I agree, but I see the problem as being in the school system, not the recruiters. Because if people were smarter, they wouldn't fall for stuff like that, and then stuff like that wouldn't be used.
It's not exactly off topic.

The problem, too, is that the things they say are lies. I know a military boy. It didn't make him a better person at all. In fact, I think it made him worse.

Thank you for saying what needs to be said. The only people who'll be offended are the same people who would fall for this nonsense to begin with.

CONTROVERSY!!! I'm unsusbcribing, defriending you, and blocking you three ways from next Sunday! I can't believe I even ever talked to you! Go 'way! Go 'way! *kicks dirt*

I hate those recruiters that constantly badger me while I am trying to walk through the halls of our stupid overcrowded school to get to my boyfriend for lunch. On "recruiters take over the school" days, I constantly have my headphones in my ears, or my boyfriend and I walk together talking constantly to keep them from talking to us. And using those slogans and promises of money and schooling to draw kids in without telling them all they are really signing up for. (Sorry about that bit of improper grammar in that last sentence)

I'm not offended, Eadie; it would take a lot to manage that. Now I hope accordingly not to offend you.
The main thing you seem to have a problem with is recruiters, and that's understandable. While some recruiters are wonderful people, there are some slimeballs. I don't think this has so much to do with the military as salesmen in general, though. When they face negative personnel actions for not meeting a quota, they do whatever it takes, and sometimes that includes lying, manipulation, intimidation, you name it-  they do it.
It makes you into a better person
Being in the military does not inherently make you a better person, and you certainly can be all you can be without being a soldier. It is certainly possible to become a better person while in the military, as I think I have in some ways, but the opposite is also true. There are some outstanding people in the military who are great leaders, mentors, believers (in the Shepherd Book sense of the word). There are also a lot of criminals and dirtbags to provide a bad influence. You get out of it what you put into it.
It is a career, and a path through school
It can be a career for those who choose that, and I can honestly say it's not too bad a career; heck, I might make it one for all know. It can also be a path through school; the military will pay your tuition for classes you take while you're in, and there's the GI Bill. The military isn't the only career worth doing or the only way to get through school, but it does deliver on its promises.
Regarding the strategy of picking marks for recruitment, it's logical. People who have better options aren't interested in the military 99% of the time. People who are desperate will take and appreciate the job. I was in a difficult situation when I joined, and though I could have done differently, I still think it was the best choice. Many other people get into situations where they have no more options left to them, but the military accepts them. It gives second chances. That's not always a good thing; some people will never change and just bring down the whole organization, but many just get the opportunity they needed to improve their situation.

While I have seen some of the overly zealous types going around telling people what to think, I think that this is mostly a perversion of what the intent would and should be.  Historically, since there have been professional armies, those armies recruited from the poorer classes more than any other.  The Romans offered great rewards for someone who served a full term... citizenship and land which was far more lasting than what most governments offer today... The Romans could accurately claim that by joining the military, one could potentially better their family for future generations!  Militaries today still have perks.  I think it all comes down to presentation.  I think you would agree that joining the military COULD make someone a better person.  It instills values and discipline that can really help some people... particularly the down-and-out.  I think it's when this is perverted into a WILL rather than a COULD or a MIGHT that the line is crossed.  Yes, joining has the potential to improve me but that does not mean it will.  In the same vain, the career path should be presented and everyone should be given the reassurance that if all else fails, one can still join the military.  It should also be made known the many opportunities available so it is not seen as a career that people HAVE to go into.  That said, it should also not be hidden what one is really signing up for.  From what most people tell me, this is not really as much of a problem as one experiences a LOT in boot camp and subsequently.  Those that make it through that "screening" process have a good idea what to expect most of the time though one can never be fully prepared for war as much as the military certainly tries.  I am not saying this necesarily in disagreement... just clarifying on what lines I do agree.

Came across your post...and a very interesting topic it is.

I think you have all kinds of problems where it concerns who falls into joining the army even if they don't really want to- after all, an army of true patriots is much stronger than an army of people who have to join because there are no other choices, right? The problem with this is most probably that there are all kinds of issues behind it- I agree that the recruitment marketing motto of "Be All You Can Be" does raise hackles- but I think in some cases (not all), it provides the structure and stability necessary to guide/succeed. It doesn't have to mean that the advertisement is right, but whether the message achieves the goal it's meant to achieve.

But I think at the same time, there are always options, even if they suck.

hmmmmm, i found interesting site!!. what should i do, what should i do!!!,.. aha!!! just subscribe to eadie! haha

don't worry if you offend some people, you gain interest from others ;P 

I know too many people who joined the military simply to get their schooling paid for, and then came back from basic and were absolutely astonished that "the government would be so criminal as to send THEM to help fight the war." It really pisses me off to hear these people bitch about the war, when they're among those WHO SIGNED UP TO FIGHT IT. God! A knuckle sandwich for all of them! Great post. 

@eadie - Anytime.  On the whole, I agree with you on this... I was only clarifying.  Some recruiters don't do that... some do and the ones that do I agree there is a problem with that.

@eadie - Well I do recall it saying 'disclosure' at the very top prior to the edit.