Pentagon recruiting from juvenile war-gamers.

[pnorman]

A day or so ago on DU, there was an interesting discussion on DU about that topic. What came to mind to me then, was a 20 year old Sci Fi novel, the title of which I had forgotten. It just came to me now ---"Enders Game". It left a lasting impression on me then, but I had no idea how eerily prophetic it would turn out to be.

It's since become a classic, and the audio version is now available at Audible.com: http://www.audible.com/adbl/store/productEntry.jsp?source_code=AUDW2933EM052405&productID=BK_ALIT_000164

pnorman

[madeline_con]

1. same vein, kind of

I suppose if I follow the thinking of the neocon crowd, my kid can put an end to gang violence, 'cause he's darn good at Grand Theft Auto Vice City...

[pnorman]

3. Physically, I'm more or less a klutz.

Also, my type of thinking doesn't seem to be what would be very useful in that sort of gaming environment. But I am NOT putting "action gaming" down, by any means.

But the Pentagon seems to be actively recruiting in the very same age group that society regards as highly vulnerable to high powered blandishments --- and goes to considerable lengths to protect them. Think alcohol as well as pedophile legislation.

so these kids, now a little "grown up", are sitting before computer systems, fancier than any they ever DREAMED OF --- and having a ball. A continent away, an entire village thoughtlessly wanders into a "Kill Box". You've all seen the pictures. It's the total disconnect that I find so appalling --- even more than the mindless bloodshed and destruction.

pnorman

[formercia]

2. The military promotes and supports war-gaming

Better to train the cannon fodder with my dear.

In the real world, bullets hurt. I can attest to it.

[woodsprite]

4. My 6th grade daughter has begun asking

if it's easier to pretend you're gay, get a job that is guaranteed they won't want you, try to prove you qualify as a conscientious objector, or relocate. I told her I'd go for the relocate. Pretending your gay isn't the way to go because truthfully, they could care less and will take any live body they can get. There is no job they will not take. They will retrain you as "cannon fodder" if that's all you're good for.

She's begun asking because she said alot of military people were in her middle school the other day in uniform giving talks. Delaware has a military academy and they were "recruiting" for 7th and 8th graders for high school. DH and I are filling out the opt out form over the weekend and filing it with school. Does anyone know if that is something that has to be done every year?

[madeline_con]

6. scary!

It's really freaky to see the military coming in at that early age to propogandize the kids.

It seems to indicate the powers that be are in this for the long haul. We need to get these people out of Washington!!

[hfojvt]

5. Greetings starfighter, you have been recruited by the star league

to defend the frontier against Xur and the Kodan armada.

[realisticphish]

7. fantastic series

and, i agree, eerily similar

[paineinthearse]

8. This has been going on for at least a few years.

Every 2 years the Air Force presnts the Thunderbirds at Hanscom Field, west of Boston. It must have been at least 3-4 years ago when I brought my son, who would have been about 11.

They have a huge tractor trailer full of the latest video games, but, here's the catch, in order to get in, you need to complete an ID card.

You enter your name, address, phone number & date of birth. It takes your photo and voila, a picture ID is generated that the kid wears.

Two weeks after the show he started receiving mail from the Air Force.

So my warning is BEWARE if you go to airshows or similar military demonstrations. DO NOT give out personal information.