The Associated Press September 18, 2004
Army recruiters attend video game tourney
Video game wizards may find themselves being recruited this weekend: by the U.S. Army.
Army recruiters are attending a video game tournament this weekend in this Denver suburb, and have brought along their own game, "America's Army."
"The young people are so enamored with it," said Debbie Cannon, spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command.
Recruiters are finding it a tool for those who aren't drawn by the prospect of college money or an opportunity to see the world.
The game begins with a raw recruit, and players who make it through basic can choose a career in the Rangers, a tank gunner or other fighting jobs.
Army Special Forces operations in Iraq form the basis for the latest version of the final stages of the game.
Paul Boyce, an expert on the game, says it is more than just a blow-everyone-up game. Players are forced to learn about the Army and its valules, though there is plenty of time to lob hand grenates.
John Pike, executive director of the Virginia-based GlobalSecurity.org think tank said it is aimed at teens who are more interested in combat than in money. "If it works, more power to 'em, because they need all the soldiers they can get," Pike said.
"We discourage people from signing up just because they like the video game. It should be the right choice for them, their families and for the nation," said Boyce.
The game also is available for downloading from the Army Web site.
© Copyright 2004, Associated Press
