By federal law, various military branches are allowed to spread information about joining the armed services after high school directly to students, just like colleges and employers. At Aragon, this means recruiters from each of the branches set up booths on campus approximately once a month. Their presence sparked a student-led protest two years ago, raising the question of whether we should have military booths on campus. Features writers Oliver Levitt and Chloe Chen explore the potential merits and drawbacks of setting up military booths.
Yes
Military recruitment booths are meant to encourage students to join the military through posters, interest forms, officer endorsements and financial advantages. One of the main benefits students can gain is a military-funded college education for veterans, provided by the GI Bill. Even though there are many risks and dangers of being in the military, I believe incentives like paying for educational expenses are fair and valuable.
Though many argue that these target low-income families, the opportunity for incentives helps keep our country’s military strong. I don’t believe that we should strip away the rewards from those who give so much to our country, simply because some believe that the reward is aimed toward people that are in financial need. Removing advertisements for these benefits harms those in need more than it helps them, as it takes away important knowledge about another pathway to college. If students or their families realize the military may be a way to continue education after high school, why should the school prevent them from learning about it? If there is a possible option for post-high school success, I believe the school has a responsibility to offer information about that option.
For college or career paths, the school supplies students with information for maximum post-high school success. There is a whole team of advisers for college and career counseling, and the option of the military should be included in that section. The military is also a valid post-high school pathway, so it should be the school’s responsibility to provide information about it to students.
Some would argue that the booths can cause students to make uninformed or unsafe decisions, but it is very unlikely for a student to enlist in the military without proper consideration. The process is thorough, including physical and placement exams, a counselor discussion, an oath of enlistment and a rigorous training program, forcing students to consider what they are signing up for throughout this process.
Also, according to a study from the Midwest Disability Association, only as few as 10% actually end up in actual combat. According to the Defense Casualty Analysis System, of the almost 1.3 million active members, there were only 844 deaths, and of these, only 31 were by homicide (most of the others being accidents, illness, still pending or self-inflicted). Though the threat of war always looms, the job has recently been less dangerous than students may realize, making it a low-risk and even rewarding path for some. This is the kind of information and rationale that should be given to students through booths or other presentations.
If students have the opportunity to learn about riskier jobs like being on the police force or firefighting during Career Day, why shouldn’t the military be able to teach students about their career pathway as well? The mortality rate for the military is actually lower, with 1.3 deaths in action per 100 thousand soldiers in 2022 compared to 13 police deaths per 100 thousand in 2020.
Besides safety or financial targeting, high school military recruitment is often criticized as a political issue in which the school should not be picking a side. However, not only is it the school’s responsibility is to teach, inform and prepare students for their future, whatever that may entail, but schools are federally required to allow recruiters on campus. If anything, it would be politically motivated by the school to withhold such information.
For the reasons stated, I believe that there are valid and necessary reasons to continue providing students with information about the military through booths or other presentations. Setting up students for their future is a key part of high school, so I believe it is the school’s responsibility to keep allowing the military to give information to students.
No
Every so often, when I walk into Center Court during lunch, I’ll see military recruitment booths set up. Although I glance at the tables, I never take the time to stop and read the pamphlets provided. More than just wanting to go eat my lunch, I don’t stop because I associate the military with the controversial headlines about dangerous wars and invasions.
Many associate the military with its sensitive history, especially when innocent citizens have been harmed. According to TheIntercept, in the War on Terror, the United States conducted more than 91 thousand airstrikes across conflict zones, killing up to 48 thousand civilians.
Is this considered a patriotic act? Is this considered moral? Students should know what career they are heading into before making decisions about their future.
Military recruiters play an important role in providing information about the military for those who are interested, however, it’s wrong for recruiters to lean towards persuading students rather than providing information. Two years ago, students protested against the recruitment booths, believing that the military didn’t belong at school. To some, simply providing brochures and pamphlets is a form of propaganda—over-accentuating the benefits without being transparent about the difficulties of the job.
I agree with the intent to spread information about multiple pathways for students to consider post-high school, but booths aren’t the best option for informing students. Usually, booths in Center Court hold activities carried out by leadership, like the Cares Casita or Candy Grams, which are lighthearted and fun. It would be dangerous for students to associate the military with fun and games rather than having an accurate perception of what joining the military may entail. Having formal presentations, similar to that of a college visit, rather than booths would allow students to retain information in a more serious manner.
Additionally, some may join the military for the benefits rather than truly having an interest in the career. Under the GI Bill, enlisting provides educational benefits that help pay for college tuition and other educational expenses. For healthcare, joining the army grants comprehensive family coverage and access to Tricare medical services and facilities.
Low-income people may be more drawn to joining the military, hence the phrase “It’s a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.” According to a study by the U.S. Naval Academy, those who served in the military in 1979 were from lower-than-average socioeconomic backgrounds. The idea of having benefits is important, as veterans deserve considerable rewards for protecting their country. However, perhaps other pathways providing similar benefits would give students the choice to pursue their true interests rather than monetary needs. If students want to pursue post-secondary education, they should also learn about companies that have plans that support continued learning for employees.
While military recruiters help students learn more to make educated decisions, it is important to provide a comprehensive view by presenting in a more professional setting.
