Army Marketing
I think this whole army marketing thing has gotten a little out of hand. Sure, the army is good, and recruitment is also good. The problem lies in the fact that each side has gone too far. Let's start with the U.S. army. I agree with the fact that they have to make recruitment goals to sustain the defense of the country, however, the means in which they do this may have gone a little too far. Putting army recruitment games in Dave and Busters is not really necessary, the army is just presenting a glorified version of war to the public. The simulation isn't even realistic. These simulations are giving people false ideas about war. If they think its all fun and games of course they are going to join. I think we should go back to the ways of WWI, where people joined the army for the shear love of their country, fighting for what they believe in, and not just because they think it will be a fun game. In no way am I advocating against the actions of the U.S. army soldiers, but I do not agree with the way they get their recruits. They have this massive recruitment goal, but I just don't think its necessary. We, as a country, spend more on national defense than the next five countries combined. I have mad respect for the men and women who serve in the army, but I don't think we need to spend all of our money of defense.
Now moving on to the other side of the coin. The accusations made by a few individuals are a bit ridiculous. There is a claim that Sears and other clothing stores are releasing a line of clothing related to the army, and that they are trying to brainwash the youth. This claim is felicitous and outrageous. Its simply clothing, its not like the clothes and brain controlling micro chips in them, or that every single person who wears the clothes is going to join the army. First of all people who would buy the clothing in the first place are probably people with some interest in the army to begin with, so they are not being brainwashed, they are buying clothes that support what they like. To make this claim is like saying that everyone who buys and NFL jersey is going to try and join the NFL. This simply is not true. People who buy an NFL jersey are people who like the team and want to support them. Second, the military look has always been a style, and it was never criticized until now. I think people are complaining just to complain. People need to realize that the army is in charge of our national security, and they are going to use recruitment methods. I don't believe they are overstepping their bounds by selling a clothing line.People need to calm down and show some respect for the organization who is protecting their country.