bottom line is your post is inconsiderate, inflammatory and immature.

Joe the commenter:

You know, when you mock the military, you go from making valid points to just being assholes. ... I did not join the Army, but I know many people who did.

Gee Joe, why not? As former Soldiers, Sailors, Zoomies and Marines, we love to mock our respective services, as someone said upthread, but we pretty much don't pick on the poor souls out on the pointy end of the spear, most of us having been there in one form or another over the past 30 -plus years. Vietnam, The Cold War, Kosovo, DS 1, or the present clusterfuck one thing never changes: the institutional stupidity of the fucking military and many of the imbeciles in charge, in and out of uniform.

So here's a thought for your "I never joined but knew someone who did" self. How about a nice steaming hot cup of STFU about bitching about the military? When you've cleaned a few shitters, then stood a years worth of mid-watches, or walked a thousand miles of posts at 4AM in the sweltering heat or freezing rain, or sat a thousand hours of strip alerts, and when the toast to Fallen Comrades comes up, you can think of at least a dozen you knew, you served with and ate breakfast with the morning they died, then come back and tell us to stop bitching about the military. Yeah we all volunteered, but that doesn't mean we voluntereed to have been used and abused by a government full of people who "knew someone who knows someone who's married to a cousin of someone on Active Duty".

Fair?

As being one who served in the Army and who has seen two combat zones - I say to those who have never served, think before you say shit that makes you look like a chicken-hawk. It's always the loudest ones who never have the guts to actually buy the product they are selling.

To USAF - get a grip! Have you ever served? I am assuming you did and you served in the Air Farce. So, what's good for you is good for all? Are you saying that single mothers are undesirables - if so, then spoken like a true "compassionate conservative"

Thank God you have no control or constituents.