Oologah - There was a time when military recruiters only had to open an office and wait for the young men and women to sign up. But, now, with the country at war, recruiters have to aggressively go after every possible recruit. NewsChannel 8's Bill Mitchell shows us the newest recruiting tools for today's national guard.

They're using paint ball guns, Apache helicopters and war games to show teens what it's like. They say it's patriotic to serve in a time of war. At the same time, they are pointing out all the benefits of military service now.

It's been said that war is hell. Now, recruiters say it's almost the same trying to get young people to enlist.

"Yes sir, it's becoming increasingly difficult with the situation that our country's in right now," says National Guard Sergeant Major Dean Bridges.

So, they bring out the Apache helicopters and show young people what they might be doing. Sergeant Major Bridges says young people have all the patriotism in the world. It just a matter of getting the military message to them.

"I know if something happens, I'd be doing it for my country," says Catoosa junior Kendra Mitchell. "And, that's what matters."

Michael Mouse, a junior from Catoosa, says he will sign up soon and go off for training when he graduates.

These are only games. The targets don't shoot back. And out there in the war games of paint ball, when you're wounded it only hurts a little.

So, how does the military convince parents to let their children go from these games to the real thing? They admit it's a tough sell. They point out that guard recruits only have to eat meals ready to eat and soldier one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer.

In addition, they point out that soldiers get free state college tuition, and some bonuses.

How many of these thirty potential recruits will salute and march off to war? If they're lucky half of these paint ball warriors will enlist. If that happens they will have won at least this recruiting battle.

The Sergeant Major says the combination of paint ball battles and Apache helicopters has worked in other places. They plan to do it in this region two to three times a year.

Friday's paintball war games were held at Green Country Paintball, which is located two and a half miles south of Oologah on Highway 169. Then, turn south 1/2 mile on Rural Road N4080.

http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0205/208240.html

See you in the dead zone...loser!

Deadeye,
I agree with you completely. That being said I served in the US Army and then US Air Force, so I don't have to worry about it anymore,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
course that being said, I have a 13 and 17 year old son,,,,,,,,,,,
Damn, I rather go than to see either of them get in harms way!!!!
Parenting is such a B!%@#!!!

unknown

See you in the dead zone...loser!

The story I heard this weekend,,, from a kid,,, is that The Navy and AF are NOT accepting anyone at this time. If thats true,,,,,shudder!!!!

I told him an ASVAB score in any area in the 90s would probably get a person into anything he wanted to do. Ya just gotta know how to stroke 'em a little bit!

unknown

The Army is taking everyone.

See you in the dead zone...loser!

Personally I dont think its right that they make paintball war games to recruit people. yeah its training but it makes war look fun and easy...which by no means it is not. I havent been in the military but from all the military vets it doesnt sound fun. I think this is just a cheap ploy to get young people to sign up. no disrepect to the military its just the recruiters i dont like. they dont tell the full truth. im sorry if i sound like a hippie, but its just my two cents. i support our troops because they are only told to go there, i just dont support the war itself. well i better stop now, i know i'm going to get flamed, just remember its only my opinion. peace out

If anyone needs cash, my days are available. I'll pay more than the store.

What about all of the movies that glamorize war? If you don't like paintball as a recruiting tool you shouldn't like the movies either.

<img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/Fieldhound/bpavatar1a.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

Deadeye,
Is the Army taking "everyone"? or "ANYONE"!!!! Having been in the Army and AF I think I am superbly qualified to take a poke at them!!!!

Pool, you said: "no disrepect to the military its just the recruiters i dont like."
Guess what: Nobody else likes them either!
I had an incedent where I ran into my AF recruiter about three years after being recuited. I saw him at a chow-hall in Sumpter, SC Shaw "Air Patch". When I told him he was my recruiter, he actually got into a defensive posture, prepared for my attack!!!! He was a good guy and I did sign up. Nothing but the best thoughts for him but many people blame their recruiter for their own decisions!!!!

unknown

a 50 will get you anywhere and that is with a GED. I think this is what are country was founded on. The will to survive and the pride a courage it takes.