Even a 12 year old knows what an army soldier does lmao. Why are we infantilizing [sic] grown men?
Yes, these are young men and women, but let’s not be so quick to judge. Our culture praises joining the military as a noble sacrifice (e.g. “Thank you for your service”), portrays America as the “good guys” on the world stage, and gives financial incentives (e.g., college, home loans, business loans, etc). It is a trap designed for the working class to fuel the military industrial complex and further US imperialism.
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The increase in military recruitment age is a very recent development. It is typically closer to 18-19. Average age also varies by branch, with the Marine Corps having the youngest recruits, for example: https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2025-05-14/army-older-recruits-17780089.html https://www.cna.org/pop-rep/2000/html/chapter2/c2_age.htm
Most have a high school diploma or GED, but a minority have any college experience: https://recruiting.army.mil/pao/facts_figures/
Couple this with the fact that armed service members recently got a pay raise during the Trump administration: https://usafacts.org/articles/is-military-enlistment-down/
Yes, these are young men and women, but let’s not be so quick to judge. Our culture praises joining the military as a noble sacrifice (e.g. “Thank you for your service”), portrays America as the “good guys” on the world stage, and gives financial incentives (e.g., college, home loans, business loans, etc). It is a trap designed for the working class to fuel the military industrial complex and further US imperialism.
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