"Befriend a Recruiter" is apart of a Truth in Recruiting Campaign led by Iraq Veterans Against the War. The campaign was designed to inform Americans of recruiters' perpetuation of lies used to boost recruitment for the occupation of and war on Iraq and Afghanistan. Proponents of the policy in Iraq are quick to point out that everyone in the military volunteered, but what does that mean if most of them were tricked into enlisting by the lies that recruiters tell every day?

Since the start of this horrendous, illegal war, it has become increasingly difficult for the military to recruit the youth of America. Recruiting numbers have repeatedly fallen short of targets set by the DoD. The Army has resorted to portraying our experiences in Iraq as a video game called “America’s Army,” and recruiting ads are now targeting parents to try and persuade them to let their sons and daughters join up. But even the Pentagon’s multi-billion dollar recruiting budget is not enough: standards have been loosened in order to try to bring in enough new recruits. The age and weight standards have been raised; there are a record number of “morality waivers” for convicted felons; it is now easy to get into the military without a high school diploma; even convicted rapists have been allowed to enlist. With the standards lowered at the highest levels of decision-making, we can only imagine what recruiters on the ground are resorting to when they have trouble meeting their monthly quotas.
By some estimates, the Army and Marine Corps will not be able to maintain current troop levels in Iraq through next spring even if recruiting numbers remain at their current levels. Without the lies of recruiters, our government would no longer be able to use the military to occupy a country on the other side of the world. With “Truth in Recruiting,” we can force a choice between no military and one that is used responsibly. “Truth in Recruiting” means ensuring that anyone considering joining the military gets to make their decision about whether to sign up for military service with all of the relevant facts. As Iraq vets, we can use our credibility and experiences to cut through the lies and spin of recruiters.

You can help us by simply befriending a recruiter.

Red 76 has collaborated on this campaign…