The U.S. Army Pitches Patriotism

"The Army expects to miss its recruiting goals this month and next, and is working on a revised sales pitch appealing to the patriotism of parents," according to Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey. The "patriotism to parents" pitch might be made "through a new advertising campaign." Harvey "is also encouraging more members of Congress, as well as senior Army leaders and Army boosters, to spend time in local communities touting the benefits of military service." In addition, the Army has boosted its number of recruiters by one-third and is offering larger sign-up bonuses, while the National Guard and Reserve raised the maximum recruit age from 34 to 39.