Recruiting

Joining the military is a serious decision – one that should be made after asking a lot of questions, considering options, and figuring out exactly WHY you want to join.

Should it be because of the cool uniform?
Should it be because a recruiter complimented you for doing well on an obstacle course?
Should it be because you're impressed by free gifts from recruiters?
Are you excited about the promise of a great job?
Or the promise of free college tuition?

Enlisting in the military is not like taking any other job – for the next 8 years or more, you will be bound by the contract you sign today. You literally become the property of the government, the job description can change at any time for any reason, you are potentially risking your life, and you cannot quit.

Recruiters are not teachers or counselors but trained salespeople sent into the schools to convince your kids to enlist. Under pressure to enlist a certain number of people each month, they might not disclose all of the “fine print,” nor emphasize that the primary function of the military is to participate in war. Based on previous experience, some school districts have adopted limitations on military recruiters’ activities and amount of time they spend in the schools.

You may wish to ask your school to create policies. The Madison school district is one example of how a district can comply with the No Child Left Behind Act but still retain some control over how recruiters can operate in the schools: http://boeweb.madison.k12.wi.us/policies/7541. This policy is not as restrictive as it could be but if your school has no policy it is something you can start with.