Quakers condemn army recruitment campaign
The army's recent recruitment campaign has been criticised by Friends
Quakers have voiced fierce criticism of the latest army recruitment campaign targeting young people. The campaign features world war one-style posters with images of modern young people, followed by the statement: ‘Your army needs you.’ The campaign appeals to ‘selfie addicts’ and ‘me me me millenials’, with examples including: ‘Snowflakes: The army needs you and your compassion’ and ‘Binge gamers: The army needs you and your drive’.
Ellis Brooks, peace education coordinator for Britain Yearly Meeting, said: ‘The army has a recruitment shortfall… These ads do look desperate.’
He added that the ads imply ‘un-recruited young people’s lives are devoid of meaning. However, we mustn’t forget the reality that young people end up dangerous and endangered when they’re mis-sold war. Valuing all human lives, we have to keep highlighting that.’
Symon Hill, of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), said: ‘This campaign is using world war one imagery and once again generals and government ministers are urging young people to volunteer to join an organisation in which they are expected to kill and die when someone more powerful than them orders them to.’
He added: ‘Many young people today are well aware of a reality that generals and politicians won’t accept: that armed force cannot solve the world’s problems and that we need to tackle the underlying causes of conflict. Many young people are choosing compassion and conscience over violence and conformity. The low levels of army recruitment are something to celebrate.’
The PPU retweeted spoofs of the army adverts created by peace activists. One features a Teletubby and says: ‘Teletubbies: Your army needs you to dial down the joy and kindness.’
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