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Contrary to what some might think, Houma is not a tiny provincial place because of its ties to the oil industry and many of its inhabitants who are from all over the country and at least at one point, from all over the world.
It is pretty much like a lot of small to medium size cities throughout America. It is very near to a small state University where I teach. I mention that because one of my students, an extremely talented artist and musician was the Sgt. of the six young men from the Houma area who died in Iraq mentioned in the story. Fortunately, for him, he is moving forward with his career. I am sure the subject of this interview knows him.
Damn this war and those who brought it on us as a nation.

I grow tired of the kid gloves that are used when people in the military are being interviewed. It is in my opinion most egregious when military recruiters talk about those who sign up as being high on patriotism because they are defending our country. The Iraq war has nothing to do with defending our country. And the people who have protested the war are indeed the patriots as they defend American principles.
Stan Green, West Long Branch,NJ

World's toughest

Your'e right.

- I fought in WW2 - and am proud to have helped stop Nazi Germany which murdered over 11 million innocente ment women & children.

I have a different perspective, obviously, than "jim"

@Derek - Jim is right. The military is not figting for us, nor are they defending us. At the direction of a bunch of war criminals the military invaded and occupied a sovereign nation - a third-rate military power that never posed a threat.

Jim, if he represents imperialism you represent cynical defeatism and arrogant cowardice.

Ok, though, let them hicks do all the fighting for you --- as you long as you can call them imperialists - no need to feel guilt.

That kid has more honor in his pinkie than you'll probably ever have.

derek, welcome to the ivory tower corner, where no on has served their country, fired a gun or been near the border and where freedom means free handouts.

The recruiter has turned 32, his grandfather is turning 70-something. Good for them and wish many more longer years.
However, how many young people he had recruited will never reach to those ages? How many of them will remain permenantly injured for the rest o their disabled lives?
Why no one is asking this recruiter such questions about the consequences of his very successfull career?

He is the one who made the claim that he represented freedom. All I did was give my view of what he represents. If he did not make that statement I would not have posted.

Now how do you come to that conclusion Jim?

Because he's willing to fight for you?
TO sacrifice for you?

That automatically makes him an imperialist...?

You don't even know him....you jerk.

Like the late George Carlin said - the Dear Leader and the Dark Lord need cannon fodder. Just as long as it's not anyone from their class.

The speaker does not represent freedom. He represents imperialism.

Are grades an issue for young people joining the army? Do those children with lower GPA feel more pressure to join because it might be harder for them to get into a college or university?

what does "non-commissioned officer" mean?

Please ask the filmmaker:

Did pointing the camera at these youth ultimately cause them to enlist? or had they already made that decision PRIOR to meeting you?

I can imagine a small town teen feeling glamorous being followed around by cameras.

Get where I'm going with this?

apc

What are the odds of being sent to war zones (Afghanistan/Iraq) if recruited?

What are the recruitment statistics for schools where the school population is weatlhy vs. those where the population is low income?