Most teens think war is a video game.
Kids signing up have a right to know the score.
Some don't have family or friends that can tell them what is really going to happen, and the recruiters sure won't.
And before you start, I'm in favor of enlisting. I urged my son to, and was glad to get him back from the Gulf in one piece.
I do object to a lot of recruiters who should be selling used cars.
So9
I have no problem with telling kids the truth - you think that's all the NYT is doing with this story - some genuine, heartfelt, public service announcement?
I had a problem with this line:
They promise you college funds. (Check and see how many actually ever get those funds.
Enlistment is a contract. If you sign up for college money, you WILL be contractually entitled to it. Those who don't use it are just throwing money away, it's their own fault.
However, hyping the tuition assistance you get while in the military is misleading (TA pays 75% or more of tuition while you're in). Lots of troops never get the chance to use it, while those in garrison with regular hours can, with little money of their own, easily knock out an associate's degree during a four-year enlistment.
Know what happens when an RPG hits a tank? Nothing good.
These days with the M1, not much bad. It just tells the tank's gunner where the bad guy is. But I understand the point.