Introduction

What is it that drives young adults straight out of high school to join the military? Is it the rising costs of college tuition, the promise of a bright future, the medals, the money, the respect, the glory, or the deep feelings of "love and honor" for our nation?

At every college fair there are a number of various different colleges and universities across the floor. Not only do colleges and universities participate in these fairs but also the United States military. Military recruiters from different branches such as the army or the navy come with colorful brochures and fairytale promises of heroism. “You’ll be out when your 22,” is often what we hear recruiters say to high school students who seem skeptical to join at first. With these words young adults are being drawn into the military without realizing what they are getting themselves into.

The War on Terrorism is still at bay. More and more soldiers are being sent straight to Iraq. Everyday the evening news and the daily newspapers bring stories of another dead body, a missing soldier, or a bomb explosion killing hundreds. With all the horror stories being said and depicted what new ways of recruitment have the government constructed in order to keep enlisting young adults and how have people reacted to these new ideas?