The misleading nature of American military recruitment ads

[mrdevious]

There is a valid point when some folk point out that everybody killed in our latest conflicts joined the service voluntarily. BUT, since it's volunteer I also get pissed off that the military's recruitment ads don't give any indication of the real experience, the fact that you'll have to kill and possibly be killed; instead it's a lot of inspiring music with soldiers climbing walls, jumping out of airplanes, sailing mighty aircraft carriers, enthusiastic chorus's of young soldiers yelling "yeah!" while doing so, and teaching alien women to love (well I added that last one from the futurama when Fry joined the military).

Point is, this romanticisation of the whole experience disgusts me. If American politicians want to send people's kids off to die, they can at least not feed them a bunch of bullshit about what they'll be facing. It's not like they can't make ads showing a realistic portrayal of the experience, we already have them out in Canada!

YouTube - New CF Recruting Ads (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_6vK_JSSTo)

[Psycho4Bud]

Well since ya posted a recruitment flick for a Canadian armed force I'll take it ya meant those neo-cons to the north of us here when ya say America. I guess their part of it too.....LOL.

Ya know though, when they show a flick of people running around with assault rifles, throwing gernades into rooms, etc........shouldn't people give the drift? I know that probably looks like a Canadian hunting party to you guys but down here we take it that this means ya might be in harms way from time to time possibly expected to shoot them things at a person.

Here's a few adds that say, "GET R DONE"!:thumbsup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZaWvE0xiB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiVP9aOfOQM&mode=related&search=

Have a good one!:s4:

[mrdevious]

Well since ya posted a recruitment flick for a Canadian armed force I'll take it ya meant those neo-cons to the north of us here when ya say America. I guess their part of it too.....LOL.

You misunderstanda P4B, I showed a Canadian recruitment ad because I said, right before it, that the latest Canadian ads are at least more honest (IE the pleasant nailbomb in there). Canadian recruitment ads had just as much bullshit before this particular campaign, I just think this is a step in the right direction.

BTW, I feel I should point out that I'm not out to get the "neo-cons". I'm not very impressed with the Republican party, but then I'm just as disappointed in the Canadian Liberal party who's reign of stupidity thankfully ended after 13 long years. I may not support Iraq, but I'm hardly a hardcore lefty and I support the war effort in Afghanistan 100% since day one. America's our friends and allies, lets hope your guys and mine will keep kicking some Taliban ass:thumbsup:.


Ya know though, when they show a flick of people running around with assault rifles, throwing gernades into rooms, etc........shouldn't people give the drift? I know that probably looks like a Canadian hunting party to you guys but down here we take it that this means ya might be in harms way from time to time possibly expected to shoot them things at a person.

I don't know man, i was pretty disappointed by those ads. Same old inspiring music, mostly images of guys spinning rifles, driving nifty machinery, jumping out of planes, running around in fields, and generally looking cool. It's a given that they're going to be armed with guns and tanks, where's the actual combat? Where's the gritty, cold, hard reality of war? All this inspiring music and vague images being flashed is just what I'm talking about, it looks more like a recruitment ad for the School of Rambo-Schwarzeneggar-BruceWillis sexy ass-kicking heroes.



Have a good one!:s4:


You too. Happy toking buddy!:jointsmile:

[fishman3811]

WOW P4B i like the first add where do i sign up?Seriously i like the first add it looks like some hollywood director made it.But the object of the adds is to get people to sign up if you showed the reality of war nobody would sign up for it.

[fishman3811]

BTW im against the war in Afghanistan why the fuck should our kids get killed for a corrupt government let that government fight for their shitty country.

[mrdevious]

BTW im against the war in Afghanistan why the fuck should our kids get killed for a corrupt government let that government fight for their shitty country.


Well, because I believe an alliance is about mutual protection. The Taliban directly funded, sheltered, supplied, and worked with AlQaeda. AlQaeda directly attacked America and slaughtered thousands of civilians, if that's not a pretext for war I don't know what is.

I also support it because they are one of the most backwards, oppressive, and brutal regimes that this planet has ever seen. They commit horrible abuses of human rights, keep the people in extreme poverty, keep the society in the dark ages, rule as feudal lords, allow the larges opium/heroin trade in the world (I know we are too, but it's necessary until we can establish a healthy economy), support terrorism and thereby the wholesale slaughter of civilians, indoctrinate the people with hate for the west, beat and execute women in public for the most rediculous shit like walking unescorted or learning to read..... heck I'm sure I'm missing some things. The Taliban are the scum of the Earth, the cancer on Middle Eastern society, if anybody's worth abolishing I would think it would be those assholes.

[rebgirl420]

^^ beautifully stated

[fishman3811]

Wait a minute the Taliban tried to stop the opium trade and it actually went down while they were in power.Yes they were a brutal regime like you stated but its not our job to get rid of them its the Afghans job.Plus there are far worse regimes than them in this world.

[medicinal]

You guys got a bit off topic, Here's a perfect example of treachery: Goldie Hawn In Private Benjamin. The tropical paradise afforded her in the recruitment film was certainly not what she got, samo, samo!

[Gigliozzi]

Devious, you'd be surprised to know how many European publications and talk shows are seriously much quicker to defend the Taliban against the United States.

But hey, until recently, we ourselves had Kurt Vonnegut in this country.

About the ads: I understand your point. My only comeback would be that, like Psycho4Bud said, it should be pretty obvious that when you join the army you're going to have to put up with a lot of shit, but that would be pretty lame.

That being said, you can't single out the United States army for downplaying its drawbacks (i.e.: you might get killed). Everyone who's got something to sell or propagate does that. It's a market strategy... or rather, a market no-brainer.

But about the ads you posted: come on, now. How are you going to tell me they don't reek of just as much sensationalism as their American counterparts? That first one? The way it's directed, with the suspense and edgy music, it practically screams out, "Look at how fucking exciting this!"

The whole "Fight [insert endurance-related noun]" gimmick: what's the unspoken logic behind that?

"You CAN fight fear. You CAN fight distress. You CAN fight chaos. You can, because you're tougher than that. You're badass. In other words, you're cooler."

It's just pumping the inclined viewer into believing he/she can overcome and endure all those hardships, and by doing so, feel much more superior to those untrained, chickenshit mortals who can't.

No one gets hurt in those ads. No one gets killed. It just looks like everyone's having a lot of fun doing awesome, righteous shit.

Or am I wrong?

[Gigliozzi]

Fishman, which far more brutal regimes do you have in mind?

[Polymirize]

No one gets hurt in those ads. No one gets killed. It just looks like everyone's having a lot of fun doing awesome, righteous shit.

Or am I wrong?

No, you're totally right. Those were some stealthy and highly skilled operatives if you ask me. I wonder if I have what it takes to join the Canadian Military...?

I actually thought they were better than the American ads, a lot less over the top on the corn.



Dev, you can't really be serious about this? Isn't this romanticism completely across the board?

[Psycho4Bud]

BTW im against the war in Afghanistan why the fuck should our kids get killed for a corrupt government let that government fight for their shitty country.

THANKS ALOT ALLIE! What's the old saying? With friends like that who needs enemys.........

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

Right on man. The American ad campaign disgusts me also. I'll bet those kids are surprised as hell when they're getting shot at from all sides. No music playing, no slow motion matrix shots...

It's not just the US though, many countries army ad campaigns are just as ridiculous. That's the only way to draw vulnerable kids into the army, make it look like they're walking into their favourite video game. Next thing you know, they're a corpse. Not to say it's ONLY the kids that fall for these ads that end up joining, but I really didn't expect the American army to reach it's young targets any other way.

[Psycho4Bud]

Right on man. The American ad campaign disgusts me also. I'll bet those kids are surprised as hell when they're getting shot at from all sides. No music playing, no slow motion matrix shots...

What's the suprise? IF they are given an assault rifle, trained to be an expert.....isn't it logical the the other side just might be doing the same? These people are trained to use sophisticated equipment........don't make them out to be brainless idiots that are being mislead.

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

The adverts are made to romanticise war as if it's the coolest action movie you've ever been a part of. I would definitely say they're catering for the idiot crowd with this one. You really would have to be to take it in as such.

[delusionsofNORMALity]

Right on man. The American ad campaign disgusts me also. I'll bet those kids are surprised as hell when they're getting shot at from all sides. No music playing, no slow motion matrix shots...
is there anyone out there that's so naive as to believe that adverts are depicting real life? if there is then i'm all for sending them naked to the front lines so we can clean up the gene pool. these are probably the same people that walk into mcdonalds and expect to find helpful, cheerful employees serving delicious, nutritious food. we are bombarded every day with ads extolling the virtues of useless products and even the most ignorant bumpkins know better than to believe the glossy photos and inspiring music. those of you who are complaining that these armed forces ads are fooling anyone just seem to be searching for something to bitch about. the mad ave folks would probably be delighted to know that there are fools out there that take their product so seriously.
:S2:

[B.Basher]

Don't doubt the power of commercialism. The majority thrive off of television, more so in America than any other country. That is why they have more adverts on TV than actual programming. It's all propoganda, and it's sad if you can't see it. Why did they establish the new multi-million dollar Army Strong campaign recently? Because Bush needs more young peope to keep sacrificing themselves. It's barely a case of however many fall for it or not, it is blatant, heavy use of romanticised propoganda to suck the feeble minded into the romantic idea that they're fighting for their country and a noble cause. The powers that be just need more cattle, that's all it comes down to. I am in no way trying to demoralise what it means to join the army or to be a soldier, nor am I accusing every soldier of being a dimwit that fell for a clearly unrealistic advertisement. I am merely pointing out the sickening methods that the powers that be use to suck the young generation into a conflict they know well to be more and more futile with every passing day.

[Psycho4Bud]

romanticise war as if it's the coolest action movie you've ever been a part of.

You mean like this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urpIqEr5g30

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

Ummm, no... Although that is a fuckin' good movie.

[Psycho4Bud]

In this one they are even teaching the lessons of war to a left winger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKXMxqpPC04

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

Kinda off topic really.

[delusionsofNORMALity]

Don't doubt the power of commercialism.

isn't this just another way of saying "don't underestimate the public's gullibility"? this smacks of the socialist's idea that the people are just children who need to be led and protected by their betters. any moderately intelligent adult has learned to see through the glamorous mask of the advertising industry and no one with a lick of sense makes life altering decisions based on the glossy images of a thirty second commercial. the half truths that mad ave thrives on are even more transparent than the lies of our politicians. we all grew up with this garbage and we should know better than to take any of it at face value. though we might be willing to try out a new soft drink based on the flimsy claims of an "as seen on tv" infomercial, we don't go around throwing away our life savings or our lives just because the announcer says we should. contrary to the beliefs of those who embrace the big brother philosophy, the people are quite capable of making informed decisions for themselves.

[B.Basher]

"we all grew up with this garbage and we should know better than to take any of it at face value."

We should, but you understand a lot of people don't. Precisely the kinda people these adverts are aimed at. They're not just blowing smoke, advertising and propoganda is HUGE, the lecherous fucks that work in the field know exactly what is gonna click with some people.
If you need confirmation, check out the comments on this tube vid: YouTube - Army Strong (http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Yq8PFj_vQE)

[Psycho4Bud]

Kinda off topic really.

Not really.....we have watched these movies since we were kids and it's not a matter where these dudes are dodging bullets and NOT being killed; or playing a game of rock, paper, scissors with the enemy to see who will win the battle. Each one shows the enemy being killed and their friends going down also. Not as graphic as real life but reality all in the same.

When you join the service it's well known in advance that you are being trained to kill and that you might be expected to give your life. ANYONE that joins without that in the back of their mind hasn't evaluated the situation at all! High rise window washers make great cash but I realize that I DO NOT want to hang off the side of a building 30 floors up!

ALL these military recruitment vids have the same thing in them.....people carrying rifles with intent to kill.

Have a good one!:s4:

[Psycho4Bud]

They're not just blowing smoke, advertising and propoganda is HUGE, the lecherous fucks that work in the field know exactly what is gonna click with some people.
If you need confirmation, check out the comments on this tube vid: YouTube - Army Strong (http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Yq8PFj_vQE)

If they were really out to get todays youth they'd be playing War Pigs in the background.....that's if they were the "lecherous fucks" that you state they are.

Once again though they show people jumping out of perfectly good aircraft, tanks, etc... Where is the deception?

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

"Not really.....we have watched these movies since we were kids and it's not a matter where these dudes are dodging bullets and NOT being killed; or playing a game of rock, paper, scissors with the enemy to see who will win the battle. Each one shows the enemy being killed and their friends going down also. Not as graphic as real life but reality all in the same."

And yet, funnily enough, totally absent from any US army ad campaign.

"When you join the service it's well known in advance that you are being trained to kill and that you might be expected to give your life."

A fact, but not the fact portrayed by any army recruiter, or in any army ad campaign. This is not the side of the army that recruitment campaigns want to express. Instead, they rely on the romanticisation of becoming a 'strong' soldier, being 'the best', having a fucking good time in the army, standing for your country and <insert values here>. Iraq is not mentioned, even though thats where they're all going, fighting is not mentioned, even though that's what they'll be doing. If these campaigns were at all honest, they would address the issues at hand of which require more soldiers to enlist. Naturally they won't, because such issues are not only entriely void of any real values or passionate ideals but the government barely even know what the fuck is going on. They just need more kids.

And I am totally unconvinced the image of a rifle, or any gun for that matter, has any negative connotations in America. I remember seeing an advert for a 'guns and weapons sale' last time I was in the states. It showed happy shoppers fondling pistols, chatting about what to buy and ended on a skimpily clad blonde pumping a shotgun and saying 'come check us out today, bring the family!' It is not an instrument of death, it is a symbol of your freedom and constitutional rights.

[B.Basher]

"Where is the deception?"

I think your capable of realising the deception. I really shouldn't have to point it out to you.

[Psycho4Bud]

Instead, they rely on the romanticisation of becoming a 'strong' soldier, being 'the best', having a fucking good time in the army,

So in that flick where the tank blasts though the sand that means what.......join the army and have a hell of a time with the ultimate off road vehicle? Come on now!

These people that join and are accepted are full grown intelligent adults. They don't need a recruitment film stating that they might have to kill and die with graphic pics illustrating the fact. It's in the movies, on the news every day of the week. It's not like these folks are pre-teen people in need of guidance.

Have a good one!:s4:

[B.Basher]

I havn't done any extensive studies. The success of these adverts is beyond me, but check out the tube link I posted if you need some kind of confirmation. Again, I am talking about the nature of these ads. They advertise joining the army in reality, yet the piece is strung together with slow motion shots, epic music, people smiling and having the time of their lives. It's a fucking movie trailer and so far from the reality it boggles the mind. Without meaning to sound elitist, UK army ad campaigns make emphasis on the different areas you can join. There is even one for becoming a chef, as well as a technician, communications expert, engineer. Most of all though, they don't glamourise it, they present it as a career option for all kinds of people, one that doesn't necessarily mean you need to get your head blown off. US Army Strong is nothing but romantic propoganda for impressionable young people, barely informative, just something to get you all riled up and punching the air; like power rangers on a saturday morning.

You can stop pretending i'm making a statement about every soldier that joins.

[B.Basher]

Also, i'm awaiting your response in my idealisms thread :thumbsup:.

[Psycho4Bud]

I watched it and in fact it's the same one that I originally posted. If anything I see it as a promotion for pride in a job that others wouldn't touch. I also see weapons and we all know where that leads. So do the recruits.

"You can stop pretending i'm making a statement about every soldier that joins."

I'm not, but by todays recruitment standards somebody that hasn't got the intellect to realize what may happen probably won't be accepted.

Have a good one!:s4:

[delusionsofNORMALity]

It's in the movies, on the news every day of the week. It's not like these folks are pre-teen people in need of guidance.
by the standards of the new liberal community, even with full disclosure of every possible outcome, we are still incapable of making an informed decision. with that outlook they can justify imposing endless regulations on the public and shape our lives to suit their own needs. even if those commercials showed nothing but endless rows of caskets, they would claim that the public is too stupid to understand that those caskets contained the remains of soldiers killed in battle. the followers of new left will not be satisfied until we all understand that we are merely children in need of their wisdom and guidance. they don't seem to understand that they will not be the ones in charge.
:beatdeadhorse:

[B.Basher]

"I watched it and in fact it's the same one that I originally posted. If anything I see it as a promotion for pride in a job that others wouldn't touch."

That's fair enough. In a world where rational, realistic thought overcomes the illusions of pride, I see it as desperate, shameless propoganda to lure the impressionable into an increasingly infamous conflict.

"I'm not, but by todays recruitment standards somebody that hasn't got the intellect to realize what may happen probably won't be accepted."

I'll never know for sure, but by today's circumstances, I'd imagine they ain't bothered either way.

Cheers.

[B.Basher]

"by the standards... ...ones in charge."

I'm at a loss for what this post is trying to say exactly.

[Psycho4Bud]

I'll never know for sure, but by today's circumstances, I'd imagine they ain't bothered either way.

Cheers.

This isn't the army of old where you give some grunt a rifle and tell him to charge. These people are dealing with million dollar computorized equipment. Hell, even the replacement for the M-16 is going to be computorized.

Have a good one!:s4:

[shaggzx]

The brainless idiots are the ones that join because they feel they can't do anything else, which is why a lot of people join, especially living near a base like Fort Bragg.

[B.Basher]

Haha, what? Do you understand what those facts mean? I sure as hell don't, and i'm not shy to admit it. A computerised M16? What the fuck is that?

Anyway, I agree to disagree. I have a somewhat predispositioned hatred towards all form of mind control and mass manipulation, which very much includes advertising and marketing. When political agendas come into the equation, I find it the darkest of human traits.

Safe, safe. Have a goodun yourself.

[Psycho4Bud]

Haha, what? Do you understand what those facts mean? I sure as hell don't, and i'm not shy to admit it. A computerised M16? What the fuck is that?

Ever watch future weapons? The replacement will be a combination assault rifle with a gernade launcher mounted underneath. The launcher can have the distance programed into it so the gernade explodes at a certain range instead of a direct hit.

Anyway, I agree to disagree. I have a somewhat predispositioned hatred towards all form of mind control and mass manipulation, which very much includes advertising and marketing. When political agendas come into the equation, I find it the darkest of human traits.

IF these recruitment flicks had a group of people laughing it up in a coffee shop in another country stating that joining meant to see new lands, learn the language and meet new exciting friends that would be one thing.......these adds do no such thing.

Have a good one!:s4:

[Psycho4Bud]

The brainless idiots are the ones that join because they feel they can't do anything else, which is why a lot of people join, especially living near a base like Fort Bragg.

Well, when you know how to operate a M1A tank or able to fly an Apache helicoptor that's when I take put some credibility into your statement.

Have a good one!:s4:

[medicinal]

Youngsters are inclined to think they are invulnerable. That it's always someone else that gets killed, they won't. If one actually thought the odds of them getting killed were fairly high, I doubt there would be many volunteers. Remember the saying, young, dumb, and full of cum. The ones volunteering are the ones with the football mentality, you know, the coach jacks them up and they are running on pure adrenaline, the same shit applies in the military. The enemy is evil so therefore if you kill one it isn't the same as killing a human being. I know, I've been there! When I was called to duty, there was the draft, or else I'd never have gone!