The US Army and Gamers

[Slayer_2]

Someone who has a better initial understanding of computers is less likely to "fuck up", is more easily trained in the use of military systems, and will actually have an interest in entering a computer-intensive MOS.

Again, that is already obvious as we're talking about advertising on Mod DB. I doubt many computer illiterates are going to be visiting such a website.

What I was getting at is if a recruit shows that he is physically, mentally, or emotionally incapable of handling the duress of war or the strains of military service, he's not going to simply walk through basic training.

This I doubt, they are call it "training" for a reason. You take your average Joe and turn him into a weapon of war. What I'm getting at is that some people may not know what they're signing up for isn't fun and games until its too late. Unless you're mentally or physically disabled, I doubt they're gonna bar you from boot camp.

 

[captainwalrus]

Again, that is already obvious as we're talking about advertising on Mod DB. I doubt many computer illiterates are going to be visiting such a website.

You originally stated, paraphrased, that the consequences of screwing up the interpretation of computer data are worse than simply having your game crash. I countered that the military wants to target computer savvy people b/c they're less likey to 'fuck up', etc. Essentially, that their targetting of gamers is justified.

This I doubt, they are call it "training" for a reason. You take your average Joe and turn him into a weapon of war. What I'm getting at is that some people may not know what they're signing up for isn't fun and games until its too late. Unless you're mentally or physically disabled, I doubt they're gonna bar you from boot camp.

True, they're not going to bar you from basic training unless you have physical or mental conditions. But, if you show that you're incapable of handling the duresses of military service, you're not going to make it through basic training. That's what I was getting at.

And honestly, the military may emphasize the duty, honor and glory of service in its ads, but when it comes down to it, the military has never advertised service as fun and games. From a practical view, it would make for terrible soldiers.

 

[Leorex]

i think its funny that the first thing a raciest will say is "im not a raciest, i have x colored friends"

but i agree with your points. except, that when your 18 you are suposed to have the right mind to make decisions. if you can not decide for your self a simple thing like joining the army then your not going to get anywhere.

 

[ChromeAlchemist]

Actually it doesn't surprise me seeing the USAF sponsoring gaming/modding.

I predict UAVs are going to be replacing normal fighter jets in the future, so I assume they are after people who can design, build and use the kind of software thats going to be required.

I remember seeing a UK ad for the British Army and in it you see a guy controlling a UAV with a 360 controller.

I remember that, and I'm sure that got banned in a heartbeat. I personally despise any ads for the army that promote military service or combat like it's a game. It's similar to the advert they have now, where everything is in a first person viewpoint, like an FPS.

 

[Wini]

As far as I know the US army still trains their soldiers by getting them to play FPS games... DAMN IT this is why the Australian, British German etc armies are better

 

[Bretty]

Someone who has a better initial understanding of computers is less likely to "fuck up", is more easily trained in the use of military systems, and will actually have an interest in entering a computer-intensive MOS.

Again, that is already obvious as we're talking about advertising on Mod DB. I doubt many computer illiterates are going to be visiting such a website.

What I was getting at is if a recruit shows that he is physically, mentally, or emotionally incapable of handling the duress of war or the strains of military service, he's not going to simply walk through basic training.

This I doubt, they are call it "training" for a reason. You take your average Joe and turn him into a weapon of war. What I'm getting at is that some people may not know what they're signing up for isn't fun and games until its too late. Unless you're mentally or physically disabled, I doubt they're gonna bar you from boot camp.

They may let you through boot camp, but you may never leave the country... You sign up to do the job, after boot you take tests and and are trained. If you fail in that training you will either be rolled out or pushed to another role. MPs are a great example of this.

If by the time you are through boot (which more than a third never does) and passed training and you still dont understand your role, you aren't a very clever chappy.

This isn't the Para training that troops went through in WW2 before they knew about Normandy. Everything is one their website.

 

[akmarksman]

U.S.Military
"We're looking for a few good coders"

 

[punkrocker27]

only someone with a weak or still developing mind even reacts to so called "propoganda." enlisting isn't something you just decide to do after a round of halo or AA. it's there to provide the most realistic, informative simulation available, so i wouldn't even compare it to other games. and you know how we never wanna lose a technology war nevertheless it's still a vidyagame and ya know war is real and all. i haven't looked into it myself (army website) but if what you say is true, then, why not just ignore it? if you don't care, why do you play the games or pay so much attention to the little things? what, not enough can-con? feeling underrepresentated? than accomplish shit

 

[reaper660]

As far as I know the US army still trains their soldiers by getting them to play FPS games... DAMN IT this is why the Australian, British German etc armies are better

seriously?

 

[twistedshadows]

The US military tries to recruit everyone, but I can see why they'd be interested in people who are good with computers. The military actively encourages youths from age 14 on to join when they turn 18; the 18-23 age range is one of the most sought after for new recruits, and a fair number of people between the ages 14 and 23 are gamers. Therefore, trying to identify with gamers might help the military in their never ending quest to attain their desired number of recruits. Maybe.

 

[jamesworkshop]

whats wrong with advertising for miltary services its not going to force people in that direction

 

[Wini]

As far as I know the US army still trains their soldiers by getting them to play FPS games... DAMN IT this is why the Australian, British German etc armies are better

seriously?

Yea, it's things like that is why I'm gald to be an Australian

 

[ohgodalex]

U.S.Military
"We're looking for a few good coders"

Hah!
I find the strategy despicable. Desensitize children to violence, and then shove propaganda in their faces until you have an army? It should be illegal.

 

[Halfbreed13]

The whole thing is dumb. I still hate that commercial a few years back for the seals where you have two frat boys playing Halo and then some General is all like: KILLING IS FUN MUTHAFUCKA! JOIN THE MARINES!

 

[Sneaky Paladin]

The whole thing is dumb. I still hate that commercial a few years back for the seals where you have two frat boys playing Halo and then some General is all like: KILLING IS FUN MUTHAFUCKA! JOIN THE MARINES!

....must....watch....commercial.... That just sounds like watching to frat boys on a couch with game controllers but heres the part that makes me think it's weird: Then mister T Jumps up and says that.......WANT TO WATCH NOOWWW

yeah their probably just looking for coders in that. They probably don't get anyone because I always just ignore all ads

 

[Scarecrow38]

America's Army isn't an evil mind sucking tool. Give players some credit. When I play it I realise how bad I would be in a real combat environment.

So before the conspiracy theorists start making tin foil hats, just realise that it you aren't the only intelligent people in the world.

 

[akmarksman]

U.S.Military
"We're looking for a few good coders"

Hah!
I find the strategy despicable. Desensitize children to violence, and then shove propaganda in their faces until you have an army? It should be illegal.

Why don't we teach them ancient history instead..and let them learn about what happened during the Roman times that was considered "family entertainment"...you know gladiators against lions and all that..
it was the "in" thing to do..every one of your neighbors was there..

There has always been violence..some of it needed and some of it not..
Children were desensitized long before the video games era.

 

[LogicNProportion]

I personally don't mind Army recruitment in any form (save subliminal messaging).

I think that fighting for ones country and it's people to be a very noble thing indeed. You are sacrificing your own life for others, after all.