U.S. Army recruiting at the mall with videogames

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE50819H20090110

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The U.S. Army, struggling to ensure it has enough manpower as it fights wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is wooing young Americans with videogames, Google maps and simulated attacks on enemy positions from an Apache helicopter.

Departing from the recruiting environment of metal tables and uniformed soldiers in a drab military building, the Army has invested $12 million in a facility that looks like a cross between a hotel lobby and a video arcade.

The U.S. Army Experience Center at the Franklin Mills shopping mall in northeast Philadelphia has 60 personal computers loaded with military videogames, 19 Xbox 360 video game controllers and a series of interactive screens describing military bases and career options in great detail.

Potential recruits can hang out on couches and listen to rock music that fills the space.

[louis-t]

1. Oh this won't cause any long term mental harm to kids

will it? Jeez, "see kids, killing people is just like a video game!! No consequences, just start the game over." :mad:

[dkofos]

2. Someone should tell them that the best way to increase recruitment is to

END THE FUCKING WAR!!!

[Orrex]

3. That's how I was recruited to defend the Star League against Xur and the Kodan Armada

Long story short: thank goodness for the ol' Death Blossom.

[walldude]

6. Well, that machine was supposed to go to Las Vegas..

must have been fate that it ended up in a trailer park.

[machI]

4. Join the Air Force Baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XFmpo_QATA

[Mari333]

5. next they will be telling them they will get 72 virgins if they sign up

whatever works.

[gratuitous]

7. Simulated attacks, all right! Ooo-rah!

Does it have simulated PTSD and simulated 1,000 yard stare? Kids today demand the complete experience from their gaming.