NationStates Jolt Archive

So what happened? Wasn't the US military supposed to be burned out and run down? It seems they're still ready to kick some ass. The US army exceeded it's goals for reenlistment. It's gotten 119% of the men it expected.
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2419065.php

On another subject, has anyone seen the new recruiting slogan? They've dumped "An army of one" for "Army Strong". Bad move in my opinion. Nothing against the soldiers, but the slogan "Army Strong" makes me automatically think of the phrase "Retard Strong". Apparently it's not just me either. by unc0nnected on 10/09/06
[comment buried, show commenthide comment] - 3 diggs Bad choice IMHO, considering the expression: "retard strong".
[reply]
http://digg.com/world_news/US_Army_s_New_Slogan_Army_Strong

On another subject, has anyone seen the new recruiting slogan? They've dumped "An army of one" for "Army Strong". Bad move in my opinion. Nothing against the soldiers, but the slogan "Army Strong" makes me automatically think of the phrase "Retard Strong".

Army strong. Army big. Army need to go poo poo.

I agree about the slogan thing. It just sounds... primitive. Makes me think of the Hulk.

"Army strong! Army strongest in world! Army SMASH!"

:p

Never underestimate the stupidity of others.

Makes me think of the Incredible Hulk's speech patterns.
"Me Army...Me Strong..."
Maybe that's what they aiming for. No-one fucks with Hulk. And like the Hulk, the US Army isn't known for it's tact or softly-softly approach. Just get in there and smash things up!

Or perhaps they've just reflecting the quality of the applicants and that they've dropped requirements so low now that anyone mumbling two words into a semi-coherent sentence gets in.

Well, it seems that if you're strong and stupid, you join the Army.

If you're just stupid, you run for office.

I agree about the slogan thing. It just sounds... primitive. Makes me think of the Hulk.

"Army strong! Army strongest in world! Army SMASH!"

:p
Dammit, Rhaomi! I've told you before to get out of my head!
Stop reading my thoughts or I'll don my tinfoil hat again.

There are plenty of smart people in the Army. Don't make the mistake of thinking that all soldiers are dumb. It's just that the dumb ones are assigned to writing the slogans.

Army Strong! Verbs weak! Mwahahaha

It also makes me think of Arrested Development.

"These are my awards, Mother. From Army. The seal is for marksmanship and the gorilla is for sand racing."

Well, it seems that if you're strong and stupid, you join the Army.

If you're just stupid, you run for office.

Quoted because it made me laugh.:)

So what happened? Wasn't the US military supposed to be burned out and run down? It seems they're still ready to kick some ass. The US army exceeded it's goals for reenlistment. It's gotten 119% of the men it expected.
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2419065.php

What of new enlistment numbers, I wonder?

Well, it seems that if you're strong and stupid, you join the Army.


Thats pretty offensive to some of us. Aside from being largely wrong.

Well, it seems that if you're strong and stupid, you join the Army.

If you call it "the Army," you're already too smart. It's just "Army."

Thats pretty offensive to some of us. Aside from being largely wrong.

It seems the army's slogan dept. would disargee.

Thats pretty offensive to some of us. Aside from being largely wrong.Unless I'm much mistaken, EO was in the army. I could be wrong though...

What of new enlistment numbers, I wonder?

They're strong too. I posted a link in another thread on Tuesday I think, but I can't be bothered to look it up now.

Thats pretty offensive to some of us. Aside from being largely wrong.

I'm just going by what the advert says. So perhaps the ad is offensive and wrong, which is ironic, since it was made by the Army.

It's pretty fucked up that this has turned into an army bashing thread. That was not my intent. I was only making fun of the new slogan, which is kind of dumb. Most people in the Army are smart, motivated, and patriotic. They don't diserve to be insulted.

They're strong too. I posted a link in another thread on Tuesday I think, but I can't be bothered to look it up now.

So... Enlistment Strong? :D

Dammit, Rhaomi! I've told you before to get out of my head!
Stop reading my thoughts or I'll don my tinfoil hat again.
Rhaomi telepathic. :)

It's pretty fucked up that this has turned into an army bashing thread. That was not my intent. I was only making fun of the new slogan, which is kind of dumb. Most people in the Army are smart, motivated, and patriotic. They don't diserve to be insulted.

The ones who came up with that slogan do, though they're probably just some marketing people, not actual soldiers.

I'm just going by what the advert says. So perhaps the ad is offensive and wrong, which is ironic, since it was made by the Army.

My comment was based on your comment stating if you're dumb and strong you join the army.


I can understand "Army Strong".

Its sorta like "Ford Tough" but no one is bashing Ford drivers for being tough and dumb, as far as I can see.

yet.

My comment was based on your comment stating if you're dumb and strong you join the army.


I can understand "Army Strong".

Its sorta like "Ford Tough" but no one is bashing Ford drivers for being tough and dumb, as far as I can see.

yet.
IIRC, both Kerry and Sharpton are convinced that people who join the Army are dumb.

And who are we to question them?

http://www.lucianne.com/routine/images/12-14-06.jpg

It's pretty fucked up that this has turned into an army bashing thread. That was not my intent. I was only making fun of the new slogan, which is kind of dumb. Most people in the Army are smart, motivated, and patriotic. They don't diserve to be insulted.

What else do you expect in here ?

You're well aware how many see themselves as witty intelligista .

IIRC, both Kerry and Sharpton are convinced that people who join the Army are dumb.You don't :)

What else do you expect in here ?

You're well aware how many see themselves as witty intelligista .

It's part of popular US culture to bash the people in the military.

It's not only allowed, it's encouraged, especially by Kerry and Sharpton and a few others.

IIRC, both Kerry and Sharpton are convinced that people who join the Army are dumb.

And who are we to question them?

http://www.lucianne.com/routine/images/12-14-06.jpg

Thankfully, they are both opportunistic,parasitic pieces of excretia with opinions that have no value to me.

You don't :)

Generally speaking, it's not a dumb choice. It may not be the smartest thing in the world, but there are worse things you could do.

Thankfully, they are both opportunistic,parasitic pieces of excretia with opinions that have no value to me.

I share that opinion, but they seem to be terribly popular right now.

It's pretty fucked up that this has turned into an army bashing thread. That was not my intent. I was only making fun of the new slogan, which is kind of dumb. Most people in the Army are smart, motivated, and patriotic. They don't diserve to be insulted.

I got nothing against them.

It's part of popular US culture to bash the people in the military.

It's not only allowed, it's encouraged, especially by Kerry and Sharpton and a few others.

I know- its pathetic and foolish. But so is most of "pop culture".

Someday though, these very cretins grow up and learn to embrace the very things that make their way of life possible.

Generally speaking, it's not a dumb choice. It may not be the smartest thing in the world, but there are worse things you could do.Oh, I was merely pointing out that Kerry isn't convinced that soldiers are dumb. He managed to mangle a poor joke and ended up saying that he thought so, but to make a case he is convinced of it? Nah.

My dad was in the army and he hated it. Then again, he didn't really have the choice, being drafted :p

Oh, I was merely pointing out that Kerry isn't convinced that soldiers are dumb. He managed to mangle a poor joke and ended up saying that he thought so, but to make a case he is convinced of it? Nah.

My dad was in the army and he hated it. Then again, he didn't really have the choice, being drafted :p

Kerry has said similar things all through his life - I don't believe for a minute he was making a mistake.

They call it a Freudian slip for a reason - it's what he's actually thinking.

Being drafted sucks - if you don't have enough people volunteering to do something, it shouldn't be done.

If, for example, it came to the point where a nation was being invaded by an outside power (any nation at all), and the people who were being invaded refused to fight against the invasion, then they deserve to be invaded and overthrown.

Can't say the new slogan is much dumber than the old one. "Army of one", horseshit. The only guys that qualify as army of one are the snipers.

I share that opinion, but they seem to be terribly popular right now.

Unfortunately,you may be right.

But consider whom they are popular among.

Oh, I was merely pointing out that Kerry isn't convinced that soldiers are dumb. He managed to mangle a poor joke and ended up saying that he thought so, but to make a case he is convinced of it? Nah.

My dad was in the army and he hated it. Then again, he didn't really have the choice, being drafted :p

Nah- we're not really letting him get away with the lame bullshit "it was a joke claim", right? No one is so stupid.

Nope-Kerry was ad-libbing and made a telling blunder. The more he talks,the more he exposes himself.

I hated the "Army of One" thing. I thought it went against the whole succeed as a team thing. I also hated that they gave everyone berets. Those black berets were for the Rangers and were supposed to be earned, not just handed out to everyone.

"Army Strong"

Either that sentence no verb or adjective in place wrong.

Nah- we're not really letting him get away with the lame bullshit "it was a joke claim", right? No one is so stupid.

Nope-Kerry was ad-libbing and made a telling blunder. The more he talks,the more he exposes himself.

I think he really did botch a joke about Bush being stupid. I find that much more plausible than a politician choosing to badmouth the military. That's political suicide.

Nah- we're not really letting him get away with the lame bullshit "it was a joke claim", right? No one is so stupid.

Nope-Kerry was ad-libbing and made a telling blunder. The more he talks,the more he exposes himself.He claims he was trying to call Bush an idiot, the whole forgotten "us". But of course, if you guys can read his mind, I'll stand corrected.

So what happened? Wasn't the US military supposed to be burned out and run down? It seems they're still ready to kick some ass. The US army exceeded it's goals for reenlistment. It's gotten 119% of the men it expected.

So the US army is producing more people unprepared for return to civilian life?

So what happened? Wasn't the US military supposed to be burned out and run down? It seems they're still ready to kick some ass. The US army exceeded it's goals for reenlistment. It's gotten 119% of the men it expected.
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2419065.php



GOOD.


Some people also wanted us to believe the economy was bad too.

So the US army is producing more people unprepared for return to civilian life?

That's just a wee bit inaccurate.

GOOD.


Some people also wanted us to believe the economy was bad too.To be fair, that is reenlistment, not total enlistment or new enlistments.

He claims he was trying to call Bush an idiot, the whole forgotten "us". But of course, if you guys can read his mind, I'll stand corrected.

Maybe you should see his comments during the Vietnam War, where he made the same comment, and didn't say it was a joke.

That's just a wee bit inaccurate.

Three responses here, take your pick:

(a) No, it is a question which is internal non-contradictory and perfectly logical and as such cannot be taken to be inaccurate.

(b) If you read it as a rhetorical one with some hidden implication that is a problem with your process of inference.

(c) The word 'prepared' there is intentionally ambiguous, it could either mean 'unable to handle' or 'prefering not to'.

I think he really did botch a joke about Bush being stupid. I find that much more plausible than a politician choosing to badmouth the military. That's political suicide.

He strayed from his script and blurted it out.

The "joke" excuse is as lame as if he tried to say he is a very secret alcoholic and blamed it on that.

Ask Dan Quayle. His "not having one's mind" pretty much did him in.

Lesson to politicians- keep to the script. The experts words wont hang you. Your own words will expose who you are.

My dad was in the army and he hated it. Then again, he didn't really have the choice, being drafted :p

Aren't you German? You call that thing they have an army?

Three responses here, take your pick:

(a) No, it is a question which is internal non-contradictory and perfectly logical and as such cannot be taken to be inaccurate.

(b) If you read it as a rhetorical one with some hidden implication that is a problem with your process of inference.

(c) The word 'prepared' there is intentionally ambiguous, it could either mean 'unable to handle' or 'prefering not to'.

If you consider that most military enlisted jobs have nothing to do with combat, and are jobs like pharmacy tech, medical assistant, truck driver, computer programmer, etc., it probably does prepare most of them for civilian life.

If you consider that most military enlisted jobs have nothing to do with combat, and are jobs like pharmacy tech, medical assistant, truck driver, computer programmer, etc., it probably does prepare most of them for civilian life.

It is certainly true that the majority of military jobs are technical or logistical, but one should still ask whether there is a risk of institutionalisation.

It is certainly true that the majority of military jobs are technical or logistical, but one should still ask whether there is a risk of institutionalisation.

???

To be fair, that is reenlistment, not total enlistment or new enlistments.

Well then-that looks even better.

A more experienced, well trained army that voluntarily re-enlists is good.

They seem to know something the stylish "pop culture" detractors dont.

???

Institutionalised? - becoming used to living a life which is highly regimented on the basis of orders from above.

Three responses here, take your pick:

(c) The word 'prepared' there is intentionally ambiguous, it could either mean 'unable to handle' or 'prefering not to'.

That is the problem I have with your statement. Most people who serve are not lifers (at least not in active duty). So logically, most people don't prefer to stay in. Also, I don't know why you would assume that vetrans are "unable to handle" civillan life. The large majority of us do just fine.

It is certainly true that the majority of military jobs are technical or logistical, but one should still ask whether there is a risk of institutionalisation.

No, they actually prefer you think for yourself.

That is the problem I have with your statement. Most people who serve are not lifers (at least not in active duty). So logically, most people don't prefer to stay in. Also, I don't know why you would assume that vetrans are "unable to handle" civillan life. The large majority of us do just fine.

'More' as in 'more than in past years', rather than in 'more than short-termers'.

Institutionalised? - becoming used to living a life which is highly regimented on the basis of orders from above.

I remember hearing on NPR that factories and manufacturing centers prefer to hire veterans because of that.

You're saying that's a bad thing?

I remember hearing on NPR that factories and manufacturing centers prefer to hire veterans because of that.

You're saying that's a bad thing?

If it is to the extent where functioning without such heirarchy is impaired then yes.

If it is to the extent where functioning without such heirarchy is impaired then yes.

I think you're fantasizing about the degree of control in the military.

Aren't you German? You call that thing they have an army?Just because I'm German doesn't mean my dad is. :)

I think you're fantasizing about the degree of control in the military.

All I'm doing is asking questions. Where I come from the military is something kept incredibly separate from civilian life and not something that people who have served in the last thirty or so years are at all likely to talk openly or publicly about. Educate me.

'More' as in 'more than in past years', rather than in 'more than short-termers'.

Maybe reenlisment is up because they are treating soldiers better, or offering better incentives go reserve or guard.

All I'm doing is asking questions. Where I come from the military is something kept incredibly separate from civilian life and not something that people who have served in the last thirty or so years are at all likely to talk openly or publicly about. Educate me.

Where are you from? I always thought you were from the USA.

If it is to the extent where functioning without such heirarchy is impaired then yes.

As an organization, the US military has prided itself on making its commanders and subordinate leaders (down to the lowest soldier) follow "recon pull" command methods.

This is where the commander only provides an overall vision, and allows subordinates to work freely in any way they wish that attains that vision.

Telling people what they want, rather than how to do it.

Hardly the hallmark of a tightly controlled hierarchy.

The Soviet and Chinese militaries, on the other hand, favor a "command push" method.

This is where you aren't allowed to change anything, no matter how circumstances change. As an example, Soviet tanks in a platoon had only one tank with a two-way radio - the commander's tank. All subordinate tanks could only receive orders.

Where are you from? I always thought you were from the USA.

Nope. Northern Ireland.

Do I type with an american accent?

Nah, the notion that any branch of service is made up from our best and brightest is just wishful thinking. Then again, they aren't our dumbest or worst.
I hated the Army of One slogan. It's entirely untrue. An army functions best as a well coordinated team mentality. Go it alone or try to be a hero and people die. People in your squad. You maybe, if they're lucky. The implications of that nonsense sticks in the head of new recruits.
Rambo-recruitment-BS. It appeals to the ego, vanity and arrogance of a specific target audience, one that is easily manipulated.
Intelligence is not wisdom, and it takes wisdom to not get suckered.
Therefore, there is a certain truthieness to the idea that our boys aren't all that bright, but only if you distinguish between their intelligence and their wisdom. Army recruitment targets less experienced, less introspective young males for a reason. They're more likely to sign up.
I'd be VERY interested to see the stats on the age ranges who signed up this past period, since the age limit has now gone up to 42.... I doubt there are many older guys going in. Chalk it up to whatever metric you like.
:sniper:

Nah, the notion that any branch of service is made up from our best and brightest is just wishful thinking. Then again, they aren't our dumbest or worst.
I hated the Army of One slogan. It's entirely untrue. An army functions best as a well coordinated team mentality. Go it alone or try to be a hero and people die. People in your squad. You maybe, if they're lucky. The implications of that nonsense sticks in the head of new recruits.
Rambo-recruitment-BS. It appeals to the ego, vanity and arrogance of a specific target audience, one that is easily manipulated.
Intelligence is not wisdom, and it takes wisdom to not get suckered.
Therefore, there is a certain truthieness to the idea that our boys aren't all that bright, but only if you distinguish between their intelligence and their wisdom. Army recruitment targets less experienced, less introspective young males for a reason. They're more likely to sign up.
I'd be VERY interested to see the stats on the age ranges who signed up this past period, since the age limit has now gone up to 42.... I doubt there are many older guys going in. Chalk it up to whatever metric you like.
:sniper:

The older people usually enlist in a warrent officer program, usually helicopters. I've been considering it myself.

It's unfortunate that many (read: vast majority) of recruiters sucker people in. I enlisted out of civic responsibility. Many people I knew also enlisted for the college money. The drill sgts asked everyone to raise their hand who was there for college $$, only about five people kept their hands down.

Nope. Northern Ireland.

Do I type with an american accent?

I guess you must. I don't know why but I was under the impression you were from the US midwest or something. Maybe I had you confused with someone else.

"army strong" is better than "an army of one," which isnt an army at all.

"army strong" is better than "an army of one," which isnt an army at all.

What ever happened to "Be all that you can be"? Seems like a nice message.

What ever happened to "Be all that you can be"? Seems like a nice message.

I always liked that one. Except the commercials for the Army Reserve. The jungle just didn't work.

What of new enlistment numbers, I wonder?

Always a dark cloud around that sliver lining, right?

I think these are the newest numbers that are reported, anyway.

Army slogans have been pretty weak, lately. They ought to hire the guys that coined the "Few Good Men" slogan for the Marines.

Always a dark cloud around that sliver lining, right?

I think these are the newest numbers that are reported, anyway.

Army slogans have been pretty weak, lately. They ought to hire the guys that coined the "Few Good Men" slogan for the Marines.

...or they could give the Army cool swords and snazzy dress uniforms.

BTW: it's "the few the proud," "a few good men" was a movie.

...or they could give the Army cool swords and snazzy dress uniforms.

BTW: it's "the few the proud," "a few good men" was a movie.

BTW: You're right about "The few, the proud, the Marines", but "The Marines are looking for a few good men" pre-dated (http://www.angelfire.com/ca/dickg/fewgmen.html) Tom Cruise and Demi Moore by a few years, I'll wager. It looks like it was first used in 1779.

"William Jones, captain of Marines in the Providence (the 28-gun frigate, not the 12-gun sloop) then at Boston, advertised in the 20 March 1779 Providence (R.I.) Gazette the need for "a few good Men" to engage in "a short Cruize" and gave the Marine Corps a recruiting slogan it would be using two hundred years later. "


Don't mess with an old Marine, junior.

BTW: You're right about "The few, the proud, the Marines", but "The Marines are looking for a few good men" pre-dated (http://www.angelfire.com/ca/dickg/fewgmen.html) Tom Cruise and Demi Moore by a few years, I'll wager. It looks like it was first used in 1779.

I stand corrected.

The Marines still have the coolest uniforms.

Always a dark cloud around that sliver lining, right?

Erhm, no. I am honestly curious, as I have not heard anything regarding new recruitment levels in quite some time.

I stand corrected.

The Marines still have the coolest uniforms.
Absolutely. I don't know what lapse has allowed cammies to replace the "Charlie" uniform that was Uniform of the Day for so long.

The people in charge of making recruitment slogans and ads could learn a few lessons from the new Canadian recruitment ads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_6vK_JSSTo

None of that Army Strong, Army of One, or any of that overly egotistical, bull-headed approach that appeals to people of that sort. Real situations, real problems. It doesn't dress up army service with slogans or sends unrealistic messages.

Rhaomi telepathic. :)
Me scared.
Me wear hat now.
hah! Rhaomi can't read me thoughts.



Me hungry. Me want chocolate.