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Introduction: America's Army Goes To War by Ed Halter

I find it strange how in the description of the convention invasion, the author describes the invasion as a "mission." We usually associate missions with something of great importance or seriousness. Having the army invade a convention almost seems comedic and unnecessary. I don't know how much money went into using the army vehicles for a day, but it sounds as though the money spent in the creation of this game is extravagant. Tax payers who would rather support education than expand the army probably didn't even realize their money was going into the creation of a video game.

The army definitely made the game easy to access. They made sure almost anyone could get the game by making it accessible online, in recruiting centers, and in gaming magazines. However, I feel that the army was abusing the use and power of video games to recruit people. They know many kids play games, and by turning army recruitment into a game, they probably drew in many kids that had no intention of joining the army. It's good that the game allows people to have a connection with the army, but I don't think it should have to come at the price of "brainwashing."

Pros:
Encourages kids to join the army
Gives an idea of what the war is really like
Encourages comaraderie

Cons:
Tax dollars being spent on the production of a game to increase enlistment in the army.
The army seems as though it will go through any means necessary to accomplish their goals. (including brainwashing.)
Soldiers, instead of focusing on the war, focus on certain aspects of war just for the sake of the game.
Although friendly fire is on, it almost has a comedic touch to it. It doesn't illustrate the actual pain or consequences of hurting a teammate.
Although this is a aggressive and innovative method of increasing army enrollment, I think it's almost too aggressive and even subliminal.
Attaching the image of the army to something "hip" and "fun" I think are false advertisements.
Disillusionment

Comments (12)

Anonymous:

Good comments. Perhpaps the army is actually saving tax payer dollars by using the game rather than traditional advertising. Although any savings are probably being spent on more weapons rather than education.

Yes, the military and entertainment: It's a troubling mix.

Beautiful design! Tnks admin.
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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on September 24, 2006 8:41 PM.

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