Should the military be allowed to recruit in public schools?
Yes. I believe they should be allowed.
I believe that military recruiters should have a prevalent presence in high schools because many students do not have the mode of transportation to get to a military recruitment station. My recruiter is located approximately 55 miles from me, and I am glad that my recruiter came to my school to talk to me about a career in the Armed services.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
I think any opportunity for the younger generation to get involved with the military is a GREAT thing. For anyone who is interested in going into the military I salute to them, because people willing to fight for our Country deserves high respect! Getting recruiters in there is such a benefit just to open their eyes and ears to new choices that they will have.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, we're talking about offering options, not a draft
The military is a valid option and worthy of consideration. High-schools are required by law for recruiters to talk with students. If they allow their students to consider other options on "career days" the schools should also give the students the opportunity to consider the military as either a short- or long-range option. The military isn't for everyone, and as in any other profession, some students wouldn't be considered as likely candidate by the military. Goodness, some people react to the idea of high-school students talking to a recruiter as if the students are being exposed to a highly-infectious disease. If the students are 17 the need parental permission, but if they are 18, they may enlist if they so choose, just as if they are 18 they may vote however they choose. High-school students can say "No" to drugs, and they can say “No” to the military if they so choose.
Posted by: AnonymousYes!
I believe that the military should be allowed to recruit at high schools. I have first hand knowledge on this subject, because I am a member of the military and I enlisted my 11th grade year because a recruiter came to my school and talk to us while giving us the ASVAB. I believe the military is for high school students because there is more access to prospects that have no knowledge of how the military works. Kids from high school can also benefit from the military, say for instance; a child’s parent can’t afford for him to go to college and the military will pay for that…the military gives a lot of educational benefits and the military can also build up their characters and help them become better citizens.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe the military, like colleges, should be allowed to recruit in public schools.
I believe the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools. Students are deciding what they want to do with their future, and that is one of their options. It is the best way for students to get information about what opportunities await them, such as college, military or work. Military personnel visiting public schools are simply providing information for students and are not using unethical actions to get them to join the military. It is very similar to colleges attending public schools to recruit new students.
Posted by: ObaICheeseI think that the military should be able to target teens for recruiting efforts
Because its the kids choice and you have a choice if you want to join or not the recruiters are not forcing any one to join the military they are just making sure the high school students are aware of the career and training opportunities and there is many jobs you can do in the military you are not just running around shooting people and getting shot at in war. And going to college and getting smart and becoming a doctor or something else is good but some people want to be known as a hero
Posted by: jeremyetterPersonal Choice
Clearly, the individuals who voiced "No", have all been misinformed. We, the service members, who serve you, do not force a civilian who is an "ADULT" to join. Its their personal choice. (Note* a civilian cannot join the Armed forces under 18yrs of age, unless with their parent/guardian's consent)
Everyone has a personal choice and a choice to choose their destiny. I'm proud of you all.
Private First Class Yang 34th Infantry DivisionPosted by: FMGOKUThe Military is a Career
The military is a prospective career, and one not many people consider. Kids should have the ability to know all of their career options and being in the military is one of them. If professions like doctors, scientists, and engineers are able to recruit at public high schools, why shouldn't the military. This is just another example of double standards. It is the duty of the world to let children see all the careers that they could possibly enter and the military is one of them.
Posted by: Echo101A great way to give high school kids an opportunity to get an education that will help them in future years.
The U.S. military has been stretched dangerously thin by the American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Plus, the military has a lot to offer: good pay, money for college, and the chance to see the world.
The presence of military recruiters in high schools does not force students to join the military; it simply alerts them to an option.Posted by: R4di0ChadAll for it!
Military recruiting in high schools is exactly like college recruiting. I am going to enlist in the u.s.m.c. Because I met with a military recruiter at my high school. It is a great alternative career and if I decide to go to college after I serve I will definitely be given the chance, thanks to the military.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy not it's not the worst profession that a child could choice.
I was in the military and to tell you the truth a lot of today's youth's could use the experience that the military gives you. It teaches you how to survive and do things that you did not think you could ever do. So yes let the military recruit in the schools serving your country is not a bad thing but an honor to do.
Posted by: 5h4rkEmarYes because anyone wanting to serve their country should be given the chance.
If you want to be a fire fighter then I dont see why you shouldn't do that, but if you want to go into the military then you should, but it's a big problem if you're in highschool. Most of the time kids in highschool don't have anywhere to go out in the real world. One of the best times to do that is in high school, when everybody says that,"Now is the time to think about your future, so think carefully!" Well what if they wanted to go into the Marine Corps, or the Army? Yes both have dangerous jobs, but what most people don't realize is that you don't have to fight on the front lines, you can do something like helicopter maintenance or some kind of maintenance.
Posted by: AnonymousLucky it is not mandatory to serve
I have been serving in the USAF for 11years, and after traveling around and noticing most countries require their nationals to serve at least a 2 year commitment; opens your eyes!!! We need to really remeber who gives us the right to run our mouths with the freedom of speech.
Posted by: AnonymousInformation
The recruiters that come to my school sit around at lunch and wait for you to talk to them for information. They don't go around and shove stuff in your face. I am a person who likes to have as many options as possible, and by having recruiters in the schools it opens doors. We can personally talk to them and get the information when we don't know where to start. Plus, we allow school to be way to heavily censored. Yes, military does contain violence. No, not all of it does. Yes, violence isn't something we can pretend doesn't exist for the "sake" or "benefit" of the children. In fact censoring it from them completely like that is harmful. Violence is part of life. How can we live life and learn from it if we don't acknowledge that what exists exists?
Posted by: NineI agree that the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools, going to the military is a viable option after graduation.
Students do want to join the military and they should be at the campus job and career fairs. A student should be aware of all of their options when deciding what to do with the rest of your life. The military is a proud American institution that instills pride and discipline in Americans and, they should be supported. A person can learn a lot form military service and a lot of kids these days are excited to serve for their country. College or trade school isn't the next step for most people. The military will also teach you a skilled trade that you can use when your service is up.
Posted by: C0ImEIiteI don't think it's harmful to let students know about their career options in the military through recruitment in public schools.
For many students a career in the military may create opportunities they may not otherwise have had. As long as recruitment efforts are not aggressive, I think presence of military recruiters in the public schools is acceptable. It seems unlikely that a student who has a much different plan for his life after high school, or one who is resistant to serving in the military would be persuaded to join the military because of the presence of recruiters in his school. Meanwhile, students who are interested in joining the military or who are still assessing a variety of educational/career options will be able to educate themselves about what military service would mean for them more easily.
Posted by: EntiDeanMilitary member
I think that the military recruiters should be allowed in schools. First, the government funds much of our schools in one way or another. Second, for those that say schools are for learning, the high school student will learn the options available to them. Third, colleges and universities recruit for their school sports, this is not educational, it is to find better athletes in order to have winning teams in order to make me money, not educate the student. As some have commented, we are not all born into money, some of us must take a job in order to pay for school, why not basically get a scholarship from the military?
Posted by: AnonymousThey are our future.
Student in high school should know that the military is an option. First of all, there is no draft. None at all. Meaning, the student chooses. Second of all, these young adults are already being pressured to choose colleges, therefore shouldn't the military be an option? Also, they are our future. Would you rather have our future leaders not have any experience in the field? With no real knowledge of what's really going on in the minds of soldiers? Having unwanted pity for soldiers instead of sympathy that pushes humans to take action?
Posted by: AnonymousLife Choices, young or old
Some say that kids in high school are to young to make choices that will effect their lives forever. That is what high school is, making decisions forever. Your grades and classes you take there will be with you forever.
Also, if in high school is too young to make those decisions, when are they who old should they be. When they get there, can they themselves make them. All the decisions before have been made by others, they will have no experience in doing that. It's like needing experience for a job, but to get the job you need experience in doing the job, see a problem here?Posted by: blackdeath1234a great choice
yes because i have to choose to go to the military after i had graduated andif they didnt i dnt know wat i would have dne so thanks to recruiters
Posted by: AnonymousThey should be able to!
The children don't have to join. They can do what ever they want. It's not like the recruiters are forcing them into the military. I for one am part of the recruitment in high schools and I think it should be encouraged. I don't not speak for everyone but I do think it is a good idea.
Posted by: AnonymousI think the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools, because it may be the only opportunity for many kids to find out about the military.
Most military recruits come from poorer families. Without the benefit of the military, these recruits would not have access to the education and leadership tools that the military utilizes. The military needs to have access to these students in order to recruit them. Without coming into schools, the military would have limited access to said students.
Posted by: SqualidVaughnAs an Air Force recruiter, I believe we should be able to inform students of all their options after graduation.
As a recruiter, I believe we should be allowed to inform students of all of their options. I would just like to say that military recruiters don't go in to high schools and force kids into joining. We are simply there to give information and answer questions any students might have. I'd like to also say that we are not recruiting 16 year olds! You must be at least 17, but you must have your parents permission, which means they would completely informed and present while discussing the student's options. Only 18+ year olds are allowed to sign up without parent permission. As for those of you saying these 18 year olds are not mature enough, well I can certainly tell you that I have enlisted some more mature 18 year olds than I have 27 year olds! You cannot generalize the maturity of 18 year olds, it varies from person to person. I read some comments saying we are "uneducate?" And "uninformed." I can assure you I am more educated than some civilian counterparts. You are stereotyping, which to me is something "uneducate?" People tend to do. As a recruiter, I have never made someone enlist. I have given them all of the information--good and bad--needed to make a well-informed decision. It's unfortunate that some people don't see the world for what it's really like. These people who say we should not be allowed in the high schools obviously don't have kids or don't know any very well. There are many kids who, without us in their schools giving information, would end up working at the mall for $10 an hour for the rest of their lives; struggling to make ends meet. Not only are we paying them a decent salary, but they are learning skills to make them marketable in the civilian sector for the rest of their adult lives. They are also learning values and respect for others, which some may not have had the opportunity to learn in their homes growing up. I'm tired of people giving recruiters a bad rap. We are not bad. We are not liars. I have always told my recruits the absolute truth. As an air force recruiter, I have nothing to hide from them. I will tell them anything they want to know. Everyone knows that every job, military or otherwise, has its pros and cons. All of my recruits know once they put that uniform on that they are serving their country and in return for all the benefits they are receiving, they are making a sacrifice for their country. Most are proud to do it and are smart enough not to listen to all the b.s. People who think they know something about the military like to talk. Just remember not everyone comes from a family that supports them and encourages them. Sometimes people need another option and that is what we are providing. We are not "preyin?" On uniformed kids. There is one more thing I wanted to make clear to those that say going into high schools is all about us wanting to make our "quotas." With the economy and job market the way it is these days there are more than enough recruits wanting to enlist. If a recruit is simply not ready or completely committed, there is no pressure. There are hundreds in line behind him ready to take his place. The truth is we have more recruits ready to go than we have jobs available. There is a 6+ month waiting list for most of the branches. So for those of you saying recruiters are only there to meet there goals or "quota?" As civilians say, it simply isn't true. I think you need to do more research and get your facts straight before opening your mouth. Another thing, yes, we are allowed access to public high school student's contact info because the government provides the school money. If you don't want your children called at home, it's simple, all you have to do is go to the high school at the beginning of the school year and sign 1 simple form and they will not this?lose your child's contact info! Easy as that! But I can tell you, if I contact a student and they say they are not interested, I am not going to waste my time by contacting them again. Trust me, I have a ton of other students I have to call!
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should be
I think the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools, because it may be the only opportunity for many kids to find out about the military. Most military recruits come from poorer families. Without the benefit of the military, these recruits would not have access to the education and leadership tools that the military utilizes. The military needs to have access to these students in order to recruit them. Without coming into schools, the military would have limited access to said students. We are well-informed. I am a high school senior and the military is a big choice for anyone. The recruiters in my area informed my school of the many dangers. They brought in a veteran who was in a car bombing and had lost both arms.They said that this is a dangerous career choice. They were very upfront with us. As to those who say that we are not mature enough to make this choice, maybe it is true, But I firmly believe that if I can choose what college I go to I can choose that I want to serve my country. The military is giving me the career path that I want. I want to be an Army Field surgeon. My family is unable to send me to a college that can help me reach my goal. I don't think of this as luck. Yes, I am going to have to work harder than those born into a family without financial difficulties, but the military is my choice and the recruiters in my area helped me see this. I support recruiters in high schools.
Posted by: AnonymousU.S. marine 2006-2011
I've noticed that not a single person against recruiters in school really have anything to say with any good back up, except their own personal views which don't matter to such a topic. I was enlisted the start of my senior year of high school. The best decision I ever made. I knew I wasnt going to college if I didn't join, no money and lack of drive hurt my gpa. Once I left active duty I'm a much better student, school is covered, I'm focused, driven, and a lot more respectful to others. I'm a better person and I would not be this way if my recruiter didn't visit the high school. It opens up door for those like me who have limited to no options. It turns boys and girls into men and women. On another note, everyone I ever met that enlisted knew they were going to war and 99% excepted it. Why do you ask? Because they are the few willing to step up and fight, not hide behind those that do fight. So don't go crying say that students don't know better. Colleges do the exact same thing as military recruiters do.
Posted by: AnonymousI think the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools.
I believe that the military should be allowed to recruit in public schools. If schools can hold job fairs and allow prospective colleges into schools, the military should be allowed as well. Some kids aren't able to qualify for financial aide and otherwise unable to pay for college. The military offers kids a way to pay for school, and offers others who wouldn't go to school ordinarily a chance at a career.
Posted by: CiriHug2The "public" aspect
Military should be allowed to recruit in high schools because the military is a government institution. If children go to a public school that is supported by government dollars (and if they do not pay any fees to attend said school), then because they are getting an educational handout from the government, they should have to sit through the military schpiel. If you don't want the government to meddle in your child's life, send them to a private school, or do the responsible thing and home school them.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, of course.
Too impressionable and not mature enough to fight a war huh? Because World War I and World War II weren't fought by many young adults, right? Recruiters aren't predatory, anyone that's worked with one knows that. Let kids make their own decisions. If colleges are allowed to have college fairs in schools, then as a totally legitimate institution and career choice after high school, so should the military. "A certain level of maturity must be reached before these kids can consider fighting a war." There are SO many jobs that are non-combat roles, or support roles, that are virtually in little to no danger. Combat forces may get the majority of the glory, but without support roles, they would grind to a halt. Never everyone has bullets whizzing over their heads all day, only the ones that choose to do.
Posted by: Anonymousthey should recruit private too.
Because it IS just the same as applying for college. The military should be able to influence whether or not a student would want to enlist. Whos to say they wont like it anyways. There are also a lot of benefits with the military. Maybe even more than with college.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
I am a 17 year old senior and don't have what it takes to get inot college. I don't have the money or the grades. So i signed up for the army, who give me a $50,000 GI bill for college. So i think military recruiting in High School is good for kids, it gives them the chance to do something with their lives.
Posted by: AnonymousThe military should be allowed to recruit in public schools because there's no good reason to disallow it.
The military should definitely be allowed to recruit in public schools because public schools are one of the best places to find potential soldiers. Every kid has the choice to join the military at some point or another anyway, so they might as well know what the military is all about at a reasonably early time. It truly is the best future option for many students (ones with bad grades for example) so these kids deserve to know about it.
Posted by: TwoVicThe military should be allowed to recruit in public schools because their is nothing offensive about the military and it also a very honorable and patriotic thing to serve.
The military should be allowed to recruit in public schools because their is nothing offensive about the military and it also a very honorable and patriotic thing to serve. Students in high school are already subjected to the violent images they see in the news. Their is nothing offensive about the military and the job it does that would prevent it from recruiting high school students who wish to serve their country in any of the armed forces. Signing up for a particular branch of the armed forces is not a punched ticket for war, either. In addition, the armed forces can teach and train soldiers in real world professions such as medicine and law enforcement that the soldiers can take after they leave the service and have a successful career.
Posted by: 53r3n3PiersHeck yes, they should, our young should be proud to serve!
Public schools have no problem with colleges recruiting on campus. Why would they have a problem with the Military doing the same? Are they trying to tell me that is not important? We need patriots in this time we live in. People just don't seem to realize that we are a nation at war. I believe that any school that attempts to ban the Army from recruiting should have their federal funds pulled.
Posted by: BriaBlackenThe bottom line
The military should definitely be allowed to recruit in high schools. Contrary to what many of the opposition think they do not recruit 16 year olds and 17 year olds require parental consent from both mother and father. And the misconception that recruiters "hide the danger?" Behind serving is completely off-base. There is no way with all of the movies and video games to downplay the levels of risk involved. And lastly, by taking away the largest market of volunteers there is a chance that the draft could be re-enacted and then take away the freedom we have to say no.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary Member
They shold be granted the rights that all other are allowed to do. Colleges days are recruitment tools, dont be hypocritical in your statements. Remember freedom isnt free. If you dont want your soon to be adults to defend this country pick up a weapon and fallow me.
Posted by: Anonymoushigh school students joining the military will benefit them in the long run.
high school students are able to make thier own decision, the recruiters job is to inform them about joining the military and the benefits. The recruiters do not tell the students they have to join this is not a mandatory thing the army is a volunteer job no one is told what they have to do. If the students does decide they want to join the military and they are only 17 and currently in thier junior year they will not be able to do active instead they will be required to do the split-ops program and they will be put in army reserves. After the students graduates they will be stuck in army reserves for a few years and then they can decide if they want to do active or not. But if a 17 year old student wants to do active they will have to wait until they finish highschool so there is no comitment to joining the service. If the parents do not want a military recruiter talking to thier kids at all they can get papers to opt out so the students personal stuff will not be shared with a recruiter. A student decides when they want to talk to a recruiter the recruiter does not go to them.
in a reply to this answer
No way!No way!!! children in high school are not mature enough to join the military at that age. they should goto college and graduate before chosing to goto apply for the military. By the time they graduate they will be mature enough to understand the difficulties and fears that will probably await
Students will still be able to go to college if they join the reserves. The military will pay for the college but the students is then required to serve 4 years active and 4 years inactive. So the students will be able to get an education and they will be getting paid for it.Posted by: AnonymousYes.
I believe that recruiters should be allowed in schools. What most people don't realize is that they are there to help teenagers explore their career paths. I am a junior in high school and I love the fact that i found my career due to a recruiter. Recruiters are there to educate young minds in what other opportunities there are. Parents think that we're just going to get shipped off into war and die. There are other jobs in the military that don't require you to go out into the battlefield and sacrifice your life. Thanks to my recruiter I'm joining the United States Marine Corps like the rest of my family. Semper Fi.
Posted by: AnonymousWe are well informed
I am a highschool Senior and the millitary is a big choice for anyone. The recruiters in my area informed my school of many dangers. the brought in a vertean who was in a car boming and had lost both arms.They said that this is a dangerous carrear choice. They were very upfront with us. As to those who say that we are not mature enough to make this choice maybe it is true, But i firmly believe that if i can choose what college i go to i can choose that i want to serve my country. The millitary is giving me the carrer path that i want. I want to be an Army Field surgon. My family is unable to send me to a college that can help me reach my goal. I dont think of this as Luck. Yes, I am going to have to work harder than those born into a family without financial difficulties, butthe millitaryt is my choice and the recruters in my area helped me see this. I support recruiters in high schools.
Posted by: AnonymousYes!!!
I am an 18 year old High School senior. Last march I joined the United States Marine Corps. I will be going to Boot Camp in June right after I graduate. I am not just choosing to say that it is okay that recruiters are allowed in high schools, just because I was contacted by one. I am saying yes, because it is a great way to learn about serving your country.
When a recruiter speaks with students at the high school, they aren't forcing them to do anything. Yes, he/she might tell the student all the ''good thing'' about joining the military, but most students know that if you join, you have the chance of going to war. There are HUNDREDS of jobs in all the branches of the military that don't involve seeing combat at all.
A popular argument on the other side of this discussion is that parents aren't always informed of the recruiters talking to their kids. But I think that if their child is talking to the recruiter, they have an interest in joining and they would have talked about it at home. Therefore, the parents probably would have talked to them about it.
Another argument is that the kids aren't mature enough for it. That is what Boot camp is for!!!!!! In my case.. If I'm not mature enough to handle war.. Boot Camp will show that, and I won't Graduate from it.. Kids aren't going straight from their high school classrooms, to the battlefield. There is a lot of training to get them to the point where they are ''mature'' enough to go to war.
I agree with other people on this, that all people should have to go through training and serve our country. It would truly open everyone eyes to what anyone in the military goes through.
Another reason I think that it is completely okay that recruiters come to high schools and talk to students is because it gives kids that can't financially get a higher education a goal to graduate and get help from the military to get further education.Posted by: Anonymous
I disagree that the military should be able to recruit in public school because minor children should have a parent's involvement in a decision that can change their lives for the worse, forever.
Military service is dangerous and rigorous. The training is a sort of brain washing. Children are not in a position to know what is best for them or understand the gravity of what they are exposing themselves to should they join the military. If the clergy wanted to enter a school and recruit kids to be ministers everyone would be up in arms. The military is no different than religion in that it requires discipline and sacrifice and is responsible for the mass murder of billions of people since time began.
Posted by: N3vinFaceI do not support this as I have always thought the age to enlist is far too young.
If we don't let children drink alcohol until they are 21 why on earth would we let them enlist at 16. Young and impressionable the army recruiters have a lot of tricks up their sleeves to make our young boys and girls think this the only option for them. They make it look glamorous, noble, exciting and financially rewarding. This is just not the reality as any new recruit just out of boot camp will tell you. The recruit kids so young is a crime. Let them go into colleges if they must but not our schools
Posted by: Chr0IviobileNo way!
No way!!! children in high school are not mature enough to join the military at that age. they should goto college and graduate before chosing to goto apply for the military. By the time they graduate they will be mature enough to understand the difficulties and fears that will probably await.
Posted by: AnonymousNO!!!
No. Just because the military and public schools are government institutions does not mean that those who aren't lucky enough to afford private school should have to go to war.
Posted by: AnonymousNo high school students are not mature enough to make such a desicion that will change there life forever.
An army recruiter is no better than a car’s salesman they will tell you anything to get you to sign up and once you do you’re stuck. They say oh it's just four years and they pay for college. They will avoid telling you about the inactive duty where you are likely to be deployed again and this time not with your friends so instead you will be convinced to reenlist so you can stay with your group. From there you are bribed with bonuses to continue to extend your contract and once you get to the 10 year mark you might as well stick it out tell retirement to have the benefits for life. It is not just a 4 year commitment. The recruiters know high school students are an easy target they won’t ask a lot of questions and will believe anything they are told. You will never be the same after the army in some good ways and some bad.
Posted by: AnonymousI think they should not.
I am 100% against this. The government are just looking for weak prey to join the military. Why do you think they go towards high schools and not colleges? They know that high school kids are younger and not as intelligent as college students. These kids are too young to make decisions on their own.
Posted by: xclusiveprimeNo pawns for profit!
Military recruitment is unethical as it stands, and has no business in any school, whether private or public (those idiots go to private schools too). At least they don't discriminate against boys anymore, as they approach women too, step in right direction. The U.S. Has got to stop playing global cop in disguise of "fighting for our freedom and security", with naive American people falling for this marketing spin. We as parents work hard to teach our kids strong morals against violence. Military is like the mafia. No child (boy or girl) deserves to be approached by these high Hitler style quota seeking inhumane recruiters. There is nothing "patriotic" about sustaining our wars, which only bring our country down.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic high school students are not yet mature enough to make such an important life decision.
I do not think the military should be allowed to recruit in public high schools, as a person of that age is not mature enough to understand all the potential dangers or risks involved. A certain level of maturity must be reached before these kids can consider fighting a war.
Posted by: QuibarceThe military should have the same access to schools as any other company, no more, no less.
I know that some people would object to the military recruiting in public schools on philosophical grounds. But whether you believe in the military or not, people do have the right to choose it as a career for themselves. And that's just what the military is, a career. As such, it's entirely appropriate for the military to recruit in public schools in the same way that colleges, professional sports teams and future employers do. Since there is no draft and participation in the military is voluntary, students who are not interested can simply ignore the military recruiters. On the other hand, students who are interested shouldn't be put at a disadvantage by having the military recruiters excluded while other students are provided recruiting opportunities of interest to them.
Posted by: 54r4h5FinIThe military should not be allowed to recruit in public schools because it's pressuring on children.
The military should not be allowed to recruit in public schools because it's pressuring on children. Children are required to attend school, so unless they go to private school or are home-schooled, there is no avoiding their presence. It's not that the military is bad, but there is a lot of pressure by their presence for kids to sign up.
Posted by: H0bi3InvaderRecruiting in public schools by the military shouldn't be allowed because children there are too impressionable.
It is unfair to go to a school and talk to children about joining the military. These children will believe everything that is said one hundred percent. Things are promised to these children that really aren't fulfilled. I think that military should only be allowed to talk to adults eighteen and older and not in a school setting because there is always the factor of peer pressure as well.
Posted by: B3rkIffyThe separation of civil life and military life is essential to keeping politics out of war.
The military provides a critical service, but it is not a civilian service. The military kills, controls and manipulates in order to achieve goals, among them defense. Those methods, as well as the environment of conformity and command-chain obedience, are not compatible with school environments. Schools are about learning and not compulsory or controlling military service. We should not further militarize our society by inviting recruiters into public schools.
Posted by: CarMjyes
Ok, so first of all I am a United States Marine, and have been for over a year now. I thank God for every day he gives me in the corps. Also, I will say that recruiters are the hardest working people I know. They aren't simply a group of people that go around begging and lying to people, to get a signed contract. I myself am currently on recruiting duty, and have not heard my staff sergeant lie to one person. That is because simply its not what we do. We aren't looking for souls to steal, or anything like that. What we do is inform the public about our branch of service, and how they can use it to better themselves. Because that is what the military wants from you, self improvement. However, it is hard to get that through to people, because people such as yourselves spread horrible, poisonous lies about our people. These days kids here so many things about the military that they don't know what to believe. E.g. 1. If you join, your going to war 2. All recruiters lie 3. We don't want you going to college 4. You'll be brain-washed. All of these are examples of common misconceptions that people say every day. First of all, I myself have no chance of getting deployed since the war is over, so why would someone brand new even be considered for a deployment. Secondly, the military encourages people to go to college. Why wouldn't we want someone to get a better education? It helps the individual, and in return, helps the service due to a person who is better qualified for the job.
Posted by: AnonymousMilitary recruiters do not recruit high school kids!
Recruiters only give them information about the military nothing more and nothing less. We don't promise them anything nor do we pressure them, in fact they can't sign up for the military until the age of 18. Only way they can join earlier is with a parents permission and that's only for students going to become seniors. When I talk to any young person, I always start with "the army is not for everyone?" Then I give them all the information on what the army can offer them. I never tell a young potential recruit that he or she will not go to war, nor do I tell give them any false information. I have led these young soldiers into combat and when I do they become my kids. I have seen young 18 and 19 year olds do amazing things, do not sell them short. Like any company if we go to schools, we give them information on what the army life is like and what they can expect and what it has to offer. We don't tell them they should join because its a great life. Bottom like is, the military is not a job its a profession, a profession in arms! Our profession is dangerous, hard and yes we give up our lives if need be. We do it not because we get paid a lot of money (we don't get paid nearly enough). We do it cause we follow in the traditions of men and woman who have died to give people freedom. From the men who won our independence to the men who liberated Iraq. Freedom is not free. God didn't give you freedom, the soldiers buried in the ground and those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan is the only reason that your free. Remember that!
Posted by: AnonymousThe military discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, thus is not an equal-opportunity organization.
Public schools are supposed to be non-sectarian and open to all individuals. It is inappropriate for public schools to allow any employer, community group, organization, etc. access to public schools if that entity is not open to all people. This should be the case for any group wishing to present at assemblies, disseminate information, or volunteer their services in any way to the school system.
Posted by: DVargasThe military should not be allowed to recruit in public schools.
School age children are very impressionable. I don't feel it is right for any organization to recruit from schools. Especially not one as life changing as the military. With teenagers there is always the peer pressure whether is be pro or anti military it is likely to affect a teenagers decision on whether or not to join the military. I have nothing but respect for those who serve in our military but I would not want a child to enlist for any reason besides the truthfully and personally wanting to. If a person really does want to join the military there are plenty of advertisements and recruiting offices in almost every city.
Posted by: w00tboycomicThe military should not be allowed to recruit in public schools because school children should not be subjected their marketing ploys.
The job of military recruiters is to meet their quotas and school children are particularly vulnerable to their sales ploys. They emphasize the positive aspects of joining the military while downplaying the negatives, including the possibilities of death and physical and mental disability. It is not uncommon for new recruits to be unaware that the statements made by recruiters are in no way binding until they report for duty.
Posted by: Pur3ErtoDEFINITELY NOT
As an OEF veteran, and a member of IVAW i can say definitely no. The Military relies on a revolving door of poor, young people who are led to believe that they have no other options. I know, i was one of them. The people who join don't understand that they are basically entering indentured servitude for a number of years, and there is no way of getting out of it. I joined because i dropped out of community college, and basically had nothing going for me. My situation was not unique. If i had just a tiny bit more self determination, i could have and should have stayed in school. I would not trade my one year in Afghanistan for any other year in my life, i value it that much. However given what i know now, would i go back and repeat it? Hell no. The military is a waste of time, unless you are willing to commit to 20 years, or are an officer. Either way, prepare to be part of a hierarchical culture which micromanages the tiniest details of your life, and will treat you like a piece of subhuman trash.
Posted by: AnonymousNo. There is no balance to the propaganda.
The only way the military should be allowed to do in-school recruiting is if there is counter balance to explain the reasons why they shouldn’t join. Being given only one side of the equation never allows for an informed decision.
Part of the balance must include such things as pay levels, risks, post war care and the underlying principles for which the military in the US stands. Nonsensical patriotism, false duty and the strict adherence to orders all have to be questioned in light of what the US military is really upholding.
If both sides are given equal weight in the discussion then by all means go ahead and make your case for joining. That is not likely to be the case.Posted by: SimpleNo, the age the army is targeting at is not mentally prepared enough to make such serious decisions
The military is trying to recruit kids right in their high school. At the ages of 16, 17, and 18, high-schoolers brains are continuing to develop. In fact, the "foresight" part of their brain - that is, a part involved in decision making skills doesn't develop completely for several more years. The military knows this and takes advantage of it. High-schoolers don't know what they're getting themselves into.
Posted by: 54ndDaviNot in the way I have experenced it
At my high school, the people from the millitary would park a booth right in front of the cafateria and provide propaganda to the students, as well as placing up posters throughout the buildings. In this context, I would say no. But if they are present in job fairs or even college recrument fairs, I wouldn't mind. The military is a career, so it will logicly belong there, but not anywhere else in the school.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose military recruitment in public schools, as teenagers are not equipped to make these life changing decisions based on the information offered by recruiting officers.
Recruiters for the military swoop down on juniors and seniors in highschool promising college education and ability to see the world. Parents are out of the loop while their children are listening to only the good things these recruits offer. Then the branches continually call home phones asking for the children because the phone numbers are made available. A better practice would be to make appointments with the parents and the child away from the school so parents can discuss both the negative and positive aspects.
Posted by: EueChosenNo way!
Kids need to get a college education before they go blow their future to pieces. As much as I support our troops, kids need to know all their options when it comes to a life commitment! One thing the recruiters don't go over in their orientation is the high risk of dying in the field! There is absolutely no benefits to this! Critics may argue that it gives kids a back up plan, but kids feel forced to participate in this because they don't have time in their life to think about what they might want to spend their life doing; some may refer to it as "peer-pressure." I strongly disagree with this. Not to mention that these recruits are minors and cant even sustain a place to live on their own, yet pay their bills... etc.
Posted by: Anonymous