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Severed Hand of Skywalker · Jun 23, 2005, 01:31 PM

"The Defense Department began working yesterday with a private marketing firm to create a database of high school students ages 16 to 18 and all college students to help the military identify potential recruits in a time of dwindling enlistment in some branches."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...062202305.html

This is the best part:
"The Pentagon's statements added that anyone can "opt out" of the system by providing detailed personal information"

capuchin · Jun 23, 2005, 01:43 PM

Yawn.

So, the US Military is getting smart enough to target recruitment at low-income kids with limited job prospects? Cool. It's just a chance to put an option in front of someone who might well choose it, rather than throwing recruiters at college-bound kids who are less likely to want to join up.

Besides, the kids can always say "No thanks".

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Jun 23, 2005, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by capuchin

Yawn.

So, the US Military is getting smart enough to target recruitment at low-income kids with limited job prospects?

Like in south park how they use black people as shields on the tanks.

JoshuaZ · Jun 23, 2005, 02:52 PM

In 6th grade the Army starting sending a friend of mine info. It was kind of funny when they called his house and his Mom had to tell them he wasn't even in middle school yet.

PacHead · Jun 23, 2005, 03:01 PM

The USA has more conflicts to fight and more scum to kill, so it is only natural that the military seeks out new members. This is common sense. It's not like anybody is being forced, it is 100% free will.

If liberal traitors on certain campuses didn't boycott and sabotage efforts by military recruiters, who are often harrased by those fifth columnist weenies, then perhaps their jobs would be easier.

budster101 · Jun 23, 2005, 03:08 PM

I'm torn on this one, but lean towards it being ok. Just like credit card companies putting applications in text books this is a non-issue. You have the right to say, no thanks. What is the problem?

I know that the privacy issue may come up in this debate, but then again, what about credit card companies? If you are ok with them, then you should be ok with this.

Ages 16-18. Ok... so?

I know this was stated previously but bares repeating: If the military recruiters were not inundated on campuses by loudmouthed idiots, then this would probably not be happening. They have every right to recruit on campuses.

Army : Down 24%
Navy : Down 12%
Airforce : Ahead by 4 percent at least.
Marines : At 100% for recruitment expectations.

If you have a problem with the military, then I may suggest moving to a country like Switzerland... where there is a 100% recruitment rate as it is MANDATORY. You have no option like here in the USA.

Railroader · Jun 23, 2005, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

Like in south park how they use black people as shields on the tanks.

The ENTIRE US is exactly like South Park. I am glad they are doing this service of protraying the USA accurately. That way Gay Canadians can have an idea what it's like to live here. /SARCASM!!!]

Mastrap · Jun 23, 2005, 03:16 PM

I'd be interested to learn the reasons behind the recent slump in recruitment numbers.

PacHead · Jun 23, 2005, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

If you have a problem with the military, then I may suggest moving to a country like Switzerland... where there is a 100% recruitment rate as it is MANDATORY. You have no option like here in the USA.

The USA is truely free, unlike many Euro countries, where you basically have ZERO choice, and you MUST join the service, either by being in the military or doing some sort of civil service.

budster101 · Jun 23, 2005, 03:19 PM

I'll tell you outright. The student that would normally join so that their education will be paid are not, as they have just been shown that when they get the call, they actually have to go and fight, and possibly die. It's kind of a downer... It also shows them they lack the character to actually join the military if you ask me.

PacHead · Jun 23, 2005, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by budster101

I'll tell you outright. The student that would normally join so that their education will be paid are not, as they have just been shown that when they get the call, they actually have to go and fight, and possibly die. It's kind of a downer... It also shows them they lack the character to actually join the military if you ask me.

Yep, I believe that is also the reason. So, it's basically a plus for the military not to have those kind of people to begin with. The fakes are being weeded out.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Jun 23, 2005, 03:34 PM

There was a story about a month ago about the recruiters always targeting poor minority groups as they have a better chance of signing up for the small amount of money.

Mastrap · Jun 23, 2005, 03:36 PM

That's nothing new. The entire Roman empire was build that way.

Kevin · Jun 23, 2005, 03:38 PM

budster101 · Jun 23, 2005, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

There was a story about a month ago about the recruiters always targeting poor minority groups as they have a better chance of signing up for the small amount of money.

Then post another thread about it. That has nothing to do with this topic does it?
Are you saying they are using financial information to target people? I thought it was a method of targeting the brightest as they were interested in grades.

What small amount of money? A free education? That must suck!

dcmacdaddy · Jun 23, 2005, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by PacHead

The USA is truely free, unlike many Euro countries, where you basically have ZERO choice, and you MUST join the service, either by being in the military or doing some sort of civil service.

I think we should have compulsory service here in the US. Every citizen must provide two years of service (military or social) between the ages of 18 and 26. I see nothing wrong with making that a requirement. If you don't want ot go the military route you could go into AmeriCorps and do Teach for America or something like that. I owuld be all for two years of mandatory service.

Mastrap · Jun 23, 2005, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

I owuld be all for two years of mandatory service.

I'd be interested in hearing your reasoning in support of that position.

SVass · Jun 23, 2005, 03:52 PM

I certainly have no objection to their collecting these data. However, it must be made a capital offense to store them unencrypted or to release them for public consumption or to intentionally fail to destroy them after the individual reaches the age of 25. sam

PacHead · Jun 23, 2005, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by SVass

I certainly have no objection to their collecting these data. However, it must be made a capital offense to store them unencrypted or to release them for public consumption or to intentionally fail to destroy them after the individual reaches the age of 25. sam

Well, in that case, some Mastercard dudes need to meet the guillotine pronto !

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Jun 23, 2005, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

That's nothing new. The entire Roman empire was build that way.

And look where they are today.

Kevin · Jun 23, 2005, 04:05 PM

Admit it SWF, you really have no clue what this means. You just thought it would bash America so you knee jerked.

budster101 · Jun 23, 2005, 04:05 PM

I would like to support Mandatory Military Service, and if not that, then AmeriCorpse, or Civil Service for 2 years. Options.

1. They would all build character, which is sadly lacking in many people of that age group.

Carry on.