Behind the veil of military recruitment

This morning I found a clipping from today’s news paper on my desk.

It was from my dear wife. Written on the clipping is “FYI – check this
out.”

I did and I must tell you it was one of my best decisions ever.

I Googled the short article. Here it is:

From The San Luis Obispo Tribune
3/5/08
Paso Robles

A forum on the war in Iraq is set for today at Paso Robles High School. The event will include perspectives for and against the war and will feature a variety of speakers and filmmakers.The program will begin at 8 a. m. and start anew every 90 minutes during theschool day in Bearcat Hall.

Filmmakers Peter Dudar and Sally Marr will show a short version of their film,”Arlington West,” which includes inter-view with soldiers on theirway to and from Iraq.

A panel of U. S. Army and Marine representatives will be on hand, as well as amember of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Here is a clip about Arlington West (I don’t think it is in themovie):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY7HtW2btqs

Go to this site to buy this important video. You won’t regret it.

http://www.arlingtonwestfilm.com/index.php

(Picture) Filmmaker Sally talks with recruiter Sgt. Guzman

A Recruiter was asked about the college tuition lure: “If someone told you this would pay your way through college with the GI Bill, you would be lucky if it did.”

He said there are conditions attached to the GI Bill, like you better not commit adultery. That is a Marine rule (not sure about the Army). Adultery could get you a court martial. Isn’t that amazing? Apparently it is ok, though, for soldiers to rape female soldiers like Suzanne Swift. I think the army generals read too much Old Testament.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=Pndd94E2_WQ

(Picture) Augustine, an ex-Marine medic is currently fighting a legal battle to declare himself a “Conscientious Objector” (middle) chats with teachers..

A Recruiter was asked if he would go back. He said he re-upped and was called when his wife was 9 months pregnant. That tells me he loves his Country more than he loves his wife. Gee, could he be brainwashed?

Erika served 4.5 years, 2 of those in Iraq. She said she would like to go back to Iraq as a citizen because less than 1/2 percent of Americans have ever been in Iraq. That makes me wonder. If the US attacked a country where many US citizens had visited, would the people allow a megalomaniac president to start a war against that country? Just asking.

A former soldier on the panel said he was told by his superiors when he got to Iraq “If anything moves, you fire at it. ” and “always finish the job.(of killin)” Of course, you think he is lying. That could not possibly happen.

All of the ex-soldiers said that seeing children blown to bits is not a rare thing. Erika said that many Iraqi people work on the army base in Baghdad. She called the base HUGE. But she was told by one o0f the an Iraqi heavy equipment operator on the base is happy to work there because getting a job outside the base is extremely difficult. Hmmmm, it’s beginning to sound like America but the point, of course, is that the American presence has not done too much to improve their lives other than allowing some women take off their burghas. Whoop-de-dooo!

Filmmaker Peter peeks out from his kneeling position during the meeting.

Ethnicity in the Army: Army Times magazine said Hispanic recruits are increasing, Afro-American recruits are decreasing. Interesting? Any ideas why?

Recruiter Sgt Guzman said, “Recruiting is like counseling.”: He said he tells a lot the young people who want to sign up that they are not cut out for joining. I asked him what percentage he turned away. He said “2 out of 7”. (smile) He also said the Army’s quota for him is 3 per month signed on. I don’t know. does that seem low to you for about 1/4 of the state of California?

I was happy to hear the recruiters talk. I do empathize with them even though their brainwashing is so evident. They obviously are our Gladiators and that is ok. If you know all of the facts about signing up for the military, facts like you may die in combat, then I am ok with your decision. I feel sorry for your decision and I think you are probably too young to make such a decision because if you were a few years older I can guarantee the likelihood of signing up would be about ZERO. Doesn’t that make you wonder if you should be risking your l life for people who will not risk their life for you?

Just don’t fib to the recruits, please.