Why does the US military advertise?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons behind the advertising efforts of the US military. Participants explore the necessity and implications of military advertising in the context of recruitment, public perception, and societal attitudes towards military service.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the need for military advertising, suggesting that many Americans are already aware of what the military entails and that recruitment is not a pressing issue.
  • Another participant raises the possibility of a draft due to recent military activities, arguing that a larger pool of candidates could enhance the quality of recruits.
  • A participant reflects on historical trends, noting that military service popularity has declined since the Vietnam War, which could necessitate advertising to attract more candidates.
  • It is mentioned that military advertisements focus on benefits such as education, travel opportunities, and personal development rather than the more aggressive aspects of military service.
  • One participant draws a parallel between military advertising and the advertising strategies of well-known consumer brands, suggesting that even familiar entities continue to promote themselves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of military advertising, with no clear consensus reached on whether it is needed or beneficial.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on assumptions about public awareness and perceptions of military service, as well as historical context regarding recruitment trends.

ShawnD
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I assume that Americans know what the military is, so why is there a need to advertise? It's not like the US military needs more people in it; many of the Americans I know online are in the military or are going to be. Americans I have associated with have said there are military recruiters at high schools; I mean they have their own office in the school.

Why advertise?
 
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Actually, there is talk of another draft due to all the recent activities.

Just thinking in general terms, the more people that you have to choose from, and the more that the military can look like a smart career option, then on the average more exceptional people and people with the "right stuff" can be found. When I allllllmost joined the Navy around 1980, the popularity of military service had been on a real downslide for a long time - really ever since Vietnam. As a result, one argument presented for joining was that given the current competition, a smart person can go very far, very quickly. This is not what the military wants. They want a buyers market; not a sellers market.
 
Last edited:
remember the Simpsons episode? Yvan Eht Nioj...
 
Like Ivan said, we're actually dangerously near a shortage of troops in America. When the military advertises, it's not like "We're the military, we use weapons to kill people who want to do bad things to you", they tell you more about the education you can get in the military, places you travel, character you will gain, and try to insight nationalistic feelings about fighting in the military.
 
Everyone knows what Coke and McDonalds are, but they still advertise :wink:
 

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