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The latest round of army recruiting videos have targeted American society in a bold attempt to entice the country’s young people to become soldiers.
Rather than highlighting the unique opportunities military service can provide, the branch has gone downright mean-spirited, comparing what some see as basic human rights benefits to the far weaker ones provided by the place. average American worker.
The clips, featured on YouTube, basically say, “the military isn’t great, but it’s way better than working anywhere else.”
Focused on benefits such as buying a home, paid parental leave, vacation days and pension plans, the underlying message of these videos seems less about recruiting and serves more as a commentary on the sad situation of the average civilian employee. There are currently five of the ads, all part of a series called “Know Your Army”.
In the short about the benefits of buying a house, a soldier on a camping trip says, “So, uh, we’re getting that house we told you about.”
His friends around the campfire are appalled, as a brave one asks, “Are you buying a house?” incredulous.
She replies with undue gall: “Yes, soldiers get VA loan guarantees.”
“Well, my office gives out free bagels,” the desperate civilian friend retorts.
The smug soldier and her husband simply stare at the friend, acknowledging her pathetic situation, and the scene fades to black. “Go to the army.”
Another, on pensions, is equally commendable. It features a stupid old civilian in the middle of a river, wearing waders and a bucket hat, trying to fish, but his phone rings and he has to answer: he’s a customer.
He looks enviously at the handsome young soldier, who throws a line without caring about the world.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“Retired,” said the young man with a smirk.
“Technology?” he questions. Otherwise, how could such a young and manly man have the money to spend his days catching catfish in the Styx?
“No, army,” he says, flashing his million-dollar Tricare smile.
In an even bolder move, GoArmy did not disable comments, prompting some viewers to talk about the impact of these videos.
“Good luck convincing your CO to approve your 30 day vacation,” user SHIIEEET wrote in response to the paid time off video.
Another user named Mr. Muldoon wrote: “Wow. It’s hard to believe that the [Army] can’t make numbers with recruitment gems like these.
Last fiscal year, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command secured 57,606 recruits, 106 more than its target, but fell short of its reserve target of 15,875. Only 11,690 candidates made it to camp. coaching.
Maybe Army Reserve recruiters should try free bagels?
Observation Post is the Military Times’ one-stop-shop for everything off-duty. Stories may reflect the author’s observations.
Sarah Sicard is an editor at the Military Times. Previously, she served as Digital Editor of the Military Times and Editor-in-Chief of the Army Times. Other work can be found in National Defense Magazine, Task & Purpose and Defense News.
