Taking a step back to the PBS video we watched in class, I found the new recruitment technique that the army has began to use very interesting. They have recently opened an army experience center where people are able to come and experiment with the war-like simulator as well as play video games, such as Call of Duty. Through this center the army hopes to encourage young people to sign up.
However, a problem has arose from this new center. Some parents have expressed concern with this action that the army has taken and personally I can not help but agree. It almost seems as though these young children, mostly boys, are being somewhat tricked. Sure these children love to play these video games and are certainly not being forced to attend these centers and play these games but is it ethical? These children enjoy these games mostly for the challenge of fighting off the enemy, but can an eight or ten year old boy or girl really tell the difference between a video game and reality? In a video game if you are shot and killed you have other lives or you can restart the game, however, this is clearly not the case when it comes to war and the army. Once you are shot and killed at war there are no do-overs or extra lives and certainly no restart button. This seems like a very important aspect that these young children may not fully be aware of. I am almost certain to say that no one at these centers are making the attempt to even try and explain the difference between these video games and actual war.
These centers have recruiters which are constantly walking around telling these children how well they are playing and that they are the "best" player they have seen yet. From here they may be encouraged to try the simulator to see how good they might be in an actual war-like situation. After trying this, they may be told the same thing as before, that they were very good at it and would make an excellent candidate for the army. If they are not told again, they may just start to believe it on there own with all the encouragement they have been getting up to this point. It is only natural for one to want to continue doing something they are good at and especially when you have someone watching and cheering you on. How can these young children be expected to know the difference between these innocent video games and the danger and reality of actual war?
I can not help but agree with these parents that have expressed concern. If I were a mother, I would not want my young child going to these centers and being told every day how great of a soldier they would make. Of course we need soldiers to fight for our country and defend us and we always will, but I think it is best to let those people decide on their own. The experience of war and killing another human being is not something that someone should be pressured or manipulated into. I do not think it would work out well for anyone mentally or even physically.
Don't get me wrong, I think this center is a great place for people to attend to learn more about the army. However, I think it is a great place for those who are already interested in joining or have questions about it. The simulator seems like a great idea for people who may be entertaining the idea of signing up for the army. It provides a better idea of what you will be likely to experience and maybe figure out if it is something that is really right for you. This is just another example of the many technological advances our world is experiencing today.
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