Here’s some stuff I picked up from the internet this morning, regarding Army recruiters and their "School Recruiting Program Handbook"
The handbook states, "The goal is school ownership that can only lead to a greater number of Army enlistments."
Some other statements from the handbook…
"The football team usually starts practicing in August, contact the coach and volunteer to assist in leading calisthenics or calling cadence during team runs."
"Homecoming normally happens in October, coordinate with the homecoming committee to get involved with the parade."
"Some influential students such as the student president or the captain of the football team may not enlist; however, they can and will provide you with referrals who will enlist."
"If you wait until they're seniors, it's probably too late," (This one really upsets me!)
"Don't forget the administrative staff. ... Have something to give them (pen, calendar, cup, donuts, etc.) and always remember secretary's week, with a card or flowers."
"Get involved with local Boy Scout troops. Scoutmasters are typically happy to get any assistance you can offer. Many scouts are [high school] students and potential enlistees or student influencers."
Do you really believe that our children are mature enough at the age of 16 or 17 (even 18) to make a decision that will change (or end) their lives so dramatically?
I made my decision at the age of 19 and that was far too early. Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't take back those memories for anything. But I wish that I had asked more questions and perhaps made wiser career choices when I was talking to the recruiter. By the way...did you know that the recruiter doesn't come with you to "Boot camp"?
The military saved me from a pretty bleak future. i wasn't so fortunate to be born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I had to work hard to get ahead. The military was a vehicle (and isn't for everyone). I was smart enough at 16 to know that I was headed down a dangerous road. I loved my country and undeerstood I had an obligation to serve my country (that means it's citizens, you, your kids, etc.)
ReplyDeleteI did Basic Training between my Junior and Senior Year of High School (the summer Saddam invaded Kuwait). My senior year of High School was my best performing year. My teachers loved the change. I know this, you don't have to be old to be wise and age does not equate with intellegence. I knew what was right for me, I understood that what was right for me wasn't right for everyone else. Your statement is an over generalization about young people. God bless our Armed Forces and the young, middle aged, and elders that perform the mission of keeping even the people that hate it free.
But that was you David, not everyone. And since we don't allow minors to do many things, because they aren't "mature" enough...then we need to do the same with this. Maybe it's not fair, maybe some are mature enough, but that should require a parent's approval before recruiters are allowed to talk to them.
ReplyDeleteMature enough by what standard? A hundred years ago kids where having families in their teens. It is this romantic idea of contemporary society started during the progressive era that fostered the ideas that young adults and teens are to stupid to make decisions for themselves. The same way of thinking has led to the society we have today where people expect the government to be daddy because we can't possibly know what is good for us.
ReplyDeleteI would say let the parents vote for people that will enact or not enact laws regarding recruiting. The recruiters are doing what the Federal Government have given them as a mission, raise a military for the common defense of this nation. The defense of this nation is at the very heart of all of our rights. It is the primary mission of the federal government. Perhaps you could run for congress with this issue as part of your platform. I'd bet your position would be largely unpopular since it could weaken our national defense.
One hundred years we had children working in the mills at the age of 8. Is that the maturity you are speaking of?
ReplyDeleteCorrection: One hundred years ago we had children working in the mills at the age of 8. Is that the maturity you are speaking of?
ReplyDeleteWhat are you talkiing about? How does child labor relating to 8 year olds have anything to do with 16, 17, and 18 year olds making career and value decisions. At what age should we allow people to become Christians?
ReplyDeleteYou made my point...you said that a hundred years ago, kids were having families in their teens and intimated that maturity came at an earlier age...I asked at what age does maturity come by pointing out that 8 year olds once worked for a living. Being married at 17 or working at 8 have nothing to do with maturity. And, our being called to faith at any age has nothing to do with what we were discussing.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did point out was the fact that we need an arbitrary standard for maturity because you don't know and I don't know when a person is mature. We use 18 years old for most legal purposes. And until a person is 18...we should also bar recruiters. Personally, I think it should be 21 and not 18. But that's just an opinion.
I guess we should forbid kids from working at all until they are 21 then. Makes sense in a big brother kinda way.
ReplyDeleteIf "working" means war...then I would say yes. Your chances of being in a Kill or be killed situation are fairly remote if you're working at Mickey D's.
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