On the heals of the no draft stance...
 

Army NG Short On Recruits
Associated Press
November 3, 2004

DAYTON, Ohio - Free hunting and fishing licenses. More chances to get signing bonuses. Pink T-shirts for women.

The Army National Guard, which has fallen short of recruiting goals during the prolonged fighting in Iraq, is trying new marketing beyond the traditional enticement of college tuition aid.

"There are fewer people who are voluntarily expressing an interest - calling or returning postcards," said Lt. Col. Dan Kenkel, spokesman for the Guard in Nebraska.

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/...tml?ESRC=eb.nl

Pink T-shirts?

I read the story. It's supposed to help women recruits feel more feminine. Hey, what's more motherly and feminine than signing up to kill people?

I figured that was the reason, but I just couldn't fathom the notion that that would influence anyone's decision to join the military.

You'd be surprised at what people will do for a cute Tshirt.

I live in Dayton, Oh--home of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

I'm running right down there to get my pink t-shirt today. Right after I sign the boys up.

I'm sensing a bit of sarcasm here, I'm not sure though...

It's difficult to know in cyberworld, isn't it?

I'm going to lie about the ages of my boys--start 'em early. My 15 year-old is 6'4" and 190lbs. He plays quarterback, basketball and baseball---but, he's still pretty much a pansy-ass until he gets an automatic weapon in his hands...the other boy, well, let's just say that a few nights being beaten with a pillowcase full of rocks wouldn't hurt him none.

I got the Philly Inquirer because I received a free shirt that said "I get it on campus every morning."

It does work. Great marketing tool.

It makes me feel all girly. I can't be the only one ...

Yes, I know. That's why I said it.

In my college it was popular to fill out the credit card application or what-have-you to get the shirt, and then give the shirts to the many homeless people who hung out around the edges of campus. I personally never did it because I cared more about my credit report than the homeless people, but it was funny to watch the marketing people get all riled up over it.

It's not a draft as long as you've ever been in the military. 'Cause you knew what you were signing up for.

That and they own you for the rest of your (useful) life. It seems you can't ever really leave if you've served your time and want to do something else with your life, especially if you managed to stay alive and in one piece.

I once drank a yard of beer in 10 seconds to win a free Pilsner t-shirt. Somehow I feel that's not comparable to signing up for NG or reserves duty.