Today, less than 0.5% of the U.S. population serves in the armed forces, compared with more than 12% during World War II. Very often, the public's perception of the military lifestyle is limited to what they’ve seen on the news, TV, or video games.
Recruiters are salespeople, plain and simple. They undergo extensive sales training and are judged by their superiors primarily upon the number of recruits they sign up. Sign up large numbers, and they’re judged to be a good recruiter. Fail to sign up the minimum number assigned (known as "making mission"), and a recruiter is looking at a dead-end career. This policy pressures some recruiters to adopt unethical practices in order to "make mission."
As veterans we know the truth of what happens in war and VFP members across the U.S work with young people before they enlist, to help them understand what it’s really like to be part of the U.S. military.
Click the images below to find resources for:
- Students Considering Enlistment
- Active G.I.s following their conscience to resist illegal orders
- VFP Chapters and Members looking for ways to take action and get involved in Counter Recruitment work
