With President Bush presumably about to announce a surge of troops into Iraq, what better time for CNN to run a segment . . . likely to put a damper on recruiting? In theory, there was nothing wrong with a segment aired at 10:30 ET this morning, geared to providing useful information to potential recruits. As discussed during CNN host TJ Holmes' interview of Gina Cavallaro of the Military Times [owned by Gannett, the folks who bring you the liberal USA Today], recruits do need to understand that they are entering into a contract with the military, that they have bargaining power, that it's possible to negotiate, that it's wise to get things in writing, etc.
Well and good. But all that information was provided against the backdrop of a recurring theme: that recruiters are likely to distort or even lie to potential recruits.
Holmes introduced the segment this way: "Between the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, military recruiters are feeling more pressure to meet their goals. They are overstating the benefits of enlisting right now, is the word. What should you know before your son or daughter signs on the dotted line?"
Holmes' first question to Cavallaro: "The [recruits] you talk to who were just getting into it or have been in for a little bit, do you hear much saying they didn't really know what they were getting to? Did their impressions turn out to be true once they were enlisted?"
Cavallaro took it from there: "I hear people saying, 'my recruiter lied to me. I'm not where I said I would be. I didn't know I would be in Korea for a year.' You definitely hear those things."
And although she added that lying recruiters aren't "the norm," just a minute or so later she warned "you're going to maybe eventually run into somebody out there who is going to be less than scrupulous or who isn't going to tell you everything."
And later still: "And you need to know also that any recruiter who tells you you're not going to go to Iraq is telling you less than the truth."
Are there recruiters who fudge facts? I suppose so. But I'll be on the lookout for the next CNN used-car buying guide to see if CNN treats salesmen with as much cynicism as it directed toward the United States military this morning.
Mark was in Iraq in November. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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"Military recruiters are
January 6, 2007 - 14:04 ET by ThisnThat"Military recruiters are feeling more pressure to meet their goals. They are overstating the benefits of enlisting right now..."
Hmmmm. Wasn't it CNN who admitted "We were under pressure to keep our sources to Sadaam open. We overstated the likelihood of our viewers receiving the truth right now..." What are we expected to believe from this organization? What kind of slant/bias did they purposefully inject into this current story?
Just one more example of the
January 6, 2007 - 15:08 ET by mattmJust one more example of the subversive nature of CNN.
". . . recruits do nee
January 6, 2007 - 14:05 ET by Galvanic". . . recruits do need to understand that they are entering into a contract with the military, that they have bargaining power, that it's possible to negotiate, that it's wise to get things in writing, etc."
That's sound advice whether one's signing an enlistment contract, or a student loan agreement, or joining a DVD club. Read the text very carefully, and if something isn't clear, have it explained to one's satisfaction.
Cavallaro took it from there: "I hear people saying, 'my recruiter lied to me. I'm not where I said I would be. I didn't know I would be in Korea for a year.' You definitely hear those things."
Claims of lying recruiters are as old as the Army itself. When I served as a sergeant the infantry (1973-1976), most the poor performance soldiers I dealt with told me their recruiters lied to them. Research always revealed that they'd enlisted for 4 years in combat arms and accepted the $1000 enlistment bonus that came with it -- and that's what the Army delivered. So, who's at fault?
"I didn't know I'd be in Korea for a year." That doesn't sound like a lie on the face of it. A soldier serves where the Army sends him/her to serve. Unless he/she was guaranteed in the contract that his/her service would be as a specific location for a specific period of time -- and never got there -- the soldier has no legitmate complaint.
And a reporter for the Army Times ought to be well aware of this.
And although she added that lying recruiters aren't "the norm," just a minute or so later she warned "you're going to maybe eventually run into somebody out there who is going to be less than scrupulous or who isn't going to tell you everything."
Yep. No profession is devoid of unscrupulous individuals -- Ms. Cavallaro's being no exception. The question is: "Are incidents or claims of recruiter deceit rare, common, or institutionally engrained?" That's what she ought to research.
When I went into the Army I was told...
January 6, 2007 - 14:17 ET by acaiguanaWhen I went into the Army I was told...
"It's just like going to a private Spa, they'll get you into shape and help you lose all that flab with controlled diets and scheduled exercise programs.
"You'll see the world as no other tourist can see it. Plus you get to play with a lot of neat toys."
"The dress is fashionably tailored to meet any needs you might encounter in whirlwind social schedule they provide."
"You get a lot of shiney medals to throw over the White House Fence (if you can't talk someone else to giving you theirs to throw).
"It's just like one of those exclusive "21" clubs in NYC. You get your own smoking areas; your own space for sleeping; your own chauffered transportation; your own medical doctor; hey, you can't beat it.
"If you jump out of airplanes, we'll pay you more."
"If you like to eat snails just like they do in those cafes in Paris, we have a special program for you."
"You'll get to see areas of ancient civilizations that no other tourist can even get to."
And a lot of other stuff.
Gee. I'm feeling all warm inside as I remember.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
ACA
January 6, 2007 - 14:20 ET by Gary HallYou saw Private Benjamin, did you not? gh
Yeah, Gary, that movie is iconic for Liberal Army Models.
January 6, 2007 - 14:31 ET by acaiguanaYeah, Gary, that movie is iconic for Liberal Army Models.
The role that is.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
Beware Lying MSM Reporters
January 6, 2007 - 14:11 ET by Gary HallBeware Lying MSM Reporters !
(;~>
Lying Recuiters
January 6, 2007 - 14:33 ET by MusashiMy blood boiled when I saw this. I've served in both the active duty USAF and USAFR and none of my recruiters lied to me or in anyway mislead me. My wife, whom I met while serving on active duty, has spent the last 7 1/2 years in USAF Recuiting and takes pride in the FACT, not TJ's conjecture, that she's never lied to or mislead an applicant. She's now a Flight Chief of 6 Recuiters and must meet with each applicant that her troops are processing for enlistment and she ensures that NONE of them have been lied to or mislead. It is stressed to each applicant that the "needs of the USAF" come first and the applicants are ALL made aware of this FACT and understand its implications when they VOLUNTEER to sign away four or six years to the USAF. I found TJ Holmes contact info on CNN.COM and let him know just what I felt about his research and slanted reporting. Just one more reason to not watch CNN in this house.
The MSM will do anything it c
January 6, 2007 - 14:38 ET by Dave RThe MSM will do anything it can to undermine our efforts in the war. What else can one expect from The Enemy Within.
Dave...BINGO!The only change
January 6, 2007 - 16:05 ET by Clear thinkerDave...
BINGO!
The only change I would make to your post would be..."liberal MSM".
On Korea, recruiters
January 6, 2007 - 15:57 ET by Unsane"I didn't know I would be in Korea for a year." Like getting stationed in Korea is a sentence of some sort. That is one of the most underrated assignments in the military, especially if you don't have to leave family behind for whatever reason.
That being said, leave it to an organization that is openly contemptuous of the military to lie about recruiting in such a blatant fashion. When I was recruited into ROTC, I found the officers I talked to very straight-forward about what to expect. As such, I was only more the willing to jump in with both feet. I have no regrets at all.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Cindy Sheehan frequently asse
January 6, 2007 - 18:26 ET by GalvanicCindy Sheehan frequently asserts that the Army lied to her late son 5 times, but I've never heard her get into specifics, and I understand her son --- KIA in Iraq --- was on his second enlistment when he was killed, which suggests to me that he was satisfied with his service in the Army. I suspect that Sheehan can't come to grips with the realization that her patriotic son volunteered to be a soldier --- a profession she's despised since long before his untimely death.
If someone lies to you once,
January 6, 2007 - 18:37 ET by VT Con ManIf someone lies to you once, do you believe them again, and again, and again, etc? To say nothing about five times!!! So, why did he re-enlist then? Cindy is a casualty of the dims and the MSM who have both had it with her. She is no longer a useful tool.
As for the rest of the story, I'd like to learn more about what "they hear", and from whom. If they are interviewing recruits in the brig, yeah, they aren't where "they were told they would be". Lets get some real reporting on this huh?
This "lied to me" drivel is also a very convenient way to avoid responsibility isn't it? Hmmm.
Isn't it just great that
January 6, 2007 - 23:59 ET by JerryIsn't it just great that Sin-Dee Sheehan denigrates the memory of her son after he is not here to defend himself? I am quite certain he would be very disappointed in the shenanigans of his mother. He was a great patriot, who willingly enlisted, and then re-enlisted AFTER 9/11, and then volunteered for the dangerous mission that would cost him his life.
Sin-Dee should be ashamed of herself.
Hey VT, what does your moniker stand for, Virginia Tech or Vermont? Very Tough? Video Technician? Viagra Tester? :)
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment
vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any
President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Yeah, he lied to me - he told
January 7, 2007 - 08:14 ET by SamYeah, he lied to me - he told me I was only going to be in Miami beach and Key West. DOH!
Will this administration EVER
January 7, 2007 - 00:29 ET by donsalesWill this administration EVER compel the Justice Department to prosecute folks like this who lie openly about facts that have a direct impact on our war efforts????????
This low life should be brought up immediately on charges of treason and prosecuted to the fullest under the guidelines for this offense clearly delineated in our Constitution.....
Section 3 - Treason Note
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
When exactly are we as a nation going to once and for all adhere to and follow the rules laid out in our Constitution??????
Nowhere to Run....Nowhere To Hide.....
traitors in the media
January 7, 2007 - 08:02 ET by SamThe hearings should start to investigate these media morons. I'm tired of these activist journalists weakening a military effort they disagree with. It's time to start holding them accountable.
Who better to stoke anti-capitalism and anti-Americanism than the "Independent"? Don't miss this gem: http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2132569.ece
We decide and then report
January 7, 2007 - 12:57 ET by acumenI can see how Holmes and Cavallaro would be passionate about creating such a story.
I'm sure their journalism recruiter told them they would be "reporting" news.
Well, the enemy within are re
January 7, 2007 - 19:34 ET by bigtimerWell, the enemy within are really going to be rolling up their sleeves in the next two years (let alone this week with the anticipated speech the President is going to give for his next move in this war) to make sure we retreat in defeat, it is their goal...the must get this done, in all areas of the military, why we can't have men enlisting, we must have them start protesting...we must have riots, marches and mayhem here on our streets, we must destroy this administration at the cost of thousands of lives, we hate the conservatives, we hate George Bush we will regain power, next the WH!
The next step is the obvious pressure that is already being applied by CNN and MSNBC and others in the media to make sure that the dem's vote to stop funding this war...at all of our expenses here on our shores, and others elsewhere world-wide.
When are we going to hold these evil creatures accountable?!
We must stay strong and fight these evil people all the way...whatever it takes!
We must crush them all!
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
I will put on the uniform and
January 7, 2007 - 19:37 ET by joe conservativeI will put on the uniform and serve in Iraq when the Bush twits sober up and join their daddy's war of failure.
joeblow...Quit following me a
January 7, 2007 - 19:47 ET by bigtimerjoeblow...
Quit following me around, did you read my post above and comprehend the words, the last line especially belongs to you and all your ilk little one.
"If we ever forget that we are a Nation Under God....then we will be a Nation Gone Under." Ronald Reagan
How many months was Nancy pre
January 8, 2007 - 00:26 ET by joe conservativeHow many months was Nancy pregnat before she married the Gipper? The Reagans were on the cutting edge of the sexual revolution.
Cop-out
January 7, 2007 - 20:54 ET by UnsaneIt is an all-volunteer military. They do not have to join if they do not want to.
There is a little something called freewill that exists.
That is quite a cop-out on your part if you ask me.
If you are so brave, you need to jump in without qualification.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
I'm waiting for you to list your wars.
January 7, 2007 - 21:04 ET by acaiguanaI'm waiting for you to list your wars.
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "Which city is next?"
I was a just a young lad of
January 8, 2007 - 00:30 ET by joe conservativeI was a just a young lad of twelve, I was big for my age, when I enlisted for the Spanish American War. I still have a wound on my butt that looks like Prez AWOL.
What a flaming, ingrate, pu
January 8, 2007 - 11:18 ET by MightyMouthWhat a flaming, ingrate, punk. You kids are the future of this country? God help us!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
You'll have a mark on your as
January 8, 2007 - 11:20 ET by kathleenirishYou'll have a mark on your ass that looks like my foot, ungrateful spoiled jerk.
"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere" -Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, 4th Islamic Caliph
In other words. No, You have
January 8, 2007 - 14:22 ET by BDIn other words. No, You have not served.
Please cease commenting now.
Troll Alert
January 8, 2007 - 11:28 ET by emjem24Joe Conservative,
I'll take you seriously when you stop the nonsense about Pres. Bush's daughters. Why do you see the need to bring his daughters into this discussion? They have nothing to do with this. You can't put out a real, independent argument instead of yet another, liberal talking point. I don't think you're conservative at all so I won't place much faith in you. Why are you on here? Wouldn't the Huffington Post be more your style? What do you think that you'll prove? If you can't be intellectually (or politically) honest then you shouldn't be on here, but then you wouldn't know anything about that now would you?
The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer. Air Force Motto
Have you EVER served? I ser
January 8, 2007 - 14:19 ET by BDHave you EVER served? I served under a detestable president (Clinton)and remain on duty now.
Have you?
Until you do so, please remain silent.
No he has never served. He wo
January 8, 2007 - 14:41 ET by Eric TurnerNo he has never served. He wouldn't know what it means. He's a faker-liar-wannabe-troll. He has no shame and no honor. He has absolutely no credibility. His stance is that since he accuses Bush of being AWOL he then has "absolute moral authority" to claim whatever he wants. His rabid hatred for everything which is not okay in his worldview is inherent in every post he makes. I guess he doesn't abide by what the liberals claim to worship - tolerance. He has absolutely no tolerance for anyone but those who agree with him and his wingnut views. He has lost any respect I had for him and his comments. I could care less if he's right. From now on when I see him I'll call him what he is and make no other comment - "Faker-Liar-Wannabe-Troll, without shame or honor."
I can ignore trolls and they just pop up around here, but in my opinion, someone who claims to be a veteran of "five major wars" and has the "medals of valor" to prove it should it either prove it or shut up and be banned.
-----------------------------------------------------
"Perpetual itching without benefit of scratching to the enemies of America." - July 4th toast during the Revolution
CNN Now Has It In For Military Recruiters
January 8, 2007 - 11:12 ET by emjem24You know, CNN, why don't you report all the facts about military recruiting, not just the ones you approve? My husband was a military recruiter who never lied to any potential recruits to get them to sign up. Never! He gave them information so that they (the kids) could make their own informed decisions. Now, there are some recruiters who lie and will do anything to get new recruits. This has been documented but this is not the norm. How 'bout you report that instead of reporting nonsense? Again, another MSM that reports on something they know nothing about, don't want to know anything about, and will never know what it trully means to serve one's country. All they know is what it means to serve one's political party's agenda.
The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer. Air Force Motto