Army Offers New Recruiting Incentive: Duty
by Scott Ott

(2005-06-11) -- The United States Army, which has missed its recruiting goals in each of the past four months, despite increasing financial incentives, today held a news conference to announce a new recruiting gimmick which it called "duty."

At a Pentagon briefing, an unnamed Army spokesman said that, historically, this little-known concept has motivated more citizens to rise to America's defense than money, prestige or promises of college education.

Journalists at the news conference, baffled by the terminology, unleashed a barrage of questions about why anyone would volunteer to fight for a country that runs a gulag at Gitmo, invades peaceful sovereign nations like Iraq and has no respect for the most Holy Koran.

The Army spokesman further confused reporters with his response.

"Men volunteer to fight, bleed and die for the United States of America because she is the last, best hope for peace and freedom on earth," he said. "They consider the evidence that America has pushed back the veil of tyranny and saved countless millions of men, women and children from imprisonment, torture, starvation, humiliation and brutal death. And they act on that evidence, knowing that the blood of free men is always the price of freedom. While critics jabber about global diplomacy, these men step into the breach to shield us all from the peril of our naiveté about the so-called 'basic goodness of humanity'. These men don't think America is perfect, because they know the evil that lurks in each of our hearts. But they devote themselves to preventing untrammeled wickedness from roaming the earth. Their heads are clear. Their hearts are steadfast. And their sense of duty has shut down gulags, death camps and dictatorships for nearly a century. You can't lure this kind of man with money, slick advertising or blue-sky promises. They need money, but money does not stir their hearts. These men are attracted by the grind, the challenge, the moral obligation and even the thrill of knowing that your heart beats, bleeds and may ultimately stop, in service to a dream -- an ideal that has found practical expression in a nation, under God, that we call the United States of America. Most ordinary men live their whole lives in search of meaning, purpose -- a cause to which they can give their hearts. They know the desperation of their empty pursuit of pleasure. They long to spend themselves for something greater than themselves. They know that the grave awaits each of us. They hope to really live before they die. And when, on the street or at the mall, they see a man in uniform, they're filled with gratitude and awe. As they shake his hand and thank him for his sacrifice, they see a reflection of themselves as they wish to be. In a very real sense, those who sign up to serve in the United States military sign their own death certificates. Yet by surrendering their lives, they come to know the joy of duty and the satisfaction of service to others. What else could inspire a young man to step out from among his teenage friends and to put on the uniform that marks him as the target of every terrorist on earth? Duty. Duty driven by love. Greater love has no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends."

By the time the Army spokesman had completed his remarks, only a handful of journalists remained in the briefing room due to a rumor that the Michael Jackson jury may have reached a verdict.

Susan:
Thanks for sharing your message here.
I've been away for several weeks (busy at home, and up near D.C.)
We've had a new addition to the family, born on the 2nd of June. HER name is Chloe, and she's our first Little Lady with a Very happy brother of almost 3.
Sad to say. With reference to your message here. From recent personal experiences, as I'm sure you're aware. More Americans (of all ages) know more about the Micheal Jackson's, Tom Cruise's, and the reality show stars, than they know about Liberty, Freedom, and even survival during a time of WAR.
You can bet. Our men and women now in uniform are feeling the heat of excessive responsibilities, on repeated tours, while their families share the burdens here at home.
Thankfully though. For the rest of Us. We are blessed with young Americans (willing to wear the uniform) who know the values, and have the character needed to accept the huge burdens so freely.
Though the enlistment levels seem to be down, across the board in the military; have No Fear. We are far from shorthanded, no-matter how much the Politicians, and their bretheren in the so-called Main-stream Press cry wolf in their usual negative tones.
What many Americans simply will never understand (unless they've been in the military recently) is how sophisticated, educated, and honorable those now wearing the uniform are.
Of course. Our military's prime weapons are the people. However. Though I've been out of the Navy for nearly ten years now. I cannot forget how powerful, and able our military was, is, and will soon grow into.
There are many things, even I am forbidden to speak of so many years later, that would curl your hair, or make you think we nearly live in an age of STARWARS mentality....which is exactly the case. So, Don't Worry about whether WE can handle any problems.
I was a Radioman/Telecommunications/Satellite expert for many years; and as such. I had access to much of the most Highly guarded, Classified material known to man (which explains why I am forbidden for the next 50 years, to speak).
It may sound odd, hearing me make such a statement. And I wouldn't blame anyone for not believing me here. But. I can tell you. No matter how much the press, and some of our politicians cry, weep, or scream with their useless, baseless, often totally false statements to the contrary. THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT...Unless they Once wore the Uniform.
So. Please know. I have every confidence, no matter what anyone may say. Our nation isn't at risk now, except from the unknown's of future Terrorists who wish to kill all Americans.
The strength of our military has nothing to do with the abilities of any terror group. Terrorists are living among us, here at home. But our Military is fighting them in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN; which is exactly where I'd prefer they keep the fighting.
Finally. I may have said it many times before on this, or other forums. But...the one, sure way our nation will bounce back from their complacency if, and only if, we are attacked again, as we were on September 11, 2001.
May God have mercy on every American who may become a victim of the next attack. We all know. Americans have very short attention spans. Sadly, something like another attack is the only way to get that attention again.
GOD BLESS
Jim
P.S. Unless you have lots of spare time. Think twice about writing a book. I never thought it would be as hard as it has become...but I'm nearly finished...Totally!