America's Army Expands Focus, Plays Down Goals

Thanks to The Olympian for its feature on a new U.S. Army combat unit's exercises, as recorded for free PC game America's Army. The newly-launched Stryker Brigade Combat Team was the focus of the research, and the article explains: "The game focused on infantry in the beginning. For the game to remain fresh and realistic, game designers expanded the 'America's Army' universe to include other specialties, such as combat medic and paratrooper." Although the title has been linked with Army recruiting success in the past, a spokesperson for the game plays this down, saying that "it's a 'happy byproduct' if the game draws more young people to the recruiting office", and arguing: "That's not what we're about... We're about creating awareness and strategic communication about what the Army is about."

Comments

Re:Desensitized to the front lines

[ZeroLogic]

Don't worry about citizenship, it's not a requirement to be a soldier, just an officer. Any permanent US resident can become a soldier.

http://www.goarmy.com/army101/twopaths.htm

Re:Army contracts?

[Slider451]

Check out the UCMJ here.

Re:Army contracts?

[Slider451]

Of interest in the UCMJ is article 15, or non-judicial punishment. For minor disciplinary infractions, the soldier agrees to give up his right to a court-martial (and legal representation) and place his punishment solely in the hands of his commander.

The advantage to an article 15 is quick resolution of minor issues, a guarantee of a low maximum punishment (loss of rank, one month's pay, short confinement), and no 'conviction' being placed in the soldier's record. The disadvantage is the loss of legal rights most civilians hold dear. But the soldier can refuse the article 15 and demand a court-martial if he's willing to risk greater punishment if found guilty.