Every business uses various techniques to promote their products. In the Army's case, their product is the military. So, when businesses have begun using computer and video games to promote themselves, why should the Army stay behind? I don't find anything wrong with the Army using computer and video games, or even the internet, to recruit.
Most of the rhetoric found on the America's Army home website and events website are geared toward a teen audience. The home website makes use of a camouflage background to resemble an army member's uniform, while the events website is a plain brown, which I think must represent the ground or mudd. The main things I notice when I look at the events webpage, other than its background, are the words "Free, Easy, Fast" and the "Sign Up" link which pops out at you. The home page also displays a picture of one of its Real Heroes, which is the second biggest section on the website, so it really catches your attention. It also has a "Real Heroes" link on the top of the page. If you click on the link, you will come to a page that shows a list of soldiers who are considered "Real Heroes" and also displays the awards they have received for their heroism. This is another example of a rhetoric tactic because it conveys the message that teens, or others, can become heroes if they join the army. The home webpage also includes a media link, which displays very realistic screenshots of the game with captions describing the scene. The media webpage has links to screenshots from the 'Training' section and "Missions" section. I found that when I put my mouse over either one of the links, a caption, which said "View this hero's photo album", popped up. I think it's this heroism theme that promotes most teens to play the game or join the army because who doesn't want to be a hero?
As the army continues to use games and the internet to recruit, people continue to voice their opinions. Navy Veteran Boyle believes that the websites and games indoctrinate the ideology of war. I disagree with him. I believe that the game and websites are just exactly that: games and websites. The games have become more realistic than they were in the past, but we need to remember that they are not real. Many of the people shown in the trailer of America's Army tournament events just come to the event to play and have fun. Others are interested in joining the army and come to learn more. I think that the video game and websites enhance one's desire to join the army, but only if they have thought about joining it. Likewise, it can create sparks of interest in those who are already interested in the army. Otherwise, it is just a game.
Violence can be found, not only on video games and websites, but also in shows on TV, on the news, and in everyday life. I don't think that the America's Army website or game promotes violence. Video games just give people an outlet to express their feelings, which are sometimes violent, without actually being violent. However, I do agree that people can use video games to get ideas, but I believe it all comes down to how you are raised and how you think. Not everyone is the same. So, it is impossible to predict how people will react to what they see on TV, in theatre, on the internet, or in the video games that they cling to.
