Chapter 3 - Recruiting Is Psy Ops at Home
American military recruiting is a despicable, psychological pursuit that pits carefully selected and highly trained soldiers against vulnerable children. The American Public Health Association points to the greater likelihood that the youngest soldiers will experience increased mental health risks, including stress, substance abuse, anxiety syndromes, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide. The APHA says recruiters engage in aggressive behaviors in an attempt to gain a child’s confidence and trust. Recruiters are exceptionally charming while failing to honor clear boundaries. It is despicable public policy and it’s time to end it.
Despite state-sponsored propaganda suggesting otherwise, the vast majority of youth aren’t interested in joining the military, while a disproportionate number of enlistments come from the reddest of red states in the old South. The U.S. unemployment rate is under 5%, so youth generally have better prospects; prospects that don’t jeopardize their lives, subject them to demeaning treatment, and rob their freedom. It is entertaining to witness the litany of reasons proffered by the Pentagon explaining why Johnny isn’t signing up.
Meanwhile, American youth deflect an onslaught of attempts by recruiters from all four branches who are keen on getting them on the bus to boot camp. Recruiters call landlines, cell phones, and they send emails. They mail high-quality brochures that leave out crucial facts. They lurk in chat rooms and collect data from dozens of online venues. Recruiters chill in the parking lot with kids at the local high school, and they eat lunch in the cafeteria. They’re on a first-name basis with students, many who nonetheless manage to remain aloof. Recruiters are child predators, and our kids know it, often better than their parents.
The Pentagon appears to be intent on developing a permanent military caste of southern boys and others they can develop and control from the cradle to the grave. Military planners are confident it is possible to create a force of completely obedient warriors who’ll always place the mission first and never accept defeat.
Despite state-sponsored propaganda suggesting otherwise, the vast majority of youth aren’t interested in joining the military, while a disproportionate number of enlistments come from the reddest of red states in the old South. The U.S. unemployment rate is under 5%, so youth generally have better prospects; prospects that don’t jeopardize their lives, subject them to demeaning treatment, and rob their freedom. It is entertaining to witness the litany of reasons proffered by the Pentagon explaining why Johnny isn’t signing up.
Meanwhile, American youth deflect an onslaught of attempts by recruiters from all four branches who are keen on getting them on the bus to boot camp. Recruiters call landlines, cell phones, and they send emails. They mail high-quality brochures that leave out crucial facts. They lurk in chat rooms and collect data from dozens of online venues. Recruiters chill in the parking lot with kids at the local high school, and they eat lunch in the cafeteria. They’re on a first-name basis with students, many who nonetheless manage to remain aloof. Recruiters are child predators, and our kids know it, often better than their parents.
The Pentagon appears to be intent on developing a permanent military caste of southern boys and others they can develop and control from the cradle to the grave. Military planners are confident it is possible to create a force of completely obedient warriors who’ll always place the mission first and never accept defeat.